At all of our Confluence programs, we recognize the importance of integrative treatments that provide opportunities for engagement across a range of clinical approaches. Activity-based counseling integrates clinical goals and interventions with experiential learning in group experiences. Through active recreation, creative pursuits, and adventure activities, Confluence’s programming offers a powerful addition to traditional talk-based therapies. These approaches offer a unique avenue towards building motivation and engagement, particularly with Young Adults, many of whom haven’t had great experiences with therapy.
By integrating structured physical challenges—such as hiking, paddling, rock climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing – into a clinical framework, these modalities provide unique catalysts for change that are difficult to replicate in an office setting. Creative activities such as writing, visual arts, and music offer new ways to engage with our thoughts and feelings.
The Power of “Experiential Learning”
The primary driver of improved clinical outcomes in ABC is experiential and social learning. Experiential therapies bring patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting to the present moment and help Participants think and talk about their experience. This all gets explored in real time with the support of clinicians, staff, and other participants. Participants in experiential therapies work through problems, practice communication skills, and manage their emotional experiences in the moment.
Social learning adds another layer to this learning. Participants practice new ways of communicating. They work to express their thoughts and feelings assertively. They make contributions and requests of others. They learn to allow others’ experiences and their own to coexist despite differences and in service of shared goals.
Key Clinical Improvements
The integration of these activities directly correlates with several specific mental health outcomes:
- Self-Efficacy and Mastery: For Young Adults struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, the real-world feedback helps Participants realize their strength, resilience, and capacity. This “mastery experience” acts as a powerful counter to feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness. There can be a shift in Participants self-perception from “incapable” to “competent.” Participants learn that pursuing one’s goals in alignment with their values leads to a sense of authenticity and integrity.
- Social Skill Development: Adventure activities are inherently collaborative. Participants work together to hike a trail, build a campfire, or paddle a canoe, which fosters trust, cooperation,empathy, and authentic communication. This is particularly effective for those with social anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and loneliness. The structured, supportive, and low-pressure environment encourages Participants to connect with others, have fun, and expand their social circle.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Music, visual art, and writing provide an outlet for emotional expression and a way to explore one’s perspective on oneself, others, and the world around. Engaging in art, music, or writing helps Participants process their experience and think differently. This improves cognitive flexibility, a key marker of resilience, mental health, and relational closeness.
- Emotional Regulation: Physical activity presents new challenges that help Participants expand their comfort zones. Novel experiences prompt emotions and thoughts, and motivate behaviors that are explored when Participants process the experience. With the support of our clinical team and staff, Participants learn to utilize grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and distress tolerance skills to manage their thoughts, feelings, and relationships more effectively. This builds resilience that translates directly to navigating real-world stressors..
Long-Term Outcomes
One of the most significant clinical outcomes is increased “buy-in” from Young Adults who may not have benefited from traditional talk-based approaches. Movement, relationship, participation and fun are natural motivators. Increased engagement improves Participants’ experience of therapy and builds a sense of agency. Young Adults become active participants in their treatment experience and take responsibility for improving the quality of their experience.
At Confluence, we spend a lot of time outside. Each day, there is time for creative expression. We integrate clinical goals into our adventure, creative pursuits, and intellectual activities. The activities provide opportunities to feel emotions, practice skills, receive real-time feedback, and discuss how to apply this across a range of situations. Learning how to move towards challenges, expand comfort zones, and work with others provides a healthy outlet for managing stress and living a life consistent with one’s goals and values. This provides the foundation of long-term wellness and leading active and engaged lives.
Experiential therapies offer more than just treating symptoms. They expand our Young Adults’ worlds. Participants learn how to experience themselves differently. They connect with others in new ways. They see the world from a new position. Pushing past perceived limitations creates agency and encourages risk-taking while pursuing one’s goals. Exploring values and acting from those values expands confidence and broadens authenticity. All of this is directly applicable to supporting Young Adults in managing the challenges and opportunities they will encounter as they step out into the world.