Walk and talk therapy is a relatively new form of therapy growing in popularity. It involves meeting with a therapist outdoors for a walk and discussing whatever comes up during the walk. It can be a great way to get out some of your frustrations or explore issues you might not feel comfortable discussing in a traditional setting. In this article, we will discuss what is walk and talk therapy and the benefits and drawbacks of this type of therapy.
What is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy is a type of therapy that is conducted outdoors, during which the therapist and client talk about whatever comes up. It can be a great way to get out some of your frustrations or explore issues you might not feel comfortable discussing in a traditional setting. Walk and talk therapy can also be used as a supplement to traditional therapy or as a way to transition into traditional therapy if you are hesitant about it.
Step by Step Guide for Walk & Talk Therapy
Now that you know a little bit more about what walk and talk therapy is let’s dive into how it works. Here is a step-by-step guide for conducting walk and talk therapy:
Step One
Schedule an appointment with your therapist. If you are comfortable with the idea of walk-and-talk therapy, great! If not, that’s okay too. You can always mention your reservations to your therapist and see if walk-and-talk therapy is right for you.
Step Two
Meet your therapist at the agreed-upon location, which will typically be a park or other outdoor space
Step Three
The therapist will likely start by asking how you’re doing and why you’ve decided to try walk and talk therapy. From there, the therapist will help guide the conversation. Next, you’ll talk about whatever is on your mind, and the therapist will provide support and feedback.
Step Four
Once you’re comfortable, you will start walking and talking. The therapist will encourage you to share whatever is on your mind and will help facilitate discussion if needed.
Step Five
Walk and talk therapy sessions typically last for 30-60 minutes. At the end of the session, the therapist will help you identify any progress made and set goals for future sessions.
Step Six
After the session, the therapist will debrief you and discuss any homework or next steps. They will also provide you with resources if needed.
The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy
There are many benefits to walk and talk therapy:
- It can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while you discuss your problems. Walking has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress levels and improving mental clarity.
- Walk and talk therapy can be less intimidating than traditional therapy, as it takes place in a more natural setting.
- Walk and talk therapy can help to build trust between you and your therapist, as it allows for more open communication.
Holistic and Spiritual Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits of the walk and talk therapy, there are also holistic and spiritual benefits. For example, walking in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve moods. It can also help to connect you with your surroundings and increase your sense of peace and well-being. Additionally, walk and talk therapy can help you connect with your therapist on a deeper level, allowing for more open communication.
Conclusion
Walk and talk therapy may be the perfect option if you are looking for a new way to approach therapy. This type of therapy is still relatively new, so there is not a lot of research on its effectiveness. However, the early evidence suggests that it may be helpful for people who have trouble staying on track during traditional therapy sessions or feel uncomfortable in a therapist’s office. If you want to try walk and talk therapy, consult with your therapist to see if it is an appropriate treatment for you.
