Walk and Talk Therapy

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Simply put, walk and talk therapy is counselling that is conducted whilst walking outdoors. Instead of sitting in front of your counsellor in a traditional therapy room, the counselling session takes place outdoors walking side by side. If you have felt stuck in therapy in the past, being physically active helps release some tensions and stimulates new thoughts and ideas. Therefore moving forward both physically and emotionally.

Even if you’re confident talking face to face to a counsellor, you might become apprehensive when confronting particularly tricky issues for you. The combination of walking and fresh air allows for easier engagement and process, and you can feel more grounded as you’re moving forward while walking.  It offers the opportunity for clients to express themselves in the changing natural environment. It is contracted in exactly the same way as more traditional counselling (with a few additions), and the focus is still on exploring relationships and issues together, to hopefully discover a resolution or opportunity for change.

Why might you want to try Walk and Talk Therapy?

During a walk and talk therapy session, you lead the pace, just like in a traditional counselling session. Yet the dynamic is fairly different. You and your counsellor are on the same footing, literally. Walking side by side can be much less intimidating and helps release inhibition. It can be taken as an introduction to counselling, followed up by a more formal type of therapy if you’re apprehensive about being alone in a room with a therapist looking directly at you.

Some clients suggest that it is more comfortable to share their thoughts walking side by side with a counsellor, rather than sitting opposite them face to face. For some people, walking outside might itself confront issues they would like to address such as a fear of open spaces or a fear of feeling judged for their appearance. Having a therapist on your side might ease a return to engaging in social situations.

Being outside can foster a better connection with nature and the world. Research has consistently shown that exercise can significantly improve mood and therefore helpful to improve and maintain wellbeing.  Walking is not only good for your physical health, but it is also good for your mental health. There are also opportunities for less restricted movements and chances to engage with mindfulness. The focus of walk and talk therapy is not on how fast or far you can walk but on you, your process and what you are comfortable with.

Walk and talk therapy is also particularly helpful for people feeling they are trapped in a life or roles that don’t fit them anymore. Being outdoors and talking about their issues enhances the renewal of a sense of freedom. Walking helps increase the blood flow to the brain, and new ideas to tackle our issues are more likely to come up.

Also, if you are sitting all day and the idea of sitting yet again for a counselling session could prevent from seeking counselling, walk and talk therapy might be an option for you.

What is it like?

The first meeting will form part of the Consultation which will take place in the counselling room, to discuss the process and Therapy Agreement. This will form an assessment of your issues and goals, and cover any further questions. From there, sessions will be conducted as we walk. Routes will start at my Practice. Sessions will be 50 minutes, and so walks may be circular or a decision will be made on when to turn round and head back to the start. On some routes there may be opportunities to sit, and clients may choose that only part of the session consists of walking. The routes will usually be the same each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need any special equipment? No. It is however, very important that you wear suitable clothing for walking outside in different weather conditions, e.g. suitable shoes, coat, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, scarf etc.  You many also want to bring water with you.

• Do I need to be fit?The pace for the walks is set by the client for the most part. The counsellor will be mindful of when you need to return to the start. It is important to discuss any concerns with me. If you have any concerns, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of your GP before starting any new exercise activity.
• What about confidentiality?

If one of us sees somebody we know, we can casually say “hello” and keep on going. We are two people simply walking and talking; there is no indication to third parties that this is a therapy session. In the client paperwork you will complete at the beginning of our first session, it will go into detail about our confidentiality agreement, and we can discuss any concerns you have about this at that time.

What if the weather is bad?  Individually we retain our responsibility for our own safety. If the weather is likely to make a walk unsafe or sufficiently uncomfortable, the session will be conducted in the counselling room or by Skype.

• What if I decide it isn’t right for me? As with all therapy, if you feel that walk and talk therapy is not right for you, please discuss any issues with me. Most problems should be able to be resolved but, if you find that you would prefer for sessions to take place in the room, that would be arranged.

• Are the fees the same? Yes, the same fees apply.