Walk and Talk Therapy

What is “Walk and Talk” Therapy?

Imagine spending time with your therapist outside, going for a walk, on a beautiful day where you get to talk about what you’re going through and feel supported. Instead of being in an office space, face-to-face, you get to walk side-by-side with your therapist, processing your thoughts, stressful life events and related emotions. The therapeutic treatments remain the same including reframing thought patterns or rewiring emotional responses, however the environment is different. Its…nice outside! You, as the client, also get to set the walking pace that works best for you and always have the option to rest on a nearby bench if desired.

In addition to therapy itself, both exercise and spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, have long been linked through a multitude of studies with both a reduction in symptoms associated with depression, stress, and anxiety and an improved overall mood. Regular exercise has also been shown to help boost self-esteem and improve sleep. Furthermore,regular exercise such as walking has been proven to increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, all of which produce a feeling of mental wellbeing.

Taking a walk in nature with your therapist can bring your mind into the present moment, providing a feeling of being centred, while reducing intrusive or ruminating thought patterns. The outdoor space provides the perfect opportunity for mindfulness meditation as well. Walk and talk therapy can help to reduce feelings of anger and allow for emotional regulation of the nervous system. Walk and talk therapy is recommended for people who have a sense of feeling stuck in their lives since walking is a literal a way to show your body and mind that youcan keep moving forward in your life.

At Dalhousie Health and Wellness we are blessed to be located very close to the lovely Port Dalhousie and Jaycee Park. Book your “Walk and Talk Therapy” session with Carol Cowan today and explore the benefits for yourself! Sessions are 55 min in length. https://www.dalhousiehealthandwellness.com/psychotherapy.html

Carol is a registered Social Worker with a background as a personal trainer and yoga instructor.