Experiential Therapy and Recovery

Common Rehabilitation Practices

• Most traditional therapeutic

approaches for drug and alcohol rehabilitation are based on intensive “talk therapy.”

• However, acquiring the level of trust and candidness needed to build a solid

rapport takes time and may not be possible within a brief recovery program.

• Experiential therapy takes a whole other approach, bypassing this process entirely, and instead focusing on

observing the patient in the way they behave and react in various circumstances.

The Experiential Therapy

Difference

• The basis of experiential therapy is to utilize more action, movement, and activity-based therapy sessions to gain insight into everyday behaviors, reactions, and responses.

• This type of therapy expedites personal growth and recovery by:

– Examining personal relationships

– Identifying negative emotional triggers

– Instigating catharsis

– Initiating self-discovery

– Promoting self-awareness

Evolution of Experiential Therapy

• Developed in the 1970s, the purpose of experiential therapy is to identify and

address veiled or suppressed issues with guided imagery, physical activities, and role playing.

• The most vital component of experiential therapy is to find activities that can contribute to a healthy and productive

lifestyle.

The Benefits

• The experiences and activities provide therapists observational insight into the way patients handle situations, in an environment where the patients are not focused on the therapy itself.

• Patients receive invaluable support under realistic circumstances, which they can easily translate to their daily lives.

• Experiential therapy offers sober extracurricular activities to reinforce clean living.

• Experiential therapy is a general term which refers to multiple types of therapeutic activities.

Specific activities can include:

– Music

– Art

– Yoga

– Camping

– Wildness exploration and adventure

– Sports

– Animal interaction

Experiential Therapy Activities

• Surrounding yourself with the beautiful landscape of Orange County provides a safe and serene atmosphere that fosters recovery.

• Affordable care to eliminate financial barriers:

– Competitive Pricing

– Financing

– PPO Insurance Acceptance

– Complete Continuum of Care

• Specific experiential therapies offered:

– Sober Softball, Puppy Therapy, Sober Camping Trips, Skydiving, Art Therapy

Why Choose Yellowstone

Recovery Center

• Comprehensive services include:

– Counseling

• Group

• Individual

– Recreational Support:

• Sober Softball Team

• Sober Fellowship

• Puppy Therapy

– Support Meetings:

• 12-Step

• Weekly Family Group

– Affordable Court Liaison

– Job Placement Assistance

Program Services

Treatment Program

• Detoxification: initiate and maintain physical recovery from drug and alcohol use.

• Residential Treatment - Primary Care: introduction to addiction counseling and the 12-step program.

• Residential Treatment - Extended Care: guided support for patients to exhibit

self-reliance, including an effort to find a program-conducive job.

• Outpatient Treatment: attending treatment groups and continuing individual therapy sessions.

• Sober Living: effective integration of a sober lifestyle and real life situations, including practical support resources.

Contact Yellowstone Recovery

• For over 17 years, Yellowstone Recovery has provided hope for

those wanting to embrace sober living, by offering a multitude of programs, enhanced by experiential therapies.

• For more information, visit www.yellowstonerecovery.com or

call 1-888-897-1455.

Sources

• http://www.yellowstonerecovery.com/program-curriculum/experiential-therapy.aspx

• http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/what-is-experiential-therapy-and-how-does-it-help-change-to-occur