Walk and Talk Therapy
What is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy is, in a nutshell, therapy that takes place while a therapist and client are walking together. It is not a unique therapy approach or modality, but rather a place for therapy that enhances a variety of approaches by adding benefits found spending time in nature and/or being physically active. These potential benefits may include improvements in mood, more helpful or creative thinking, and a greater sense of overall well-being and connection. Most often, these walks occur outdoors, near the therapist’s office, at a neighborhood park, or another location the therapist and client agree upon together, although some therapists also use equipment like in-office treadmills when weather or other concerns necessitate meeting indoors. ​
Is Walk and Talk Therapy an exercise program?
No, the focus of walk and talk therapy is not burning calories, achieving a particular heart rate, losing weight, or any of the other typical goals of an exercise program. The goals are always those the client sets for moving towards improved psychological and emotional health. The physical activity in walk and talk therapy can provide a means of achieving those goals, helping you become “unstuck” in a difficult area of your life and begin moving again. Taking therapy outside this way offers opportunities for us to notice together how movement and the physical world bring you more in touch with the way you understand yourself and experience life, and how those things both make up your psychology and offer opportunities to move towards greater health in your mind and emotions. Nature also offers a wealth of metaphors for the work and experience of therapy.
What if I don’t want to walk but would like to meet outside?
We can do that as well! There are many ways being in nature while exploring the things you want to work on in therapy can facilitate and enhance the process. We are happy to talk with you about how time outdoors together can be part of meeting your specific needs in counseling. ​
What if I’m not convenient to your office?
Other therapists in the Atlanta area also integrate Walk and Talk Therapy, or other forms of therapy in nature, in their clinical work. One of the practices we have learned from and recommend is Sole to Soul Therapy & Consulting, LLC: https://soletosoultherapyandconsulting.com/. We can also integrate Walk and Talk Therapy or therapy in nature with telemental health services if you have a mobile device like a cell phone or tablet and earphones/earbuds (see note below on where telemental health services are available).
I've got other questions!
To learn more about Walk and Talk Therapy or therapy in nature, contact us. We look forward to getting outside with you soon! ​​We serve the needs of Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Cumming, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Canton, Woodstock, and the surrounding North Metro Atlanta area for counseling / psychotherapy, psychological testing, and telemental health services.