Walk and talk therapy is what it says on the tin. Instead of sitting in front of your counsellor in a traditional therapy room, the counselling session takes place outdoors walking side by side. Some clients are more comfortable walking and talking and find it easier to start discussing their problems when strolling along a country or seaside path or around the local area.

During a walk and talk therapy session, you lead the pace just like in a traditional counselling session. Yet the dynamic is fairly different. You and your counsellor are on the same footing, literally, if they want to stroll along and have a relaxing walk that is fine, but equally we can set a quicker pace if that’s what they feel comfortable with. The footpaths are easy to walk and start from my front door.

Walking side by side can be much less intimidating and helps release inhibition. It can be taken as an introduction to counselling, followed up by a more formal type of therapy if you are apprehensive about being alone in a room with a therapist looking directly at you.

I have found walking and talking therapy effective with people of all ages. Some clients like to stroll along at a gentle pace finding being surrounded by nature very reassuring. Some of my clients have found it a good alternative to being in my counselling room as they have a sense of freedom and feel more able to unburden themselves. Just being connected to the outside world can be beneficial, and walking and talking can help with numerous problems, not just depression and anxiety but loss and grief, or any kind of difficult life transitions you may be facing – personal, relationship-based, family or work related. Walking can help to ground you and that in itself is good.