During my time as a clinician at a children and adolescents shelter, finding a place to provide counseling was limited. We did not have assigned offices, so we had to get creative regarding where we could provide a safe and confidential space. One space that was always available was outside. The children seemed to love it and began to request walk and talk counseling outdoors as they worked towards their therapeutic goals. The ability to be outside allowed them to feel more connected to themselves, and at the same time, with nature. Clients reported that being outdoors helped reduce their feelings of anxiety, sadness/depression, anger, and grief. So this is where my experience with walk and talk counseling began and where I saw the benefits of it.
Though I offer counseling in an office setting, this is not the ideal environment for everyone. Some like to be outside in different activities like hiking, walking, jogging/running, or bike riding. Walk and talk gives us the opportunity to keep on moving! Walk and talk counseling is simply a therapy session that takes place outside. You and your therapist choose a walking site like a park or trail, your neighborhood or community center and then walk at a pace you are comfortable with while processing various aspects of your life.
If you have further questions or would like to schedule a walk and talk counseling appointment let’s talk! Call me at 210.960.5728 or send me a message here.
