Experiential and Adventure Based Therapy
Experiential
and adventure therapy techniques use safe action oriented approaches to help individuals,
groups and families meet their goals by going beyond standard "talk" methods. Read here for more information on outcome studies done on these approaches.
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Cooperative problem solving activities and games
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Climbing Walls
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Challenge “Ropes” Courses
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Psychodrama & Family Sculpture
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Many other activities are possible as well. The
above are the ones I focus on in my practice.
Outcome Informed Practice
We agree with the approach of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change in using client directed, outcome informed practice. In addition to the ISTC's SRS and ORS we encourage the use of standardized
outcome measures (including the YOQ, YOQSR & RADS) to track individual and family progress and to assist in treatment
planning.
Adventure (psycho) therapy is an active, experiential approach to group (and family) psychotherapy
or counseling:
- utilizing
an activity base, (cooperative group games, ropes courses, outdoor pursuits
or wilderness expeditions)
- employing
real and or perceived (physical and psychological) risk (distress/eustress)
as a clinically significant agent to bring about desired change
- making
meaning(s) (through insights that are expressed verbally, nonverbally, or
unconsciously that lead to behavioral change) from both verbal and nonverbal introductions prior to (e.g., frontloading) and
discussions following (e.g., debriefings) the activity experience
- punctuating
isomorphic connection(s) (how the structure of the activity matches the resolution
of the problem) that significantly contribute to the transfer of lessons learned into changed
behavior. (Gillis & Thomsen, 1996)
“Ropes” Courses & Climbing Walls
The activities (from ground level to 20+ feet up) often employ perceived phsyical
and psychological risk as an agent to bring about change. Metaphors are used by making the structure of the activitiy fit
to possible resolution of the problem or goal. Through metaphor participants gain insight to transfer the lessons learned
into behavior change.
Psychodrama & Family Sculpture
Group members and props are used to set up “sculptures” and role-play of current or past family systems. Then feelings around various parts
of the participant’s life as represented are reviewed. The participant is invited to explore new methods of resolving
problem areas with support and feedback from the group.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
(also known as)
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
The focus of EAP or
EFP is not riding or horsemanship. The majority of the work takes place on the ground. The treatment team includes a horse
specialist, a licensed clinical therapist and one or more horses. Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity
for clients to overcome fear and develop confidence. Horses reflect and react to human body language and emotion.
This provides immediate feedback and learning opportunities for participants to become more aware of their feelings and improve
relationships with others.
