Experiential Therapy in 94108
Emma Peck
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108
I imagine if you are finding this page, you might be feeling a whole range of emotions: curiosity, fear, overwhelm, anxiety, desperation, grief, frustration, hope, just to name a few. When you begin your search for a therapist, it can feel daunting, vulnerable, and sometimes quite urgent. You might be facing an overwhelming loss, an upcoming transition, challenges or dissatisfaction in your relationships or work, or perhaps a more pervasive sense that something is missing, stuck, or unfulfilled. Wherever you are, however you are feeling, know that you are welcome here.
I imagine if you are finding this page, you might be feeling a whole range of emotions: curiosity, fear, overwhelm, anxiety, desperation, grief, frustration, hope, just to name a few. When you begin your search for a therapist, it can feel daunting, vulnerable, and sometimes quite urgent. You might be facing an overwhelming loss, an upcoming transition, challenges or dissatisfaction in your relationships or work, or perhaps a more pervasive sense that something is missing, stuck, or unfulfilled. Wherever you are, however you are feeling, know that you are welcome here.
Bruce Hearn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
Are you having a tough time in an important relationship? Does it seem your partner does not understand you, or that you’re at risk of losing the good times and ease of trust that used to be there? Have you gotten overloaded by stress, fly to anger easily, or feel directionless and misunderstood? Are you hard on yourself and others, but at some level wonder if you're being too hard?
Are you having a tough time in an important relationship? Does it seem your partner does not understand you, or that you’re at risk of losing the good times and ease of trust that used to be there? Have you gotten overloaded by stress, fly to anger easily, or feel directionless and misunderstood? Are you hard on yourself and others, but at some level wonder if you're being too hard?
Bryan Schnebelt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
We are all continually moving through different spaces trying to establish who we are and what is important to us. Adjusting to these environments can be especially difficult if who you are is not embraced, whether it is within your family, at work, in the military, in a social group, or faith-based community. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am an advocate for underrepresented individuals and communities, and try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood. Therapy can be a space to better recognize your needs, your values, and how to cope more effectively.
We are all continually moving through different spaces trying to establish who we are and what is important to us. Adjusting to these environments can be especially difficult if who you are is not embraced, whether it is within your family, at work, in the military, in a social group, or faith-based community. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am an advocate for underrepresented individuals and communities, and try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood. Therapy can be a space to better recognize your needs, your values, and how to cope more effectively.
Phillip Racies
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
Life is an ocean of never-ending challenge; we can get overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, and feel out of control. Without proper support we miss the opportunities for growth that adversity offers. I provide a supportive structure that allows exploration of the most important aspects of your life and helps you develop concrete practical skills to better respond to the complex challenges life presents - - whether in individual, couples, or family therapy. You will learn to better know, understand, and accept more of your experiences and interactions as you discover and shape more satisfying layers of yourself and your relationships.
Life is an ocean of never-ending challenge; we can get overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, and feel out of control. Without proper support we miss the opportunities for growth that adversity offers. I provide a supportive structure that allows exploration of the most important aspects of your life and helps you develop concrete practical skills to better respond to the complex challenges life presents - - whether in individual, couples, or family therapy. You will learn to better know, understand, and accept more of your experiences and interactions as you discover and shape more satisfying layers of yourself and your relationships.
See more therapy options for 94108
Experiential Therapy
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.