Walk and Talk Therapy
Instead of meeting in an office, during a Walk and Talk session, client and therapist conduct their meeting outdoors (usually a park or at an indoor space conducive to walking with some privacy)
There is a heightened awareness of the mind-body connection in today's society. More and more Americans are practicing mind-body-spirit activities like tai chi and yoga. Doctors are more frequently doing mental health checkups, and mental health professionals are acutely aware of how certain medical diagnoses can mimic mental disorders and are incorporating exercise and bodily interventions into care plans.
One of these interventions that is gaining traction is called Walk and Talk Therapy. Instead of meeting in an office, during a Walk and Talk session, client and therapist conduct their meeting outdoors (usually a park or at an indoor space conducive to walking with some privacy). The client sets the pace anywhere from a slow stroll to a light jog and has the freedom to take a break at any point to rest or interact with nature.
Walk and Talk Therapy can be especially helpful for people who:
· Struggle with mild-moderate depression or anxiety
· Are in good physical health
· Want to connect with nature
· Want to incorporate light exercise into weekly routine
· Have a hard time sitting still for an in-office visit
While Walk and Talk isn't an appropriate setting for some therapeutic needs, individuals can use Walk and Talk Therapy as a stand-alone service or as a supplemental service to their normal mental health care regimen. Additional benefits to Walk and Talk Therapy over the traditional office appointment may include:
· Mild aerobic exercise -> endorphins -> happiness
· Connecting with nature
· Better relationship with therapist from engaging in common activity
· Easier time opening up to therapist due to less eye contact
· Moving somewhere physically can help you "move somewhere" cognitively or emotionally
Now that autumn is here, there is no better time to give Walk and Talk therapy a try. Have questions or want to schedule a session? Email me at samanthas.resolve@gmail.com.
Samantha Stites, Counseling Intern
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