Walking is a favourite past time of mine, especially when it’s close to some form of natural environment, like the beach, parks, a lake, or similar. When I do walk I am able to connect to the present moment, feel more relaxed, and feel energised at the same time.
Research shows that well-being and mental health is often improved dramatically by spending time outdoors in natural light, fresh air, and even more so if there is about 30 minutes of movement relevant to an individuals level of health and fitness.
People familiar with reading my blog posts will remember I am often writing about, and advocating for, spending time in nature to help us become mindfully present, and to feel better. To that end I have decided to take my clients outdoors from now on: for gentle walks while we talk, or even to sit near the beach or in a park for the therapy/counselling session.
Walk and talk therapy has been practiced by many counsellors, psychotherapists, or psychologists for years. Many mental health residential units have incorporated time outdoors and some inclusive of exercise as part of the treatment program. As mentioned earlier this practice is evidence based and recommended for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Obvious advantages to walking outdoors is that it is a multi-sensory experience, linked to higher levels of oxytocin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Walking could also reduce blood pressure in some people. Outdoor walk and talk therapy could encourage clients to exercise or at least spend more time outdoors. And natural scenery can become a wonderful part of therapy process in helping us to understand our internal frameworks reflected in our perceptions of the environment.
Bontanical Gardens Mt Coot-tha 
Barron Pocket Dam 
Suttons Beach
What to expect.
Meeting at a pre arranged place we will discuss your thoughts and needs from the session, as in any therapeutic setting. Part of the initial discussion will be to check in and negotiate your feelings about walking or just enjoying somewhere to sit and talk outdoors. Movement will be encouraged and you will set the pace.
How to prepare.
- You might want to have comfortable walking clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and season.
- Hat and sun protection – essential
- Be prepared to attend your therapy session in all kinds of weather.
- Bring a water bottle (reusable).
- If you have a child of “pram age” it’s a great way to fit therapy in by bringing them for the walk in the pram.
Points to consider.
1. Walk Talk Therapy gets you moving—both literally and figuratively.
2. Walk and Talk Therapy is conducted outdoors, being in nature can be meditative and grounding.
3. Walk and Talk Therapy is an excellent choice for clients with several different kinds of issues. Clients who are going through a life transition, have anxiety, are experiencing some kind of loss or grief, as well as other challenges tend to do very well with Walk and Talk Therapy.
4. You set the pace of the session. If you prefer a meditative, relaxing session of walking and sitting outdoors or a more active, faster-paced walk, then Walk and Talk Therapy will match your pace.
5. Research studies have shown that physical activity can enhance the mental and physical health of clients. Physical activity has also been shown to reduce levels of depression and anxiety and can help to prevent depressive symptoms.
6. Walk and Talk Therapy can feel more comfortable than in an office setting facing the therapist. Walking side by side is often reported as feeling less confronting for difficult conversations.
7. We will agree before the start of our session on how we will manage running into any familiar faces to respect your privacy.
8. We will discuss any other concerns you have to ensure you feel at ease and able to get the most out of the experience.
9. If your needs require a more relaxing session then we can find a beautiful spot outside to enjoy outdoor therapy without the movement.
10. Outdoor therapy can be provided close to your home in the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast area.
Contact Jen to make an appointment for you outdoor therapy session today.