Walk and Talk sessions: Therapy that moves

There is something special about being in nature.

In the outside world.

Exposed to the elements.

Nature can nourish us, it can calm us, it can inspire us, it can revitalise us. For me it’s grounding, it helps me relax and can give me what I might need at particular times – whether that’s to be reminded how beautiful the world can be when my internal state may be bleak, or at other times how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things when I’m feeling too entrenched in my own thoughts. Whatever and however it does it, at the core it makes me feel better! Preferably in the sun, but I’ll take the rain and wind as well, and treasure those rare moments of snow.

So the idea of Walk and Talk sessions, basically “therapy on the move” has always been appealing. And having started to explore this way of working during lockdown when it enabled meeting face to face, I’ve seen the potential benefits it can bring.

We all know that exercise releases endorphins, so there’s the quick win of getting your steps up whilst working towards your goals in therapy. But it goes beyond that. Walking side by side can offer a less intense setting than the traditional therapy room, where for some, sitting opposite and looking at another human being while talking about the most painful aspects of life, can feel too much. Walking whilst talking reduces the intensity, and there’s also growing evidence that suggests the bipedal movement of walking helps regulate us and actually helps process what we’re talking about. It gives the opportunity to try out skills in vivo – things like mindfulness have richer opportunities when you can draw on the wonder of nature around us. Whether we’re walking on the coast, or through woodland or parkland – the colours and smells and sensations offer rich material to practise being present in the moment.

This approach may not be for everyone – the lack of physical walls for some may lose that sense of emotional containment. And there’s the elements to contend with, but even with the British weather there is something invigorating about walking in the wind and rain, especially if you’re not adverse to reclaiming the simple childhood joy of puddle jumping!

So if you’re curious about Walk and Talk sessions, my advice? Give it a go!