Empirical studies have shown that experiential therapies such as Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Art Therapy and Ropes Therapy are able to achieve dramatic results using less time than conventional talk therapy by combining theory with action to promote healing as they work constructively on a problem rather than internalizing it in an unhealthy way or acting out in self-destructive ways. Many patients have reported significant reduction of psychological symptoms to help facilitate recovery as follows:
- less intensity of perceived distress
- fewer compulsive thoughts, impulses and actions
- fewer feelings of inadequacy and inferiority
- fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, and anger
- a greater orientation to the present
- a tendency to be more independent and self-supportive
- more flexibility
- more sensitivity to their own needs and feelings,
- a greater likelihood to express feelings and be themselves
- improved capacity to develop meaningful interpersonal relationships.
EQUINE THERAPY
- Problem Solving
- Personal Responsibility
- Teamwork
- Attitude
- Emotional Growth
- RelationshipBuilding
- Boundaries
- Assertiveness
- Non-verbal communication skills
- Clearing mental and emotional blocks
- Peace of mind
- Resilience
- Social skills
- Empathy
- Leadership development
- Team-building
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Organizational change
- Decision making
- Trust
- Confidence
- Self-esteem
ART THERAPY
- Communication
- Self-esteem
- Grounding
- Time-management
- Self-soothing
- Emotional Growth
- Self-acceptance
- Stress-management
- Self-awareness
- Social skills
- Goal-setting
- Accepting change
- Empathy
- Attention span & ability to focus
- Overcome verbal resistance
- Co-dependency
- Spirituality
Summary
Patients who might benefit most from Experiential Therapy modality include those:
- who have difficulty focusing or a short attention span (they might benefit from an activity-based art program)
- whose verbal expression is compromised; for example, during a period of vulnerability
- who are withdrawn and have difficulty expressing feelings verbally (they might find a safer way to communicate)
- who express themselves more easily through “hands-on” activity, who will, therefore, feel comfortable with this mode of expression.
- who intellectualize but might lower their defenses through participation.
- with a language barrier, who might feel more competent in a group where visual communication and/or participation in an activity is emphasized and activity outcomes are used as an aid for discussions.
http://www.vincecartersanctuary.org/
www.vincecartersanctuary.org
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