Experiential Therapy in 97110
Mel Langston Professional Services, Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Cannon Beach, OR 97110
I have worked in the mental health field for 30 years, with individuals and families of all ages. My professional training includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology and Counseling and a PhD in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon and hold state and national certifications in mental health and substance abuse. I believe in a holistic approach to counseling and respect the individuality of all human beings. We will work together to reach your stated goals of therapy. Whatever your presenting problem, however desperate you may feel, I am here to offer hope.
I have worked in the mental health field for 30 years, with individuals and families of all ages. My professional training includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology and Counseling and a PhD in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon and hold state and national certifications in mental health and substance abuse. I believe in a holistic approach to counseling and respect the individuality of all human beings. We will work together to reach your stated goals of therapy. Whatever your presenting problem, however desperate you may feel, I am here to offer hope.
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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.