Walk & Talk Therapy
What is Walk & Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk therapy is exactly how it sounds. It is essentially a therapy session that takes place while walking! Walk and talk sessions can involve a myriad of locations, activities, and therapeutic benefits depending on client needs
Walk and talk sessions pull many techniques from a broad, nature-based approach to therapy called "Eco-Therapy" where nature activities are integrated into a therapy session. In the ever growing world of virtual dependence, this alternative approach to therapy could offer just the type of embodied, experiential growth many of us need today.
What are the benefits of a Walk & Talk Session?
Walk and talk therapy is relatively new in terms of a systematized approach to therapy, however it has been around informally for quite some time. Even Freud met with client outdoors for walks! Even still there is growing evidence that walk and talk sessions could be beneficial for many reasons, especially for those who do not relate to the traditional talk therapy setting.
Some of the benefits of a walk and talk session include greater access to grounding and mindfulness practices, metaphorical insights offered by nature, exercise, bilateral stimulation through the act of walking, experiential learning, and more.
One of the most rewarding part of therapy outdoors is strengthening the therapeutic relationship through a shared experience. Talking about life inside a therapy office is very different than experiencing life in real time. There can be less hiding behind words, more creativity, greater flexibility, and increased access to one's internal wisdom.
More so, being in nature can increase your sense of connectedness to the natural cycles of life, to your body, and to others who share this earth with you.
How does a Walk & Talk Session work?
There are a few ways a walk and talk session can be used. I generally like to divide walk and talk sessions into "tool building sessions" or "therapeutic sessions". "Tool building sessions" can be used to break up virtual meetings and practice mindfulness and grounding techniques. "Therapeutic sessions" on the other hand can be used as the primary therapeutic technique for those who prefer to spend most sessions outdoors.
Walk and talk tool building sessions can be used on occasion to build skills in mindfulness and grounding techniques both of which can be extremely beneficial for nervous system and emotional regulation. For example during a walk we can pause to use our senses in nature, practice feeling our feet on the ground, and practice mindful activities in an every day setting. Even on occasion, outdoor sessions can be a helpful break from virtual overload and to deepen interpersonal understanding through experiential learning together.
For others with a strong interest in utilizing walk and talk sessions as their primary therapy setting, the movement and exposure to nature essentially becomes the therapeutic approach. Every observation, experiential element, and even disruption can become useful therapeutically. We use elements in our environment as metaphors, create embodied movement when we are feeling stuck, and even learn from the discomfort of possible interruptions.
It is best to go over the logistics of a walk and talk session prior to the first outdoor meeting. Together we can assess your interest in walk and talk sessions including whether you want to use it on occasion or as your primary therapeutic approach. Your interest level can impact how meaningful the work is.
Once we understand your intention going into those sessions, we can mutually decide where to meet and make detailed plans for things like privacy risks and weather concerns. I will provide consents and handouts to prepare for your first session such as what to bring and how to prepare.
Are there any risks?
Any therapy or healing modality has risks which are worth considering before deciding if it is right for you. The most common concerns when it comes to a talk and talk session is lack of privacy, disruptions such as inclement weather, and physical considerations like lack of access to a bathroom and/or slight increased chance for injury.
While I would never try to convince a client that a walk and talk session is best for them, depending on your needs the benefits of a walk and talk session may outweigh the risks. With a clearly established plan beforehand, those concerns may be less worrisome than you might expect.
I guide clients through a series of assessment questions and brainstorming in order to ensure that sessions go as smoothly as possible and to help protect your privacy. We will also discuss your physical wellbeing such as your fitness level and what type of terrain and setting would be best for you.
How do we get started?
As of now I do not see clients in office. I only offer virtual sessions and walk and talk sessions. It is for this reason that first meet with clients virtually for our first couple of sessions to clarify your intentions, go over logistics, ensure your readiness for meeting outdoors, and set a location.
For new clients or referrals who want more information on walk and talk sessions, please feel free to schedule a free consultation with me!