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Walk & Talk therapy is a mindfulness-based and body-oriented approach that infuses the benefits of nature and physical movement. The benefits of talking remain the same, while other factors such as weather, mild exertion, or chance encounters with nature or other humans provide mild real-world challenges and perspective shifts that can enhance the therapy process. ​
 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

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• Physical movement can stimulate psychological movement

• Exercise releases endorphins which lifts mood

• Sleep improvement - feel more rested

• Improved circulation

• Releases tension and stress

• Improved breath regulation

• Patterns of thought, sensation, and emotion that have
  lost their purpose and no longer serve us can be released
  through the "body-mind" (the integration of our mind,
  body, and energy systems)
   

ARE THERE DOWNSIDES?  

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• Risk losing confidentiality and privacy

  • Could run into someone you know or could be
    overheard 

• Weather doesn't always cooperate

• Physical concerns/limitations

• Risk of injury, overheating
   

IS WALK & TALK RIGHT FOR ME?

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You don't have to be an outdoorsy or athletic person to appreciate

Walk & Talk therapy. There's no requirement to sweat (although it's

Houston, so we probably will anyway). You can set the pace, and I'll

follow your lead. 

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Walk & Talk may be an especially good fit if you...

 

- have a lot of excess energy

-feel more comfortable with side-by-side communication rather than sitting still with direct eye contact 

-feel stagnant/sluggish and need support incorporating more movement and energy

-feel more at ease in nature

-are interested in incorporating mindfulness and experiential practices into your therapy 

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WHAT IS A WALK & TALK SESSION LIKE?

 

We meet at a park, trail, or scenic area of town and we start to walk. Just like in a regular session, we explore your goals and process your experiences; we just walk side-by-side rather than sit face to face. We may use our experience navigating the terrain or our observations of nature around us as symbolism or as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. We may stop and stretch, sit on a bench, have a rest in the grass, or engage in a moment of meditation or imagery. By the end of a session, you will likely feel some tension has released and your insight has deepened. ​

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HOW DO I START?

 

If you're not already an established client, schedule a teletherapy intake session. This first session and possibly a few more will take place online. We can then discuss expectations for walking sessions and get started outside and in-person!