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Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy is a way of offering therapy services outside of a traditional office setting in the great outdoors. This might look like finding a trail to walk on  while we talk or sitting down in a shaded spot under a tree for a session. 

What are the Benefits of walk and talk therapy?

  • Nature is a powerful co-regulator. In my experience working with clients, being surrounded by nature as well as community can be very supportive with feelings of overwhelm or dysregulation that may naturally occur during session. Sometimes having a calming focal point such as a tree swaying in the wind or beautiful flower or an animal walking by on the trail can support you to gently return back to regulation, in ways that aren't as easily accessible in an indoor office.

  • I have found that folks sometimes feel intimidated by the idea of therapy and taking therapy out of a formal office setting can instantly support clients to feel more comfortable and at ease in session. ​

  • Studies show that exposure to sun, nature, and movement can improve our health and mood. This coupled with having a session outside can support you to ensure you are getting some of the natural medicine that being in the outdoors can provide. ​

How does confidentiality work in an outdoor setting? 

  • Typically when I am having a walk and talk session with a client if we are picking a spot to sit down, we choose a location or area that is not overly crowded which provides ample space for privacy. If we are walking on a trail there may be more folks in closer to proximity to us, but often this is just a brief moment of passing. 

  • If a client would like to do walk and talk we will discuss beforehand how we might respond if we see someone they know out in public. I will share with the client that I will take their lead in how they feel the most comfortable responding. In my time offering walk and talk sessions thus far, I have not experienced a situation where either myself or my client has ran into someone we knew.  

  • Whether or not a client would like to use names when we are having a session outdoors, I leave up to their discretion. I am mindful not to use names when reflecting back to a client when we are having a walk and talk session to further protect their privacy.

More walk and talk FAQ's

What do we do if it rains/it's hot or cold outside?

I am mindful of choosing spots to meet that have access to a pavilion or some type of covering to support with protection from the elements if needed. If there is particularly bad weather and the client is open to it, I might suggest a virtual appointment for that session. 

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On warmer days, I also like to bring extra water and a cooling towel for my client's to use if needed. 

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What if I have to go to the bathroom?

When choosing spots to meet outdoors, I scope out the area before hand to identify any public restrooms or nearby coffee shops that can be bathroom access spots if needed. 

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How do I know if walk and talk is a good fit for me?

Walk and talk is not for everybody and is best suited for folks who feel comfortable with the flexibility that being out in the community and in nature sometimes requires. For instance, if there is loud construction on a particular day we might need to move to another part of the park, or if it is a particularly bad weather day we may need to reschedule or have a virtual session. If it is something that you are curious about but are not sure if it would be a good fit, please don't hesitate

to reach out for more information.  

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