Not all therapies are created equally. Experiential therapy, in its many forms, lets you take an unconventional approach to your recovery.
Have you thought about pursuing experiential therapy in Los Angeles? Call 855.579.8599 to discuss available programs with the team at Virtues Behavioral Health.
The Experiential Therapy Process
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy that involves a variety of activities. While the practice still relies on many of the conventional tools found in a couch-based session, it also relies on physical forms of self-expression and unique tools to bring patients’ needs to light.
Experiential Therapy Treatment Programs
The umbrella of experiential therapy covers a wide array of potential treatments. While professionals can cultivate a treatment program designed to suit your needs specifically, some of the most common experiential therapies include:
Equine and Animal Therapy
Equine and animal therapy put you in close proximity with trained therapy animals. Equine therapy, specifically, sees attendees go horseback riding while also caring for the horses in a stable. This experiential therapy is ideal for individuals who may be less comfortable expressing themselves to a person or those who grew up with a fondness for animals.
Animals (and therapy animals, in particular) are known for their positive effect on the human psyche. As you come into contact with a therapy animal on a regular basis, you’ll develop a bond with that creature. That bond, as well as the support of the people in your program, can make it easier for you to pursue your recovery.
Psychodrama
The rise of activities like D&D and LARPing has brought role-playing into the public consciousness. Role-playing, however, has long been an essential part of the therapeutic tool kit. If you choose to engage with psychodrama therapy while recovering from a substance use disorder, you’ll have the chance to embrace your theatrical side.
The approach that different programs take to psychodrama vary. Some may use the medium of D&D to ease you and your peers into roleplaying. Others may reach for more traditional methods, like puppetry. You can work with attending staff to determine which of the available roleplaying methods in use today may suit you best.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Also known as EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing works similarly to hypnosis. This process uses eye movement and light to redirect a patient’s thoughts regarding a traumatic event in their life. When facing a substance use disorder, patients and therapists can use EMDR to disconnect a person’s trauma from their use of particular substances.
Art Therapy
Art has always been an emotionally driven field. You don’t need to be artistic to engage with art therapy, though. Instead, you can work with a residency’s staff to paint, draw, or otherwise create pieces that depict how you feel on a day-to-day basis. Even something as simple as an adult coloring book can make it easier to break down your emotions regarding a substance use disorder or a related traumatic event.
The Benefits of Experiential Therapy in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
An experiential therapy program in Los Angeles removes patients from the traditional therapeutic environment. In shaking up patients’ expectations of their treatment, attending staff have more opportunities to:
- Connect with patients on a productive level
- Make patients more comfortable sharing their feelings or actively recovering
- Reach a new level of openness with each patient
In short, experiential therapy allows staff to take an unconventional approach to a patient’s recovery. That unconventionality can then change how a patient views their position and the road towards a better life.
Virtues Behavioral Health Can Help
To learn more about the benefits of experiential therapy programs and meditation for addiction in California, contact Virtues Behavioral Health today. You can call 855.579.8599 for a one-on-one consultation regarding your needs and the programs that may best suit you.
