Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy brings traditional one-on-one sessions into the outdoors, offering a more natural and spacious setting for reflection and healing. Held in local parks, these sessions combine gentle movement, fresh air, and meaningful conversation. We offer Walk and Talk Therapy sessions seasonally, from the beginning of May through the end of October.
Despite the name, walking is not required. Sessions are adapted to meet comfort and accessibility needs. Whether it's a slow-paced stroll, a stroller-friendly “walk and stroll” for parents, or sitting together on a park bench, we’ll move (or stay still) in ways that feel right for both of us to show up authentically.
Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy
Promotes a sense of calm – Natural surroundings can help reduce anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system.
Regulates mood – Exposure to natural light and fresh air has been shown to improve mood and increase feelings of well-being.
Supports emotional regulation – The rhythm of walking and sensory input from nature (like birds and the breeze) can help ground and soothe.
Creates spaciousness – Outdoor settings can feel more expansive and less confining than traditional therapy rooms or screens.
Ideal for new parents – Stroller-friendly options support new parents in caring for themselves while attending to their baby’s needs.
Breaks routine – Stepping outside from your usual surroundings can shift perspective and spark new insights.
Considerations for Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy can be a grounding and empowering experience, but it’s important to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Physical Comfort & Safety: While this approach involves gentle movement, it’s important that you know your own limits. You are responsible for managing your physical health, and I encourage you to share any mobility needs, health concerns, or accessibility considerations with me ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Pace & Flexibility: There’s no pressure to walk a certain distance or at a particular pace. Sessions can include slow strolling, breaks on benches, or remain fully seated if needed. We’ll move in a way that supports your comfort and presence in the process.
Weather & Environment: Sessions take place outdoors, so we’ll consider the weather and adjust as needed. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the conditions. If it’s ever too hot, cold, or wet, we can switch to a virtual session instead.
Privacy & Public Space: While we will try our best to choose low-traffic paths or areas, outdoor settings do come with the possibility of encountering others. There is always a chance we may pass by someone you or I know. We’ll discuss how you'd like to handle this ahead of time, and I’ll always follow your lead in maintaining your privacy and comfort.
Confidentiality Limits: Unlike private indoor or virtual sessions, there is a chance others may overhear parts of our conversation in a public space. While we take care to choose quieter spaces and speak discreetly, it’s important to be aware of this potential limit to confidentiality.
Emotional Readiness: Being in nature can be a beautiful backdrop for therapy, but it’s still real therapeutic work. If there are times when sitting in a more private or contained space feels safer, that’s okay—we can always shift to another format.
