Experiential Therapy in 95927
Robyn A Engel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chico, CA 95927
Hello, and thanks for dropping by. Life can be incredibly lonely and harsh. My goal is to support you, gently and honestly, towards increased self respect and worthiness. Licensed since 1999, I have vast experience with children and adults. Depression, anxiety, complicated traumas and grief; issues regarding foster care and adoption; sexual abuse, parenting, and/or child welfare are areas I'm well versed in. I'm genuine, compassionate, and I tell it like it is. Most importantly, you deserve a therapist with whom you're comfortable. That search can be trying, but it's worthy because you are. I'd be honored to be that person.
Hello, and thanks for dropping by. Life can be incredibly lonely and harsh. My goal is to support you, gently and honestly, towards increased self respect and worthiness. Licensed since 1999, I have vast experience with children and adults. Depression, anxiety, complicated traumas and grief; issues regarding foster care and adoption; sexual abuse, parenting, and/or child welfare are areas I'm well versed in. I'm genuine, compassionate, and I tell it like it is. Most importantly, you deserve a therapist with whom you're comfortable. That search can be trying, but it's worthy because you are. I'd be honored to be that person.
Gregory Donihoo
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chico, CA 95927 (Online Only)
I specialize in men’s issues. I've always felt pushed to be a "lone-wolf" and culture told me to "be a man" or "get over it" when it came to my emotions. As men, when we have a problem we deal with it on our own, often by using pornography, drinking, playing video games, or searching elsewhere for affection. We lie, we defend, we run. We constantly look for peace and acceptance, even if it’s temporary or fake. It can feel hard to trust those closest to us and we may think, “No one cares about my needs but me” or "if they really knew me, they wouldn't love me."
I specialize in men’s issues. I've always felt pushed to be a "lone-wolf" and culture told me to "be a man" or "get over it" when it came to my emotions. As men, when we have a problem we deal with it on our own, often by using pornography, drinking, playing video games, or searching elsewhere for affection. We lie, we defend, we run. We constantly look for peace and acceptance, even if it’s temporary or fake. It can feel hard to trust those closest to us and we may think, “No one cares about my needs but me” or "if they really knew me, they wouldn't love me."
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.