Bringing Nature to the Therapy Session
What is Walk-and-Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy is psychotherapy that takes place outdoors while walking. The focus of therapy remains the same as in an office setting—your goals, challenges, and growth—but the environment is different.
Movement and being outside can help people feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to their thoughts and emotions. Research shows that both physical activity and time in nature can support mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and helping with emotional regulation. When combined with therapy, these benefits may enhance the therapeutic process for some people.
Sessions are always tailored to your needs, including the pace, route, and structure of the walk.
Is walk and talk therapy right for me?
Walk and Talk Therapy might be a good fit if you:
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Feel more comfortable talking while moving
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Enjoy being outdoors or feel calmer outside
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Notice that walking helps you think or process emotions
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Prefer a less formal therapy setting
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Find traditional office therapy feels limiting or intimidating
It may not be the best fit if you:
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Prefer sitting in a private, indoor space
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Need a very quiet or controlled environment
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Have concerns about being outdoors for sessions
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We can always talk through your preferences and decide together what feels most supportive. Walk and Talk Therapy can also be combined with in-office or telehealth sessions if that works best for you.
Is walk-and-talk available for those with disabilities?
Yes. Walk and Talk Therapy can be adapted to support a wide range of abilities and access needs.
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Options may include:
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Using wheelchair-accessible or paved paths
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Walking short distances or at a very slow pace
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Taking frequent breaks or sitting outdoors instead of walking
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Adjusting the session structure to support comfort and safety
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Combining outdoor sessions with in-office or telehealth therapy
Having a disability does not automatically rule out Walk and Talk Therapy. The goal is to create a therapy experience that feels accessible, respectful, and supportive. We will collaborate to determine what accommodations are needed and whether this format is right for you.
What Does the Research Say?
While research on Walk and Talk Therapy specifically is still growing, existing studies and related research offer encouraging support:
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Studies comparing outdoor walk-based therapy to traditional indoor therapy have found similar or greater improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall stress for some participants.
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Research consistently shows that walking can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially when done regularly.
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Time spent in natural environments has been linked to lower stress levels, improved emotional wellbeing, and clearer thinking.
Together, these findings suggest that Walk and Talk Therapy can be an effective option for many people, particularly those who benefit from movement and outdoor settings.
What About Confidentiality?
With an outdoor setting, we do have the possibility of running into others that we know. This is where our planning will come into place. Before we begin our Walk and Talk sessions, and as part of our intake process, we will discus steps for managing such encounters. The response to their greeting may be as simple as, "hey, can I catch up with you later," and then we move on with our walk. This works both ways, whether the encounter is with someone you know or someone your therapist knows.
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We will go into more depth during our intake session to make sure that you are comfortable with the possibilities and ways of addressing them before we begin our first Walk and Talk session.