Walk and Talk Therapy
What is Walk & Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy is a clinical session that takes place outdoors, where we engage in dialogue while walking together in nature. The setting is different, but the clinical goals and professional standards remain consistent with traditional therapy.
As the client, you will set the walking pace to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the session.
Below I’ve outlined the benefits of this service, as well as how to handle confidentiality during our walk together.
Benefits
Gentle movement in nature offers physiological and psychological advantages by combining bilateral stimulation (an evidence-based practice used in therapies like EMDR) with the soothing effects of nature.
From a neuroscience perspective, the rhythmic movement of walking helps regulate the nervous system and increases blood flow to the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex. This results in emotional regulation, which helps us communicate at a more effective level. It also results in an increase in executive function - which means you are more likely to process thoughts and emotions in constructive ways.
Research has shown that walking in nature significantly reduces "rumination" — the repetitive negative thought patterns often associated with depression. *
This physical activity also triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine, helping to lower cortisol levels and alleviate overall stress.
If you are comfortable, you will also be invited to some stillness amongst the trees, and an opportunity to practice evidence-based mindfulness techniques that you wouldn’t otherwise we able to engage in in real-time together with your therapist present.
* A landmark study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that individuals who walked for 90 minutes in a natural setting showed decreased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex compared to those in urban environments (Study Link).
Confidentiality and Common FAQs
Confidentiality
Maintaining your privacy is a top priority during walk and talk therapy. Before we start the walk, we will make a clear plan that you are comfortable with in the event that we see someone you know. As the therapist, I will follow your lead on this plan. To preserve your confidentiality, I as the therapist will not acknowledge you as a client or identify the session as counselling if we encounter someone that I know.
Physical Abilities
A common FAQ involves physical fitness; it is important to note that these sessions are not intended as exercise or workout training, and the client is responsible for setting a comfortable pace. I will generally encourage us to slow down. If you have medical conditions it’s important that you share these with me prior to the session to make sure this service is safe for you.
Where do we walk, and how do I book?
We walk on local North Shore trails. By clicking the booking link for this service, you will be able to see when I have spots available. You will be instructed to contact me via phone or email. We will then decide which trail head/location best suits your needs.
All of the options below are designed as short loops. This means that at any time during our session, we are not too far from the start point, should you ever wish to end the session.
An urban loop in Mahon Park trails - right next to the clinic.
Lynn Headwaters - starting at End of the Line General Store
Hyannis Trailhead - Seymour trails
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre Trailhead
Click here to check availability for Walk & Talk Therapy. You’ll be directed to contact to book for this service.