Walk and Talk Therapy

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and Talk Therapy combines physical activity with meaningful conversation, taking therapy outdoors in natural surroundings like parks. This approach provides a refreshing alternative to the traditional office setting, enhancing the effectiveness of walk and talk therapy work. It also includes a range of outdoor therapy sessions, such as horticultural, adventure, and animal-assisted therapies, all designed to support mental well-being through nature-based interventions. Clients often describe the therapy process as informal and relationally equalizing, while still maintaining the professional dynamic between therapist and client (Newman & Gabriel, 2022).

During walk and talk sessions, clients engage in open discussions with their therapist in a relaxed, supportive environment. This format helps promote emotional regulation, alleviate anxiety, and improve focus, making it an appealing alternative to traditional therapy. Nature-based walking interventions have been shown to simultaneously reduce stress, anxiety, and negative rumination, offering potentially greater mental health benefits compared to urban walking, particularly for managing anxiety and rumination (Ma et al., 2023).

By combining physical movement with emotional healing, walking therapy maximizes its therapeutic benefits through the restorative power of natural surroundings.

Who is Walk and Talk Therapy for?

Walk and Talk Therapy can provide many benefits for those seeking mental health treatment, blending physical movement with psychotherapy sessions. It's suitable for various individuals and situations, including:

Those seeking alternative treatment methods

Walk and Talk Therapy offers a unique approach to traditional therapy sessions, incorporating physical activity and outdoor environments to complement mental health treatment.

Those who prefer a more informal setting

Walking with a therapist can feel less intimidating than sitting face-to-face in an office, making it easier to discuss sensitive topics and maintain eye contact.

Individuals who enjoy outdoor environments

For clients who find solace in nature or feel restless in traditional therapy settings, Walk and Talk Therapy provides a natural fit, allowing them to practice healthy habits while addressing mental health concerns.

What happens during a session?

Starting Walk and Talk Therapy may be daunting for clients accustomed to traditional therapy settings, especially during the initial session. Here's what typically happens:

1. Initial assessment: Conduct an initial assessment in person or virtually before the first walk. This assessment helps you understand the client's needs, goals, and any relevant background information to tailor the therapy experience to their mental health conditions.
2. Meeting point: Agree on a meeting point, often a public park or outdoor setting. This initial meeting may involve some discussion about goals and expectations for therapy.
3. Walking and talking: Once walking has begun, the conversation flows naturally as discussions on whatever is on the client's mind. Walk alongside the client, providing support and guidance as needed.
4. Engaging with nature: Throughout the session, there will usually be an opportunity to engage with the surroundings, whether taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
5. Exploring emotions: During the walk and talk, the client will delve into their thoughts and feelings, exploring challenging emotions or issues in a safe and supportive environment.
6. Reflecting and processing: Towards the end of the session, there may be time for reflection and processing. You may help your client consolidate insights gained during the walk and discuss strategies for coping or moving forward.
7. Confidentiality: Like in traditional therapy settings, confidentiality is vital in Walk and Talk Therapy. Ensure that the sessions remain private and confidential, adhering to professional, ethical standards.
8. Returning to the beginning point: After the session, you and your client typically return to the initial meeting point. This provides a natural conclusion and allows for any final thoughts or reflections before parting ways.

Tips on how to conduct a Walk and Talk Therapy session

A successful Walk and Talk Therapy session requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Here are some tips to help you as a therapist make the most of each session:

1. Prepare the route: Before each session, consider terrain, accessibility, and potential distractions to create an environment conducive to meaningful conversation.
2. Set intentions: Start the session by setting intentions or goals with clients. This helps create a framework for the conversation and provides direction for the session.
3. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage exploration and introspection by asking open-ended questions that invite your client to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Avoid close-ended questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
4. Practice active listening: Be fully present and attentive during the session, practicing active listening to understand your client's perspective without judgment. Reflect on their words to demonstrate understanding and empathy.
5. Embrace silence: Don't be afraid of moments of silence during the walk. Silence can provide space for reflection and deeper introspection. Allow your clients to speak when they're ready, and use silence as a tool for contemplation.

Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy offers many benefits for both mental and physical well-being, harnessing the power of movement and nature in therapeutic sessions. Here are some key advantages:

Boosts self-esteem

Walking with a therapist outdoors can enhance self-esteem as clients experience a sense of accomplishment and empowerment through physical movement and open conversation.

Expels excess energy

For individuals with excess energy or restlessness, Walk and Talk Therapy provides a productive outlet by incorporating movement into the therapeutic process, helping channel energy positively.

Accessible

Walk and Talk Therapy doesn't require specialized equipment or dedicated therapy rooms, making it accessible to many therapists and allowing for flexibility in conducting sessions.

Resources

Ma, J., Lin, P., & Williams, J. (2023). Effectiveness of nature-based walking interventions in improving mental health in adults: a systematic review. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05112-z

Newman, E., & Gabriel, L. (2022). Investigating clients' experiences of the walk-and-talk counseling. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12567