Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk therapy is an embodiment and mindfulness practice that supports clients to be physically active while getting the benefits of psychotherapy. The benefits include:
- Increases mind-body connection with physical movement and emotional processing
- Promotes mindfulness and gratitude practices by connecting with nature
- Generates creativity and problem solving
- Can help clients get “unstuck” when confronting difficult problems
- May be helpful for clients that are uncomfortable with more traditional therapy settings
Walk and Talk therapy is available on Friday mornings at Kate Pace Way to Cranberry Road (off Lakeshore Drive). It is offered May to October, depending on the weather.
What is the cost?
Walk and Talk therapy is $165. There is free parking available at both walking sites. Therapist parking fees will not be charged to the client.
I’m a new client, can I start with Walk and Talk therapy?
Any new clients must start with at least one in-office session or video session prior to beginning Walk and Talk Therapy.
The initial session is so we have an appropriate setting to complete consent forms, do intake paperwork, and to get to know each other more. From there, we can further discuss walking therapy, and if it would be a good fit from you.
Walk and Talk therapy is not available for couples therapy. Student associates are not permitted to conduct Walk and Talk Therapy.
What hours and days of the week is it available?
Friday mornings from 9am to 1:00pm at Kate Pace Way to Cranberry Road (off Lakeshore Drive).
What do I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate to moving your body and to the weather. You may want to have sunglasses, head covering, light jacket, bug spray and sunscreen to your personal preferences.
How does the weather impact the service?
It will be offered year-round and under certain weather conditions, continuing with light rain/light snow. If there is a forecast for heavy rain, thunderstorms, or heavy snow, we will reschedule your appointment to an appropriate date and time. Spring, Summer and Fall walk and talk sessions with continue with temperatures between 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Conditions of the trails will always be considered, and the route may be switched to the nearest safe roadway.
Can I switch between walking therapy and other therapy settings?
Yes! You can choose a hybrid approach to accessing therapy including walk and talk, in-person or virtual therapy; we will collaborate together to ensure the therapy setting works promotes your comfort, safety, and therapeutic goals.
What about confidentiality?
It is understandable that confidentiality is a concern both for us and the clients we serve. It is possible that others may overhear the conversation as they walk by or that there is the chance of seeing someone either of us knows on the trail. Prior to beginning Walk and Talk Therapy, we will take time in-office to review a consent form tailored to these confidentiality issues and discuss your options.
We may agree to limit our conversation when in earshot of another person, and we will make an agreement as to how we will handle the potential situation of running into someone you may know. We may also discuss whether there are certain issues you prefer not to discuss at Walk and Talk therapy, instead opting to discuss those issues in other therapeutic settings.
The goal for therapy is your comfort and safety regardless of where we meet for therapy.
What other things should I consider before engaging in this form of therapy?
While movement may be a benefit to clients physically, the focus is not about exercise. Prior to engaging, clients will be in good physical condition and do not suffer from any known disability or condition which would prevent or limit their participation in Walk and Talk Therapy.
Although this is not exercise or workout training, Walk and Talk therapy may involve strenuous physical activity including, but not limited to, light cardiovascular activity. Aside from the limits to confidentiality outlined above, outdoor environments also contain a variety of hazards which include traffic, insects, and slippery walking surfaces.
Clients will take full responsibility for their medical and physical well-being during each session.
