Goals of young adults in mental health therapy often include establishing healthy coping skills and adjusting to everyday life. Throughout the transition to adulthood, experiential therapies act as an outlet for young adults to process deep feelings, to find meaning, and to build the skills and resilience it takes to carry on a productive routine.
Less talking, more doing
What is experiential therapy? Well, in comparison, if psychotherapy is referred to as “talk” therapy, then experiential therapy could be called “act-it-out” therapy. A way to process emotions and self-reflect while experiencing an activity, experiential therapies are set in action and involve participation. Experiential therapy does not necessarily occur in a traditional therapeutic setting; it may take place in a community center, a residential facility, a studio, a gym, or in nature.
Forms of experiential therapy include:
Benefits of experiential therapy
Forming a routine
Setting a daily routine may be a new experience for someone transitioning to adulthood. It may be the first time they are truly in charge of choosing their actions, their responsibilities, and their behaviors. They do not have someone telling them when to wake up and get going, how to prioritize tasks, or what to do when they are stressed out. Young adults sometimes need help in structuring their time and focusing their energy.
By participating in experiential therapy, young adults learn how to establish and adjust to a productive routine. For example, by participating in a life skills group, a young adult may figure out how to accomplish adult tasks like shopping for and preparing meals, taking on expenses, or planning how to use time efficiently. In addition, taking a yoga or meditation class assists young adults in processing and releasing stress in a healthy manner. By incorporating experiential therapies that relieve stress into a daily routine, young adults are able to build emotional resilience to stress and adhere to healthy coping skills. Experiential therapies can provide the discipline needed for self-regulation and emotional growth. Young adults who are struggling to find structure and meaning in their life should consider adding experiential therapies into their daily routine.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.