Walk and Talk therapy is when ‘traditional’ therapy happens outside. Just like in the face-to face setting, the therapy will be at your own pace. It's not uncommon for clients to pause, stand for a while, or sit down on a nearby bench during outdoor therapy. For some clients, the therapeutic experience can be enriched by adding an outdoor session from time to time, or you may wish to have all or most of your sessions outside.
Outdoor therapy has many benefits. Walking releases endorphins, which help to balance your mood. Your physical health can improve. Studies have shown that walk and talk therapy can positively impact symptoms of anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression. It can help in coping with life-transitions, grief and loss, and low self-esteem. It encourages self-awareness and healthy emotional regulation. Being outside can be a good option for those who find the environment of traditional counselling claustrophobic, and you may feel more comfortable being alongside me, rather than face to face. You may feel more grounded, less apprehensive about confronting particular issues, and more open to noticing and welcoming a shift in mind and attitude. We are, after all, part of nature and the natural world, and being outside can help you find and foster that deeply healing connection.
"I was never addicted to one thing; I was addicteed to filing a void within myself with things other than my own love."
Yung Pueblo
We will usually begin with a telephone or online session, to discuss outdoor therapy, and the practicalities of where it will take place. Routes will be discussed and a trial session set up. Sessions are 60 minutes, with either a circular route planned, or one where we turn around and go back to the start.
We will discuss issues around confidentiality beforehand, and look at how to deal with any situations where we encounter other people whilst en route. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the same way it can inside, but I will do my best to ensure it.
Therapists and clients remain responsible for their own safety in outdoor sessions. If the weather deters us, we will switch to an online or telephone session, at a rate of £45
If you would like to find out more about outdoor therapy, please click here. I am also happy to discuss this type of therapy, if you are interested.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you, and whether I am the right counsellor to help.
You can call me or message me on WhatsApp: 07874012288.
Email enquiries at caroline@betternaturecounselling.co.uk.
I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
I will endeavour to answer your enquiry as soon as possible, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.