Photo of Molly Johnston, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Molly Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
(412) 946-0951 View (412) 946-0951
Photo of Lais Alexander, Pre-Licensed Professional in 15235, PA
Lais Alexander
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Penn Hills, PA 15235
Self-exploration can be challenging yet liberating. Learning who we are and who we are meant to become is rewarding for ourselves and others. Mental health needs to be a priority. I will help you begin self-examination by creating a safe space and strong therapeutic relationship. I can help you access feelings and thoughts so you can rediscover the joy and learn the benefits of healthy communication and boundaries. You will know your rhythm and feel more confident applying the developed tools.
Self-exploration can be challenging yet liberating. Learning who we are and who we are meant to become is rewarding for ourselves and others. Mental health needs to be a priority. I will help you begin self-examination by creating a safe space and strong therapeutic relationship. I can help you access feelings and thoughts so you can rediscover the joy and learn the benefits of healthy communication and boundaries. You will know your rhythm and feel more confident applying the developed tools.
(412) 504-7487 View (412) 504-7487
Photo of Wayne J. Woznikaitis, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Wayne J. Woznikaitis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
Providing Telehealth in PA & Telehealth in Florida. There is a vast range of experiences, life-events, and challenges that can overwhelm our abilities to effectively cope. Counseling provides a path to address these issues, make positive changes and improve our overall quality of life. I have helped clients navigate a diverse range of issues, from managing daily stressor to more complex struggles, such as personality disorders, trauma, & serious mental illness. It is my aim to help clients through this process by providing a supportive and validating environment where positive transformation & healing and can occur.
Providing Telehealth in PA & Telehealth in Florida. There is a vast range of experiences, life-events, and challenges that can overwhelm our abilities to effectively cope. Counseling provides a path to address these issues, make positive changes and improve our overall quality of life. I have helped clients navigate a diverse range of issues, from managing daily stressor to more complex struggles, such as personality disorders, trauma, & serious mental illness. It is my aim to help clients through this process by providing a supportive and validating environment where positive transformation & healing and can occur.
(272) 225-6925 View (272) 225-6925
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.