Sometimes talking isn't enough. Experiential therapy goes beyond traditional conversation to help individuals access and process emotions through direct experience — movement, creativity, role play, and other approaches that engage the whole person, not just the thinking mind. At Evans Counseling Group, our therapists use experiential approaches to help clients break through what words alone can't reach.
What is Experiential Therapy?
Experiential therapy is an umbrella term for therapeutic approaches that use active, hands-on experiences rather than or in addition to traditional talk therapy alone. These approaches are grounded in the idea that change often happens through direct experience — not just insight or understanding.
Experiential therapy is particularly effective for:
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Trauma and PTSD that hasn't responded to talk therapy alone
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Emotional numbness or difficulty accessing feelings
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Anxiety and stress held in the body
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Relationship patterns and attachment wounds
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Grief and loss
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Addiction and recovery
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Personal growth and self-discovery
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Anyone who feels stuck in traditional therapy
Experiential Approaches We Use
Our therapists integrate a range of experiential approaches into personalized treatment plans — selecting what fits each client's needs, goals, and comfort level.
EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the most researched experiential approaches for trauma — using bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and release traumatic memories. Learn more on our EMDR Therapy page.
Somatic Therapy Recognizes that trauma and stress are held in the body as well as the mind — using body awareness, movement, and breath to access and release what talk therapy alone may not reach.
Sand Tray Therapy Clients create scenes in a tray of sand using miniature figures — a powerful experiential tool for expressing and processing experiences that are difficult to put into words.
Art and Creative Therapy Drawing, painting, and other creative expression provide additional pathways for processing emotions and experiences in a non-verbal, experiential way.
Role Play and Psychodrama Using structured enactment to explore relationship dynamics, practice new behaviors, and process past experiences in a safe therapeutic setting.
Mindfulness and Body-Based Practices Grounding exercises, breathwork, and body scans that help clients develop present-moment awareness and regulate their nervous system.
Your therapist will work with you to find the right approach — never a one-size-fits-all solution.
Experiential Therapy in Denver
Evans Counseling Group offers experiential therapy at our Cherry Creek and Highlands locations in Denver, as well as via telehealth across Colorado. We work with children, teens, and adults, and we accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid.
Common Questions About Experiential Therapy
What is experiential therapy used for?
Experiential therapy is particularly effective for trauma, emotional numbness, anxiety, grief, addiction, and relationship patterns — especially for people who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy or have difficulty accessing emotions through conversation alone.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Many experiential approaches — including EMDR, somatic therapy, and sand tray therapy — have strong research support. Your therapist will always use approaches with a solid evidence base tailored to your specific needs.
What does an experiential therapy session look like?
It varies depending on the approach. Some sessions may involve guided movement or body awareness exercises; others might use creative materials, sand tray, or role play. Your therapist will always explain what to expect and proceed at a pace that feels comfortable.
Is experiential therapy right for me?
If you've tried talk therapy and felt like something was missing — or if you find it difficult to access emotions through conversation — experiential therapy might be a powerful complement or alternative. Your therapist can help you determine the best fit.
Does insurance cover experiential therapy in Denver?
Yes. Evans Counseling Group accepts most major insurance plans including Medicaid. Contact us to verify your specific coverage.
Do you offer online experiential therapy?
Yes. Many experiential approaches adapt well to telehealth — including EMDR, somatic practices, mindfulness-based approaches, and creative therapy. We offer telehealth sessions for clients across Colorado.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Evans Counseling Group today to get matched with a therapist who's the right fit for you.
Find the Right Experiential Therapist for You
Many of our therapists integrate experiential approaches into their work — from EMDR and somatic therapy to creative and body-based practices. The right fit depends on your specific needs, goals, and what you're working through.
Contact us for a free consultation and we'll match you with the therapist whose approach and experience is the best fit for you.
Many of our clients come from Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Capitol Hill, Hilltop, Glendale, the Highlands, Sloan's Lake, and surrounding Denver communities.