Walk and talk therapy
Walking Your Way to Wellness: The Path to Healing with Nature and Therapy
Strolling through nature while engaging in conversation with a therapist brings together the natural world's healing qualities and the insightful guidance of professional counseling.
This unique blend opens up a space where mental clarity and emotional healing can thrive. Walking side by side, the act of moving helps ease tension, allowing thoughts and feelings to emerge more freely.
This approach is especially helpful for those who might feel overwhelmed by more conventional therapy settings, providing a laid-back atmosphere that promotes openness and bonding.
The simple act of being outside has a soothing effect, which boosts mindfulness and overall well-being. So, consider taking a step towards healing both your mind and body, moving forward with every stride on this journey.
How it works
Step 1 - Initial consultation
- Purpose and safety first: The process begins with an initial consultation, conducted in my office. This session aims to understand your needs and explain how walk and talk therapy works. It's also when we will conduct a preliminary risk assessment to ensure your safety and suitability for this therapy mode.
- Discussing logistics: We'll discuss the proposed walking route, meeting points, what to wear, and what to do in case of bad weather.
Step 2 - Risk Assessment
- Physical health check: I will inquire about your physical health to ensure you're capable of engaging in the walking part of the therapy. This includes discussing any mobility issues or other health concerns that might affect your ability to participate safely.
- Mental health considerations: I will assess any risk factors related to your mental health, ensuring that being in a public setting will not exacerbate any conditions you may have.
- Confidentiality and privacy: A discussion about how to handle encountering someone you know and maintaining confidentiality in a public space is crucial. We will agree on how to manage such situations beforehand.
Step 3 -The Walk and Talk Sessions
- Starting the session: Each session begins at a predetermined location. The session starts with a brief check-in on how you're feeling that day.
- Walking and talking: As we start walking, the conversation will naturally unfold. I will guide the conversation, but the informal setting often makes it easier for you to open up and share your thoughts and feelings.
- Pacing: The pace of the walk is set by you, ensuring physical comfort while maintaining the flow of conversation.
Step 4 -Ending the Session
- Cooling down: Towards the end of the session, we will slow down, allowing for a period to cool down physically and begin to close the conversation mentally and emotionally.
- Reflection: This is a time to reflect on the session's discussion, summarising insights, and discussing possible strategies to work on before your next session.
Step 5 - Post-Session Risk Assessment
- Checking in: After our walk, I might check in with you to see how you're feeling, ensuring no immediate concerns or distress resulted from the session.
- Feedback: You'll have the opportunity to provide feedback about the session, including the walking aspect, which helps tailor future sessions to better meet your needs.
Step 6- Ongoing Assessment and Adaptation
- Adapting to needs: As therapy progresses, I continuously assesses and adapt the approach to suit your evolving needs, including adjusting the walking routes, session focus, and addressing any new risks or concerns that may arise.