The Benefits of Walk Talk Therapy

Nervous SystemMind-Body ConnectionTherapy

Nov 16

What is Walk Talk Therapy?

This non-traditional form of therapy is exactly what it sounds like, therapy while walking. This alternative to talk therapy involves you and your therapist bringing in movement, mindfulness, and nature to your work together. We know that there are many benefits to movement as well as to time spent outdoors, these sessions have the opportunity to bring in experiences that regulate your nervous system.

“Research demonstrates that while eye contact can indicate interest and that channels for communication are open, many people actually find it a little discomforting. Some even experience anxiety when they are the focus of someone’s attention in this way, as they would be during face-to-face therapy” (Johnson, 2020).

Walking while processing can deepen processing and at times allow us to access our emotions, thoughts, and memories in a different way. Not only does nature provide a different container for therapy, but clients might find themselves drawn to or impacted by things in nature that they would not normally be exposed to within the normal four walls of a therapy office.

Walk Talk Therapy can allow clients to become more present, and more aware of their physical sensations and somatic experiences, provide release from physical tension, and help break up stuck points and rumination.

So, how does this work?

Before beginning Walk Talk Therapy, you will meet with your therapist in-office or virtual for the initial assessment. You will work with your therapist to identify goals for therapy, create a treatment plan, and discuss the details of Walk Talk Therapy. Once you and your therapist have a plan in place and intentions set for your work, you’ll pick a place to walk.

A typical Walk Talk session will begin and end in the therapy room to provide a space to meet and close. You will walk alongside your therapist, and discuss what comes to mind for you that day related to your goals. Along the way, you may utilize breathing techniques, incorporate guided visualizations, or tune into somatic sensations.

What are the benefits?

Walk Talk therapy sessions bring movement into the process of therapy. We know that walking can result in positive impacts on your mind and body. “Research also indicates that exercise promotes creativity. This is likely due to the physical impact of the action itself. Among other things, it increases circulation, boosting blood flow to the brain, and enhancing cognitive performance. This can all support the process of confronting and overcoming difficult issues” (Johnson, 2020).

It also included the added benefits of time spent in nature. “Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation,” according to the American Psychologist Association. Providing yourself space to mindfully walk outside or within nature can have a profound impact on the mind and body.

For some, it can feel easier to discuss things while moving or while not sitting directly across from your therapist. In the process of walking, you may experience increase awareness of your phyiscal body and senstations that can allow you to process your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a different way.

"The comfort of a patient establishing his or her own rhythm is secure," he continues. "And it's a subtle bond -- we are in sync, we are on an adventure together. Being in nature takes [the session] out of my power base and into the streets and hills. It's much more of an equal turf and provides more parity” (Wright, 2008).

How Nourished Wellness Group can help

We believe that healing happens when we utilize integrative care. Our mind-body approach to therapy is geared at healing you as a whole person. We offer Walk Talk Therapy as well as other mind-body therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting to aid you in your healing.

If you are interested to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to talk through what may be best for you.

References:

Johnson, J. (2020). Explained: The Many Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy Sessions. Main Street Counseling Group. https://mainstreetcounselinggroup.com/explained-the-many-benefits-of-walk-and-talk-therapy-sessions/

Wright, S. (2008). Walk and Talk Therapy. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/walk-and-talk-therapy