Are you curious about Walk-and-Talk Counseling? Or is this a brand new concept for you? I offer both in-office sessions and Walk-and-Talk sessions. Though Walk-and-Talk is still an outlier as a way of doing counseling, it’s becoming more popular. I was excited to read this recent article in the Seattle Times:
As for my style of Walk-and-Talk, I tend to be fairly focused on the talking, and the session unfolds much like how it might in the office. But nature and moving together gives us lots of opportunities to be more in the present moment together, and a tool of its own for us to use. What do I mean by that, and what are some of the reasons that walking while talking can be so therapeutic?
Talking while walking and being outdoors gives opportunities to build sensory awareness and attention to the present moment, which lowers stress and anxiety. Maybe you’re talking with me about a deadline approaching in the future that makes you nervous, and you feel stress and worry, but then you notice the breeze on your face and smell of fresh rain, and acknowledge this aloud, and you move back into present moment awareness of your body and environment, and your tension lowers. I can help guide this a little. The more you do this and do this consciously, the easier it is to practice again and again.
Walking and being in nature tends to lift mood and calm the mind and body. This is particularly welcome when you’re exploring upsetting or challenging topics and emotions.
You might find you can be more honest, open, or spontaneous with how you share when you are moving and not sustaining eye contact with me. It might be easier to “get into your world” of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences a little more, rather than focusing on how you come across to me. You also might feel less self-conscious because I won't be continuously looking at you.
We all think more creatively when we move – research shows this. You and I might both think of new possibilities for you towards meeting your goals.
Moving can help you link up with your breath more easily, noticing inhales and exhales, which is often soothing. The more you practice this in session with me, hopefully the easier it is to for you to practice outside of sessions.
Walking can elevate your heart rate, which can reduce stress and anxiety. If you ever feel uncomfortable or strained by your heart rate or breathing on the walk, or anything else related to the walk or being outdoors, we can notice this and make modifications together such as walking more slowly or sitting down for a break. This can help you build self-awareness of mind and body, resilience, and even self-advocacy skills.
Meeting outside in the real world can make you feel on an “equal playing field” with me, less like I am an “expert” sitting in my professional office and you have come in for services. It might help you feel empowered, and reminded of how you are an expert on your own life and self. (You are!)
We get to have an experience together, whether it’s getting wet in the rain but feeling glad (and tough!) that we still made it out together, or spotting beautiful flowers and pausing to admire them. Shared experiences can build our trust and rapport.
Is Walk-and-Talk right for you?
Some of the downsides of Walk-and-Talk are:
Less privacy. Are you comfortable crying in public, for example? What if you see someone you know? How do you feel about the possibility of someone overhearing you, whether or not you know them?
Less consistency in our environment and experience together, such as with the weather. I do walk year round and ask that clients who want to try Walk-and-Talk are comfortable with some amount of rain. But if it the forecast is for extreme or unsafe conditions in any way, we will certainly make a plan pivot to office or telehealth sessions ahead of time.
More distractions. Though, there are still distractions in an office building.
Walking is gentle exercise, and there are some hills, so it can be challenging if you have mobility issues or an injury.
I have decided to offer Walk-and-Talk sessions to female-identified clients only, for my own feeling of safety. If you’d like to learn more, and discuss whether Walk-and-Talk might be right for you, I invite you to contact me. Maybe we’ll be on the trail together soon!
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