Using Experiential Exercises in Treating Adolescents With Sexual Behavior Problems

Abstract

This article promotes the use of experiential exercises in treating adolescents with sexual behavior problems. Even when exploring compulsive, impulsive, and addictive behaviors, experiential and expressive therapies can open up thinking and emotions in ways that may not occur with traditional talk therapies. Adolescents have a variety of learning styles, and some may not be easily engaged in treatment through traditional sit down, talk therapy. The use of experiential exercises in treating adolescents with sexual behavior problems provides the clinician with an opportunity to use a variety of learning styles in doing meaningful clinical work. The use of experiential exercises, takes into account that (a) adolescents are resilient, (b) adolescents learn in a variety of ways, (c) adolescents can be motivated to explore personal issues when they are engaged in experiential exercises, and (d) the use of experiential treatments can have a positive and profound impact in treating adolescents with sexual behavior problems.