Experiential therapy can be particularly beneficial for adolescents and teens who struggle with expressing their emotions or have difficulty processing past traumas. It allows them to explore and work through these issues in a safe and supportive environment. Experiential therapy can also be helpful for those who may feel stuck in traditional talk therapy, as it provides a more hands-on approach that may better resonate with them. 

For more information about experiential therapy for teens and our therapy services in Florida, contact us today. Call Family First Adolescent Services at 888.904.5947 or complete our brief online form. 

What Is Experiential Therapy?

Experiential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on utilizing experiences to help individuals work through emotional and psychological issues. This type of therapy sees the individual as an active participant in their own healing process rather than just a passive recipient. 

It aims to help individuals gain insight into their emotions and behaviors by engaging in various activities or exercises. These include role-playing, art therapy, music therapy, or outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. 

Experiential therapy is based on the belief that individuals learn best through direct experience. By engaging in different experiences and reflecting on them with a therapist, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves and their behaviors. 

Our Adolescent Experiential Therapy Program in Florida

Behavioral health treatment doesn’t need to be limited to therapists’ offices and group rooms—our clients explore art, sports, and nature through activities meant to stimulate the connection between mind and body. Experiential therapies often reveal behavioral patterns and motivations, illuminating the underlying issues that need healing. 

Family First’s experiential therapy programming includes: 

• Active healing 
• Animal sanctuary visits 
• Deep-sea fishing 
• Equine therapy 
• Expressive art therapy 
• Fitness and wellness therapy (including personal trainers and a CrossFit gym) 
• Indoor skydiving 
• Kayaking 
• Music therapy 
• Paintball 
• Planet Air Trampoline Park fun 
• Ropes course adventures 
• Sandtray therapy 
• Surfing and paddle boarding 
• Yoga and meditation 

We believe that effectively treating an adolescent client demands a tailored and sensitive approach that doesn’t rely on the typical treatment model for adults. Our behavioral health treatment model is tailored specifically to teens and taps into their creativity, vitality, and sense of community. It teaches teens to connect fun with self-care. 

The Benefits of Experiential Therapy for Teens 

This therapeutic approach has been used to treat a variety of psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Some of the most significant benefits of experiential therapy for teens are: 

• Promotes self-awareness and self-discovery – Experiential therapy encourages teenagers to examine their inner thoughts and emotions by engaging in role-playing, creative therapy, or outdoor activities. By participating in these experiences, teens can better understand their thoughts, behaviors, and triggers. 
• Encourages emotional expression – For many teenagers, it can be difficult to express their emotions verbally. Experiential therapy provides an alternative way for teens to express themselves through activities that require focus, skill, and performance. 
• Helps build problem-solving skills – Through experiential therapy, teenagers face challenges and obstacles that require them to think critically and find solutions. This can help teens develop problem-solving skills that they can apply in their daily lives when faced with challenges or conflicts. 
• Allows for a safe space to process trauma – Engaging in activities that are different from traditional talk therapy can create a safe and comfortable environment for teens to process their traumatic experiences without feeling overwhelmed. 
• Encourages taking responsibility – In experiential therapy, individuals are responsible for their own experiences and actions, which can help teenagers understand the impact of their choices and behavior on themselves and others. This can lead to increased accountability and a sense of empowerment. 
• Strengthens relationships – Experiential therapy often involves group activities, which can help teens develop social skills and build healthy relationships with peers. Teens can also learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work toward a common goal by participating in activities together. 

Through experiential therapy, teens can gain valuable insights and tools to cope with their challenges and lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Experiential Therapy Safe?  

Yes. Experiential therapy can be a safe, enriching therapy experience for your teen. We recognize that many experiential and adventure therapy programs have been hosted by bad actors and are the exception, not the norm. The Family First team always prioritizes the health and safety of the teens we care for. Our sessions are led by licensed therapists who have experience working with adolescents and group sizes are small—between 6–14 clients. If you have any questions or concern, our case managers are available 24/7 via text.  

How Is It Different from Adventure Therapy? 

Adventure therapy typically refers to experiences where clients are faced with some type of risk or uncertainty as they complete a challenge, like hiking a trail, backpacking, or going out on the water. Experiential therapy can be any type of guided session that involves expressive tools or activities to process emotions or re-experience things as a way to process them. Technically, adventure therapy would be a type of experiential therapy.  

Is Experiential Therapy Different from Summer Camp? 

Experiential therapy will be a more focused experience than a summer camp. While experiential therapy can certainly be fun—even thematic—and summer camp can have some therapeutic benefits, teens in experiential therapy will have a goal of making progress on their mental health.  

For example, experiential therapy can involve expressive art. When done over the course of residential treatment, teens might create multiple pieces as they work through different lived experiences or express emotions that they have a tough time putting into words. As they create, therapists help them make connections between their expression and their mental health, which can have a lasting impact.  

Is Experiential Therapy Effective? 

Yes! Experiential therapy can be highly effective. We don’t expect teens to be fully engaged in classroom-only talk therapy sessions. In fact, talking about emotions can be especially difficult for adolescents who may not have the language they need to effectively express how they feel or don’t want to embarrass themselves when they’re new to therapy. Our team engages with teens through art, with horses, or in the CrossFit gym to help them feel connected and expressive. 

Find Your Teen the Help They Need at Family First Adolescent Services

Experiential therapy is an incredibly valuable tool in helping teens overcome their struggles and lead happier, healthier lives. To learn more about our experiential therapy program, our adolescent therapy programming, and how we could help, contact Family First today. Call 888.904.5947 or connect with us online.