Walk and Talk Therapy
What is walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy combines the benefits of walking in nature with therapeutic conversations. Instead of meeting in an office, sessions are held outdoors, incorporating reflections on the spontaneous and unpredictable journey of walking and talking together.
Philosophers, artists, educators, and spiritual leaders have long recognized walking as a practice that helps them think, see, reflect, pray, and feel more grounded. Walking naturally complements psychotherapy.
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to numerous health risks, so people who enjoy being physically active and spending time outdoors often find Walk and Talk Therapy more comfortable than sitting in a therapist’s office. Many report that movement enhances their ability to process thoughts and feelings with greater clarity. Additionally, spending time in nature can lift our mood.
Since Walk and Talk Therapy sessions are held in public, privacy and confidentiality are important considerations to discuss before taking a session outside the office.
Privacy:
Privacy: When walking outside we may meet or be seen by people we know. You need to be aware that this is possible and we will discuss in advance if you are comfortable and how you would like to respond to those situations if they arise. For example, if we meet someone I know, I will greet the person, but will not introduce you or discuss who that person is with you.
Confidentiality
What we talk about in therapy is confidential regardless of the location of the session. However, during the walk we may pass by others who might overhear our conversation. We both need to be aware of the presence of others and manage our communication. You are in charge of what you want to talk about. We will discuss how confidently can be protected during the walk.
Other questions you might have
We walk outside in a public space such as a park, recreational walking or jogging path in the city. You are welcome to suggest a route.
No. We walk at a leisurely pace. It is more of a stroll really. The idea is to simply put your one foot in front of the other, walk at a gentle pace and talk. We can sit on a bench along the way if we like or need to slow down to process a sensitive issue.
24 hours before the session I will check the weather forecast and contact you to confirm if the session should be inside our outdoors. When we determine that we need to meet indoors, the option for online or in-office therapy is available.
Comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing,
Bring what you need for the walk. Here are some suggestions; umbrella, hat, sunglasses, cell phone, sunscreen, small bag ,water, snack, tissues, sunscreen etc.
No. The purpose of the first psychotherapy session is to meet and help us both determine how we can work together. There is also some paperwork we need to take care of. This is best done in a calm indoor space, office or online ,where can discuss and write your goals and expectations for psychotherapy. I will explain my approach ,inform you of privacy and confidentially practice standards. Together we will develop a care plan which may include walk and talk therapy.
Yes. Walk and talk therapy is not appropriate when you are processing experiences that prompt intense feelings of sadness, fear or anger. Having therapy in a space where your privacy and confidently is protected is more comfortable for those sessions. We can discuss the location of the sessions based on what is going on for you.
Yes. If you are most comfortable having psychotherapy indoors, having a virtual session online or in the office is always an option.
While many therapists have been taking their sessions outside for years, the practice has become even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information
- ‘Walk and Talk’ Might Be the Future of Therapy. Will more people start walking with their therapists?
- “It’s a Superpower”: How Walking Makes us Healthier, Happier and Brainier”. by Amy Fleming. The Guardian, July 28, 2019. Talking to Shane O’Mara, neuroscientist and author of In Praise of Walking.
- “Walk and Talk Therapy”. WedMD.
- “Walking the Talk Therapy” by Tina Kelley. The New York Times, March 31, 2008.
- “A Natural Fit” by Tori DeAngelis. American Psychological Association, September 2013.
- “The Walking Cure” by Joan Adria D’Amico, LCSW, BCD. Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy.
- “This is What Happens to Your Brain When You Walk In the Woods” by Tamara Lechner, lifehack.org
