Sarah Crane O'Neill, PLLC
For female-identified individuals only, I offer the option of meeting in the Washington Park Arboretum for our sessions. The Arboretum is located in the Montlake/Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle. We meet outside the Visitor’s Center, which has a parking lot, bathrooms and a water fountain. From here, we walk the paved 2.3 mile “loop” trail (pictured below). We talk as we walk, as we would in an office session. We can take breaks as you desire (there are some benches along the way, and another bathroom), and I will match your pace. The loop trail typically takes about 50 minutes to circle.
For many, talking while walking provides a very welcome change from the typical counseling dynamic. You get the mood, energy, and creativity boost that being in nature and moving your body provides. Being positioned alongside me rather than face-to-face, you may also feel less self-conscious and more able to get in touch with your body, thoughts, and feelings. You may also feel more open to new possibilities and change, thanks to this format.
Of course, there are downsides, such as getting wet or cold (I do walk with clients year round, but good gear really helps!), distractions around us, the chance you or I could run into someone we know, or the chance what you say could be overheard by others.