Walk and Talk Sessions
Taking Therapy Outdoors
I offer both traditional in office counseling as well as walk and talk therapy. Currently, due to insurance limitations, I am only offering walk and talk therapy as a self-pay option. Research supports the many benefits to walking and talking in nature.
Kate Hays, PH.D author of Working it out: using exercise in psychotherapy cites three key reasons for combining exercise and therapy:
1. It encourages a client to be more physically active for mental and physical health reasons.
2. It helps a client get “unstuck” when confronting difficult issues.
3. It spurs creative, deeper ways of thinking, often released by mood-improving physical activity.
Clients find that talking and processing issues while walking in nature helps them both relax and gain new insights. Physical movement, nature, fresh air, and sunlight are all beneficial ingredients that can help improve mood and create an inner calm. Getting outside in nature promotes relaxation and slowing the mind down which allows one to be more mindfully present.
Interested in walk and talk therapy? Let’s get some fresh air and walk together as you navigate forward with your goals.
Q&A
Q: Is Walk and Talk Therapy different from office sessions?
A: No, the only difference is instead of sitting in my office, we walk side-by-side together as you process your concerns. Research suggests walking side-by-side offers the client to feel more in tune with the therapist.
Q: How long are Walk and Talk Sessions?
A: Walk and Talk Therapy is the same amount of time as an in-office session, 50-60 minutes.
Q: Is there a difference in cost?
A: No, you will be billed for a regular therapy session.
Q: Do you have to be physically fit?
A: The purpose of Walk and Talk Therapy is to walk and talk at a pace comfortable for you. Walk and Talk Therapy is not intended to be an intense workout.
Q: What if I see someone I know while walking?
A: There are a few different nature walking paths in Norwalk and you will have the choice of location you feel most comfortable walking. If we should run into someone you know, I will not engage in conversation with anyone without your consent. You have the right to handle this type of situation in a manner that is comfortable for you.
Q: What is Mindful Walking?
A: Mindful walking simply means to walk while being fully present in the moment as you actively take in your surroundings. During mindful walking, your breath, body, and surroundings are used to ground you in the moment fully.
Here is an example of mindfulness based walking:
Imagine as you step onto your walking path, noticing the ground beneath you. How does it feel? Breathe in the fresh air as you move forward, notice the leaves on the trees moving. What is the sky like today? Notice the color, the cloud movement. Engage your senses as you continue moving forward. Pay attention to your body and how it feels with each step. Let yourself take in your environment as you walk and talk. Feel the tension leave with each new step forward. Let your thoughts flow as you work through each emotion.