ALLIANCE
EXPERIENTIAL
COUNSELING
Taking psychotherapy beyond the office setting into movement-based therapeutic experiences.
Taking psychotherapy beyond the office setting into movement-based therapeutic experiences.
Traditionally, mental health issues are treated by a combination of medication and psychotherapy. At Alliance Experiential Counseling, we enhance results by engaging our clients in physical activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, walking, biking, fishing, and yoga to complement traditional treatment methods. Experiential therapy provides an opportunity for clients who may be resistant to opening up and sharing in a clinical setting to feel more comfortable talking and sharing while they are in motion.
Acknowledging the powerful connection between the mind and body, our activities-based program improves overall wellness not only by talking, but by doing. This therapeutic alliance, the partnership between therapist and client using experiential counseling, yields mental health benefits that reach far beyond what might be experienced within an office setting.
There is a large body of scientific evidence on the benefits of exercise and nutrition for mental health and overall well-being. Our treatment philosophy acknowledges these truths and creates individualized activities that are suited to a client’s particular mental health goals. By partnering with our clients, and coaching them to tackle new physical activities and achieve fitness goals, they experience renewed self-confidence, improved physical strength, and experience real mental health benefits.
In addition to the physical activity-based aspects of our treatment philosophy, we recognize the role of nutrition for achieving optimal brain health, mood regulation, and improved sleep quality. Additionally, holistic relaxation techniques further enhance treatment results. Through this mind/body integrative approach, clients will experience personal growth, emotional healing, and more active engagement in all areas of life.
Please fill out our referral form and one of our counselors will reach out to you to schedule your consultation!
Hiking offers an opportunity to build connection and trust between therapist and client. Clients are more willing to open up and reveal sources of emotional pain while hiking or walking. The process of hiking can also reflect the experiential metaphor of client and therapist embarking on a journey toward wellness.
Holistic activities, such as yoga or tai chi, can incorporate the practice of mindfulness, breathwork, and help focus attention on the body. These activities help clients develop new insights about where they carry their stress, and will experience how the deliberate, purposeful movements can help release tension.
Rock climbing can be used to teach stress management, problem-solving skills, improve communication skills, and increase distress tolerance. Rock climbing can help build trust and connection with others, while also focusing on the body as a powerful tool for achieving challenging fitness goals.
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Interested in scheduling a free 30-minute consultation? Please fill out our referral form and one of our counselors will reach out to you to schedule your consultation!