WALK & TALK THERAPY
‘I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order’.
John Burroughs
Walk & talk therapy, also known as outdoor therapy, is a concept that can best be described as taking traditional talking therapy outdoors, whilst walking in nature. It may incorporate the outdoor environment as part of the therapeutic work, by using
natural grounding tools or nature based metaphors. My usual working agreement applies and the therapeutic relationship is contracted in the same way. The focus remains on exploring relationships and issues together, to hopefully discover resolution
or the opportunity for growth and empowerment.
natural grounding tools or nature based metaphors. My usual working agreement applies and the therapeutic relationship is contracted in the same way. The focus remains on exploring relationships and issues together, to hopefully discover resolution
or the opportunity for growth and empowerment.
Walk & talk therapy can be especially helpful for people who don’t have the opportunity to get out into nature very often and those who feel as if they thrive better when they do. Having therapeutic conversations outdoors, either whilst walking, sitting, or a mixture of both, can add a totally different and positive dynamic to the experience.
Before choosing walk & talk therapy as an alternative to face to face or online work, it is worth considering the pros and cons of walk & talk therapy:
Potential Benefits
- Some clients feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts walking side by side with a therapist, rather than sitting in a room face to face.
- The potential intensity of eye contact is removed for those who find it an uncomfortable part of therapeutic work is removed.
- When we move our bodies and shift our environment, we can think differently about aspects of our lives that have before seemed immovable.
- Being outdoors is a physically more relaxing experience for our bodies and therefore our minds may be freer to open up.
- Being outside releases endorphins and is generally mood-enhancing.
- Walking together side by side also means a sense or quality and collaborative working in the therapeutic relationship.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some clients may find walk & talk therapy too strenuous.
- Some people find the outdoor environment (including encountering other people, dogs, noises etc.) to be too distracting during therapy sessions.
What about confidentiality? - The routes chosen will not encounter too many other people nearby however if we bump into anyone we know we will use a phrase agreed between us to pause the conversation until no one is in earshot.
What about boundaries? - Although the physical boundaries are different, both client and counsellor must remember they still have a professional contract in a therapeutic alliance. The working contract is still present and valid, even though we will be outside.
Professional boundaries will be just as important for emotional safety and integrity as if we were indoors in the therapy room.
How will it work? - Initially we will meet online or in my therapy room for the first session to discuss therapeutic goals and desirable outcomes.
- Routes will start from my therapy room and we will return to this base after our 60 or 90 minute session, the length of the session, chosen by the client.
- In the case of intense rain, severe weather or low energy there will always remain the option to have a face to face session in the therapy room or online if enough notice given to the therapist in advance.
- Routes will either be circular or involve turning around and heading back to the start, depending on the route.
- Some routes will give the opportunity to sit and reflect, on request.
- The routes will initially be decided by the therapist but in time will be a collaborative decision.
Do I need special equipment? - No, but it is best to wear suitable clothing for walking outside in weather appropriate clothing and accessories.
Do I need to be fit? - No, the pace will be set by you as much as possible. The therapist will be mindful of time and when it is important to return.
- If there are any medical concerns, please discuss these with your GP.
What if I decide it isn’t for me? - If walking is not for you after all, we can resume sessions in the therapy room face to face or online, to suit you.
I have sessions in the therapy room but would like to try walking? - A trial session can be set up and would be followed by a session in the therapy room to discuss what feels better for future sessions.
- Seasonal options are also available according to your seasonal preferences for walking outdoors.
FEES FOR WALK & TALK THERAPY
£70 for an hour and a special rate of £85 for an hour and a half
