Walk and Talk Therapy

A Host of Reasons Why

Sitting in a chair for one hour is not for me – it’s too hard for me to focus in a quiet room when my thoughts are racing.

Going to some strange office is overwhelming. Talking to some stranger face-to-face is intimidating, and I’m just not comfortable with it.

Mind and body connection are important to me, and I know it helps me feel better. I need to move my body to clear my mind.

And I understand them all.

For all the reasons above and more, the traditional routine of therapy – in which you schedule an appointment, show up to an unfamiliar office, and bare your soul while staring directly in the face of someone you just met – isn’t for everyone.

Put in those terms, it’s no wonder. But I get it. And there’s something we can do about it.

If you know that sitting in a closed room for an hour is difficult – if not impossible – for you, don’t lose hope. Walk and Talk Therapy is a great option.

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and Talk therapy is an alternative form of treatment that takes place outdoors.

You can choose to walk the whole time – or perhaps pause at a park bench. You can enjoy the sounds of nature, the exhilaration of fresh air, and the freedom of movement while you let go of difficult thoughts and emotions.

Instead of speaking to someone face to face, Walk and Talk Therapy allows you to interact and express yourself alongside your therapist – as partners, collaborators, members of the same team.

How do you do this?

It’s simple. Before your session, we’ll determine where to meet, and we’ll choose a setting that works for your particular needs.

We’ll choose one of several local parks or walking trails; ideally, one that’s relatively flat with no difficult hills or slopes to worry about.

If your health permits, we’ll walk for about 50 minutes and have an engaging session. We can stop anytime and continue the session under a shady tree or park bench if you need a resting break.

What if others hear our conversation?

Conducting our session outdoors in a public space involves some potential challenges.

For example, we might encounter others walking nearby.

If others approach, we can agree to pause our conversation while they pass us to ensure your session remains confidential. Once we have again reached an appropriate distance, we can resume your session.

We might also encounter someone you know – perhaps a friend or family member – during your session. You have full discretion about how to address someone you may know.

But your safety and comfort are paramount. We will thoroughly review the risks of walking and talking outdoors before going outside for your session.

Who benefits from Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and Talk Therapy is great for someone who has a hard time sitting still or difficulty focusing in a quiet room.

It’s also excellent for those who enjoy expressing themselves through movement or find talking to someone face-to-face intimidating.

In addition, walking increases oxygenation to the brain, releases endorphins, and helps rid your body of toxins. If it’s a sunny day, you’ll also get a healthy dose of vitamin D. You may find our setting itself to be a stress reliever.

Let’s get out of the office!

Let’s break away from the traditional therapeutic setting and spend time walking in nature.

Call now at (951) 899-4558 for your free 15-minute consultation and experience therapy in a way you never thought possible.