Photo of Kevin S. Bunten, Counselor in 62269, IL
Kevin S. Bunten
Counselor, LCPC, MSEd, MDiv, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
O Fallon, IL 62269
I believe that people need to be heard, and can find and articulate their own truth, their own path to health with compassion, empathy, and time-to tell their story, feel appreciated, to heal, and to change. I have worked to include spirituality, creativity, and the ability to accompany someone on their journey-so that our brief connections can have impact through the week, and through life. I value family input and involvement, social supports, and evidence-based methods, but more so I value my client's individual personal journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.
I believe that people need to be heard, and can find and articulate their own truth, their own path to health with compassion, empathy, and time-to tell their story, feel appreciated, to heal, and to change. I have worked to include spirituality, creativity, and the ability to accompany someone on their journey-so that our brief connections can have impact through the week, and through life. I value family input and involvement, social supports, and evidence-based methods, but more so I value my client's individual personal journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.
(314) 736-3301 View (314) 736-3301
Photo of Ella M Duncan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 62269, IL
Ella M Duncan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, BCD, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
O Fallon, IL 62269
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in healthy couples, child, and family relationships; separation/divorce; parenting/behavioral issues; anxiety and depression; and trauma/PTSD. I am a Registered Play Therapist with a fully-equipped play therapy room. I also have extensive Sandtray therapy training which I utilize with school-age children, teens, adults, and families. Additionally, I have 27 years of experience working with military members, retirees, and their families. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strengths-oriented, and solution-focused as I strive to assist you in making the journey toward achieving your goals to improve your life, marriage, and/or family.
I specialize in healthy couples, child, and family relationships; separation/divorce; parenting/behavioral issues; anxiety and depression; and trauma/PTSD. I am a Registered Play Therapist with a fully-equipped play therapy room. I also have extensive Sandtray therapy training which I utilize with school-age children, teens, adults, and families. Additionally, I have 27 years of experience working with military members, retirees, and their families. My approach is collaborative, client-centered, strengths-oriented, and solution-focused as I strive to assist you in making the journey toward achieving your goals to improve your life, marriage, and/or family.
(618) 421-4025 View (618) 421-4025
Photo of Jessica Crunkleton, Counselor in 62269, IL
Jessica Crunkleton
Counselor, LMFT, LCPC, LPC, CADAC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
O Fallon, IL 62269
Not accepting new clients
My mission is to provide clients of all ages with a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can truly feel heard, respected, & empowered. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, & Sandtray Therapist. I treat a variety of issues. I believe clients want a therapist who is genuine, compassionate, trustworthy, smart, & funny. They want a therapist who cares about them, wants to hear their story, supports them through the "hard" stuff, teaches them tools to solve problems on their own, celebrates their wins, & helps with accountablity when needed. If this sounds like you, let's talk.
My mission is to provide clients of all ages with a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can truly feel heard, respected, & empowered. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, & Sandtray Therapist. I treat a variety of issues. I believe clients want a therapist who is genuine, compassionate, trustworthy, smart, & funny. They want a therapist who cares about them, wants to hear their story, supports them through the "hard" stuff, teaches them tools to solve problems on their own, celebrates their wins, & helps with accountablity when needed. If this sounds like you, let's talk.
(618) 423-8279 View (618) 423-8279
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.