Experiential Therapy

The Experiential Therapy Department of Porter-Starke Services, Inc. provides Experiential Therapy (ET) for all clinical programs in the organization. ET is primarily provided in a group therapy format and is easily adaptable to individual and family therapy as well. ET is provided to children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient, inpatient, residential and day treatment settings.

Experiential Therapy is the provision of psychotherapy in an individual, group, or family therapy context, using experiential techniques and methodologies to engage clients in working on their issues. Theoretical foundations of experiential work include: systems, solution focused, strategic, Ericksonian, and Gestalt theory and techniques. There is a strong holistic focus in experiential work, in which the therapist uses various mediums of experience to engage the physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and relational aspects of an individual, group, and/or family. 

ET differs from “activity therapy” or “recreational therapy” which more often tend to be focused on leisure education and the provision of diversional activities. ET is specifically designed to give clients opportunities to increase their awareness of their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and spirit, and then make choices about their life from that state of awareness. 

Mediums used in ET include: movement, artwork, music, film, story telling, journaling, problem-solving activities or initiatives, ropes course work, service learning projects, outdoor adventure experiences, and mindfulness-based meditation. Mediums used are selected based on the client’s diagnosis, treatment setting, physical and cognitive ability and phase of treatment. ET staff utilize psychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial assessments completed by those disciplines, and participate consistently in the treatment planning and staffing of the clients with whom they are working. 

Experiential Therapy staff are professionals from a variety of disciplines including: art therapy, biology, drama, fine art, psychology, recreation, social work, and theology. Each staff member brings their unique perspective to their work with people, with the intention of creating opportunities for healing. 

Workshops and training sessions are available and provided to clinical staff, teachers, clergy, and organizations. These professionals are educated about experiential techniques and processes that they can utilize with their clients, students, congregation members, and employees.

Additional information is available by contacting the Director of Experiential Therapy at 219.531.3646 or by emailing beyond@porterstarke.org.

Thought alone, or action without thought, does not heal you.

You need the chemistry of conscious thought and direct action combined

~ Caroline Myss