What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and Talk therapy is talk therapy conducted while walking outside and connecting with nature rather than being inside the office or home environment. Combining mindfulness-based physical activity (walking) with traditional therapy, Walk and Talk therapy provides you with a unique opportunity to reduce stress, relieve body tension, improve circulation, and receive mind-body insight while processing experiences in a different way. Each walk and talk experience will be created just for you, reflecting your specific goals, interests and state of being at the time we meet. You’ll set the pace and we’ll follow your lead.

For some clients, walking side by side rather than sitting face to face feels more comfortable when sharing in the therapy process. Nature-lovers and those who think best when they are on the move find this method of therapy to be particularly enjoyable, as it provides us with the opportunity to mindfully engage with the naturally occurring beauty around us. It can also stimulate creative, deeper ways of thinking and help clients get “unstuck” when confronting difficult issues.

That being said, there is, of course, less opportunity to control the environment with therapy outdoors, as we don’t have the boundaries of four walls and may be interrupted by people, animals or events. This doesn’t mean that the therapeutic benefits of it are less, simply that it is a different experience. You may decide that you need the additional sense of containment of being in a room, or you may value a feeling of freedom in being outside.

Here are some potential benefits to walk therapy:

• Physical Movement: Walking can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall physical health. The act of walking can also stimulate thinking and talking, making it easier for clients to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Natural Environment: Being outdoors can provide a calming and restorative environment. Nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Less Intimidating: For some clients, the traditional therapy setting can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. This may also be true for those who struggle with eye contact during session. Walking side by side with the therapist can create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, which can facilitate open and honest communication.
• Symbolic Movement: Walking forward together can be symbolic of progress and moving forward in life. It can help clients feel like they are making tangible steps toward their goals.
• Flexibility: Walk and talk therapy can be adapted to the client’s pace and physical ability. It can also be combined with other therapeutic techniques and approaches.

Walk and Talk Therapy is offered by Sophia (She/her) at CAYA Health Centre in Vancouver, BC. Sophia is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and uses a collaborative approach. She brings genuineness, compassion, creativity and curiosity into each session, and her mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which you are able to reconnect with who you truly are.

Prior to beginning Walk and Talk therapy, you can meet with Sophia to have an online initial consultation where you will go over consent forms, and get to know each other more. From there, you can further discuss Walk and Talk therapy, and determine if it would be a good fit for you. Please contact Sophia directly for more information at sophia@cayahealthcentre.com and she would be happy to address any questions you may have about the process.

To book with Sophia, click here!