Photo of Monica Perez, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90605, CA
Monica Perez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90605
Welcome! I'm passionate about fostering genuine connections and guiding individuals and couples toward holistic healing and growth. My therapeutic approach is centered around authenticity, collaboration, and a client-focused mindset. I’ve supported individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship and family issues, identity exploration, and self-esteem concerns.
Welcome! I'm passionate about fostering genuine connections and guiding individuals and couples toward holistic healing and growth. My therapeutic approach is centered around authenticity, collaboration, and a client-focused mindset. I’ve supported individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship and family issues, identity exploration, and self-esteem concerns.
(657) 837-0510 View (657) 837-0510
Photo of Travis Michael Mead, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90605, CA
Travis Michael Mead
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90605
I have been a licensed psychotherapist for 43 years and have developed a number of specialties over the years. These include the treatment of traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, dysfunctional family of origin issues, dissociative disorders, mind/body issues, eating disorders, stress management, coping skills training and relaxation training. Besides Cognitive Therapy, I utilize EMDR, hypnosis and Alpha-Stim in my therapeutic work with clients. I also do "parts work", as in Internal Family Systems and Ericksonian Psychotherapy. I do in-person sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays. I do Telehealth sessions: Mondays & Wednesdays.
I have been a licensed psychotherapist for 43 years and have developed a number of specialties over the years. These include the treatment of traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, dysfunctional family of origin issues, dissociative disorders, mind/body issues, eating disorders, stress management, coping skills training and relaxation training. Besides Cognitive Therapy, I utilize EMDR, hypnosis and Alpha-Stim in my therapeutic work with clients. I also do "parts work", as in Internal Family Systems and Ericksonian Psychotherapy. I do in-person sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays. I do Telehealth sessions: Mondays & Wednesdays.
(562) 273-9822 View (562) 273-9822
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.