At Aliya Mental Health, we understand that healing goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Our treatment center incorporates experiential psychotherapies alongside research-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), gestalt therapy, narrative therapy, and family therapy. This integrated model helps patients process emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and build resilience while addressing complex mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders.
By blending forms of experiential therapy with structured treatment programs, we create a holistic path toward recovery that supports every dimension of a client’s behavioral health.
What Is Experiential Therapy
Experiential psychotherapies are therapeutic approaches that encourage patients to actively engage in forms of experiential activities—such as role-playing, art, or equine therapy—rather than relying solely on discussion. These hands-on practices provide real-time opportunities to explore emotions, improve self-awareness, and reinforce new behaviors.
Unlike traditional behavioral therapy alone, experiential methods invite patients to interact with their environment, peers, and therapists through structured, activity-based exercises. These experiences help patients understand how thoughts and behaviors connect, making it easier to apply coping strategies in real life.
Types of Experiential Therapy
There are many types of experiential therapy that can be integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation programs at a mental health treatment center. At Aliya Mental Health, we customize approaches based on each client’s needs and goals. Examples include:
These types of therapies are powerful because they provide direct experiences that can elicit breakthroughs where words alone may fall short.
When Are Experiential Psychotherapies Used?
Experiential approaches are particularly effective for treating trauma, relationship difficulties, and other mental health conditions that benefit from deeper emotional engagement. Our clinicians often integrate them into disorders treatment for:
- PTSD and trauma-related disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Behavioral and emotional challenges
- Family and relationship struggles
For patients who may feel “stuck” in traditional talk therapy, forms of experiential treatment provide new pathways for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Levels of Care at Aliya Mental Health
At Aliya, experiential psychotherapies are incorporated across multiple levels of care within our comprehensive treatment programs. Depending on individual needs, patients may access experiential work through:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) – Intensive day treatment that blends experiential activities with research-based care.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) – Structured, flexible care with continued experiential practice.
- Rehabilitation programs – Holistic recovery plans that address both mental health and substance use challenges.
By embedding types of experiential therapy at different stages of care, our treatment center ensures patients receive tailored support as they progress through their recovery journey.
How Experiential Therapy Works
Experiential psychotherapies work by creating structured opportunities for patients to safely explore emotions, relationships, and behaviors in the moment. For example, during an equine therapy session, a client might discover how their communication style impacts trust and boundaries. In gestalt therapy, role play allows individuals to face unresolved conflicts and gain clarity. In narrative therapy, patients learn to reframe their personal story to promote empowerment instead of pain.
The process typically includes:
- Activity-based engagement – patients participate in structured experiential exercises.
- Reflection and discussion – Therapists guide patients to process what they experienced.
- Application to life – Insights are translated into coping strategies for daily challenges.
This active approach strengthens emotional regulation, enhances problem-solving, and supports long-term change.
Why Choose Experiential Psychotherapies at Aliya Mental Health
Our treatment center provides a unique environment where behavioral therapy is complemented by forms of experiential healing. We believe in treating the whole person—not just symptoms—by integrating multiple types of therapies into individualized care plans.
patients benefit from:
- Research-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
- Creative and hands-on types of experiential therapy tailored to personal goals.
- A safe, supportive space for exploring emotions and practicing new skills.
- Comprehensive treatment programs for trauma, addiction, and mental health conditions.
- Access to multiple levels of care, including partial hospitalization and outpatient options.
Experiential Healing for Lasting Recovery
At Aliya Mental Health, we know that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. By combining experiential psychotherapieswith traditional counseling and research-based behavioral therapy, our clinicians help patients build lasting resilience, process unresolved trauma, and discover healthier ways of living.
Whether through equine therapy, gestalt therapy, or other types of experiential therapy, patients gain more than coping tools—they experience healing in action.
Begin Your Healing Journey
If you or a loved one is seeking a comprehensive treatment center that integrates experiential psychotherapies with research-based care, Aliya Mental Health is here to help. Our holistic rehabilitation programs address mental health conditions, co-occurring disorders, and the challenges of treating trauma with compassion and expertise.
Explore how our types of therapies, from cognitive behavioral therapy to narrative therapy and equine therapy, can transform your recovery journey. Contact Aliya Mental Health today to learn more about our treatment programs, levels of care, and commitment to holistic behavioral health.