Walk-and-talk therapy provides you with the opportunity to get outside and feel at ease during therapy by avoiding the traditional therapy setting and embracing the soothing ability of the outdoors.

Unlike traditional therapy, walk-and-talk therapy doesn’t require you to sit one-on-one with your therapist and that’s it. Instead, you’re able to distract yourself, even if it’s just a little bit, by walking during your session.

And, in addition to giving yourself and beneficial distraction, getting outside in nature helps to regulate your nervous system and get out of your day-to-day norm.

While walk-and-talk therapy may not be the solution for everyone, it’s a great alternative for those who are uncomfortable with a traditional therapy session or have hit a “block” in their healing journey.

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and talk therapy is the practice of going outside on a walk and doing your therapy session. It’s still confidential, and all parameters surrounding the therapy session are discussed beforehand.

a women face timing her therapist with headphones for privacy on a walk and talk session

The focus of walk-and-talk therapy is not to increase exercise, although you may also benefit from the addition of new physical activity into your routine, but to open up in a new space and in a new way.

Rather than lying down or sitting, you’re talking to your therapist walking side-by-side instead of face-to-face.

Walk-and-talk therapy is a mindfulness-based body-oriented therapy that can make it easier for some clients to relax, stop ruminating, and connect their mind and body.

Who is Walk-And-Talk Therapy For?

Anyone! You don’t need to be outdoorsy or in peak physical condition, we’re not training for a triathlon or gearing up to climb a mountain. All we’re doing is getting our bodies moving.

You set the pace and we follow your guide, taking breaks as needed and looking for new routes and/or walking paths to try near the office.

Before you can do walk-and-talk therapy, you’ll need to have an initial session and consultation to make sure that it’s going to be the right fit for you and your healing journey.

The Top 3 Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy in Healing

Walk-and-talk therapy offers additional benefits and can even make the healing process easier in comparison to traditional therapy sessions. Its unique practice can change the dynamic of an uncomfortable session and provide the opportunity for you to open up with less stress or pressure.

I’ve personally witnessed some amazing transformations through the use of walk-and-talk therapy, but let’s just focus on a few of the benefits it can bring to your healing journey:

#1. It’s a Natural Mood Booster

There is something truly magical about immersing oneself in nature. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors have a profound effect on our well-being.

Research has shown that spending time in nature promotes relaxation, reduces stress levels, and enhances mindfulness. It’s a natural mood booster that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

When used as a tool in walk-and-talk therapy, this mood-boosting effect can help us connect our mind and body and help us understand why and what we’re feeling. As you talk, you’re more aware of your emotions and can begin to learn when to use your tools to regulate your system.

#2. It’s Increases Moments of Self-Discovery

In addition to being in a better mood, going for a walk can have even more profound effects on your mental state. Walking is a rhythmic activity that helps our brain enter a creative state paves the way for those “aha” moments and sparks self-discovery.

As you take each step, your mind becomes more open and receptive to new ideas and insights. This is what allows walking to have a transformative effect and experience.

When you’re in this creative state of mind, you can approach your trauma and experiences in a new way, allowing yourself deeper insight into your mind and its connection to your body’s reactions.

#3. It Provides a Sense of Camaraderie and Support

In addition to the benefits of nature and walking, there is another aspect of walk-and-talk therapy that sets it apart from traditional therapy sessions. Instead of sitting face to face with your therapist, you have the opportunity to walk side by side.

This change in dynamic can help ease any anxiety or discomfort around opening up and sharing your thoughts and emotions. Rather than a sense of isolation, you have a sense of camaraderie and support, making it much easier to engage in meaningful conversations.

When you feel more comfortable in therapy and with your therapist, you’re more likely to open up about your thoughts and feelings and really get down to the root of your problems and pain.

Why Walk-and-Talk Therapy Can Be More Beneficial Than Traditional Therapy

the importance of finding a secluded area for walk and talk therapy is show cased by a woman alone on a phone in a sunny park

While we’ve already touched on the differences between the two, there are plenty of reasons why walk-and-talk therapy can be more beneficial than traditional therapy sessions - at least, for some.

The idea of walk-and-talk therapy is to create an option that can help you heal, but what feels helpful for one person won’t necessarily feel helpful to another, and that’s okay. That’s why I specified that walk-and-talk therapy can be more beneficial to some, but not all.

Walk-and-talk therapy can also be combined with regular or virtual therapy sessions and can be modified based on the weather if necessary.

Your therapist wants to do what will be most helpful and most healing for you, and that’s why walk-and-talk therapy is an option at my therapy practice in Austin, TX.

The Problems With Walk-and-Talk Therapy

Walk-and-talk therapy is only available for those who are local to their therapist’s practice, which can be difficult if you’ve been doing virtual sessions. Although it may feel like the best option, it may not be a feasible option for your healing journey.

Also, walk-and-talk therapy takes place outside, typically in a public, but as secluded as possible, area. While I do everything in my power to keep our sessions private even when walking, there are some things to consider which we will discuss before going on our first walk.

You might not be in the mood to walk and talk due to the weather, your energy levels, or anything else. You can still keep it as an option when it does feel right.

It’s also possible that while you’re interested in doing a walk and talk, it may not align with your goals or the other therapy treatments you’re practicing.

Before you start with this type of therapy - or any type of therapy - a consultation is always recommended and necessary. You and your therapist need to determine if this method is right for you and if your current treatment allows the integration of walk and talk.

How You Can Get Started

a therapist and potential client have an initial consultation to see if walk and talk therapy is the right fit.

If you’re considering walk and talk therapy, but you’re not 100% sure it’s right for you, there are a few really quick and simple questions to ask yourself before you consult your therapist -

Is sitting face to face with a therapist giving me anxiety?
Do I have a tough time getting out of my own head?
Am I spending a majority of my time at home?

If your answers were yes, then it might be time to consider walk and talk therapy. If you answered no to any of the above, but are still interested, you can still consult your therapist! There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to bringing up possible methods of help to you therapist and discussing your options.

Walk and talk therapy is a new option at my practice in Austin, TX, and is an option to consider as a current client or new client. All you need to do is schedule your consultation call!

3 Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy for anxiety and chronic pain