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Experiential Therapy

man in an experiential therapy program in massachusetts enjoying a hike Alternative therapies are a leading approach to addiction recovery and mental health. Experiential therapy is a challenging, fun, and rewarding approach to reconnecting the body and mind, lowering stress, and engaging in the great outdoors. At NuLife Recovery, we provide clients across Massachusetts with wilderness, adventure, and experiential therapy for addiction and mental health treatment

If you or someone you love would benefit from an experiential therapy program in Massachusetts, the team NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our clinics provide clients throughout the state with comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction and mental health treatment. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about adventure therapy and get started today. 

What Is Experiential Therapy?

Behavioral talk therapies like CBT and DBT are some of the most effective ways to help people with addiction recovery and mental health disorders. Most often, however, behavioral therapy isn’t enough. Alternative therapies can use tools from behavioral therapy to integrate self-awareness, self-knowledge, and lasting change through experiential practices. Many alternative therapies also have the benefit of leading to lifelong hobbies and activities. 

Experiential therapy is an immersive practice that uses several non-traditional therapies. As the name suggests, these types of therapy focus on healing and self-growth through experiences. Experiential therapies might include:

Through activities like wilderness and adventure therapy, therapists help clients reframe past events and current behaviors to gain new perspectives on their lives and behaviors. For those with mood disorders, wilderness therapy can help balance neurotransmitters for more balanced mental health. 

How Experiential Therapy Can Treat Addiction and Mental Health Disorders?

Experiential therapy also increases the mind-body connection, boosting confidence and personal security. Adventure and wilderness therapies build resilience and confidence while reducing stress and addiction triggers. Clients use tools from behavioral therapy sessions to connect to their bodies and learn new, healthy modes of self-expression. Benefits of experiential therapy can include:

  • Better sleep habits
  • Better mood stability
  • Improved stress tolerance
  • Improved self-awareness
  • Better communication
  • Personal boundaries
  • Lower risk of reuse
  • Stronger relationships
  • New interests and hobbies
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Self-regulation
  • New habits for self-soothing
  • Better judgment skills
  • Mind-body awareness
  • Increased confidence
  • Self-expression with ease
  • Resilience

Experiential therapy clients express themselves without language. This can have a profound effect on healing guilt, shame, and stigmas around mental health and addiction.  Group experiential therapy helps clients improve communication and teamwork skills while healing with others.  

What Is Wilderness Therapy?

Popularized in the 1960s in the United States, wilderness therapy uses outdoor activities to help people overcome stress, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Wilderness therapy is commonly used alongside behavioral therapy and other experiential therapies for holistic healing. During wilderness therapy, clients may:

  • Hike
  • Camp
  • Raft
  • Solo-camp
  • Rock climbing
  • Sail
  • Do ropes courses

Wilderness therapy focuses on reconnecting to one’s self in nature. Studies show this can be beneficial to mental and physical health. During wilderness therapy, many clients learn the strength and perseverance of their own bodies through outdoor physical challenges and crossing new thresholds like solo camping. 

Begin Experimental Therapy for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts 

Whether you’re ready to try solo camping or adventure therapy, NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Massachusetts meet clients where they’re at for compassionate, individualized treatment and care. We offer a range of evidence-based and alternative therapies for individual, group, and family counseling, so our programs provide a holistic approach to recovery. With intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization options, our programs offer flexible care. Learn more about how experiential therapy can help you. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more and get started today. 

Medically Reviewed by Riaz Rahman