Photo of Steve Knapp, Licensed Professional Counselor in 37303, TN
Steve Knapp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Athens, TN 37303
Pain is an unavoidable reality in life, but it does not have to have the final word. If we are willing to step into our emerging story, new possibilities of healing and growth become achievable and lead us towards a more meaningful life. Whether it is dealing with the effects of trauma or other negative past life events, persistent or recurrent painful emotions, or a difficult season of life, we all have times where it is hard to find the path forward. But there is a path forward, especially when we are willing to reach out for help.
Pain is an unavoidable reality in life, but it does not have to have the final word. If we are willing to step into our emerging story, new possibilities of healing and growth become achievable and lead us towards a more meaningful life. Whether it is dealing with the effects of trauma or other negative past life events, persistent or recurrent painful emotions, or a difficult season of life, we all have times where it is hard to find the path forward. But there is a path forward, especially when we are willing to reach out for help.
(423) 345-9381 View (423) 345-9381
Photo of Hannah Fraser, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in 37303, TN
Hannah Fraser
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MFTI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Athens, TN 37303
Hello! I am a therapist that specializes in family therapy and therapy for children and teens ages 3-18. I also enjoy working with young adults experiencing grief. I believe that children and families are exceptionally resilient. However, there are times when circumstances become too overwhelming to bear alone. Children may have difficulty sharing their emotions verbally and will instead act out, causing stress in the family. My passion is creating a safe space for healing to occur. I have worked with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, autism (levels 1 and 2), trauma, grief, divorce, and more.
Hello! I am a therapist that specializes in family therapy and therapy for children and teens ages 3-18. I also enjoy working with young adults experiencing grief. I believe that children and families are exceptionally resilient. However, there are times when circumstances become too overwhelming to bear alone. Children may have difficulty sharing their emotions verbally and will instead act out, causing stress in the family. My passion is creating a safe space for healing to occur. I have worked with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, autism (levels 1 and 2), trauma, grief, divorce, and more.
(423) 455-9751 View (423) 455-9751
Photo of Julie Warren Tilley, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37303, TN
Julie Warren Tilley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Athens, TN 37303
My goal is to hold hope for individuals, couples and families until they are able to hope for themselves. If you need a safe space to explore your truth and move toward the best version of yourself, you found that space in my office. My office (Cleveland or Chattanooga) will provide calm, comfort and support to you in the toughest of times life can throw at you.
My goal is to hold hope for individuals, couples and families until they are able to hope for themselves. If you need a safe space to explore your truth and move toward the best version of yourself, you found that space in my office. My office (Cleveland or Chattanooga) will provide calm, comfort and support to you in the toughest of times life can throw at you.
(423) 910-9112 View (423) 910-9112

See more therapy options for 37303


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.