Walk and Talk Therapy

How does it work?

It’s all in the name: we’ll walk while we talk! We will meet at the Auditorium Shores Park on the south side of Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake for the Austin newbies). There are multiple walking trail options, as well as, the grassy park area itself. I empower my clients to lead the way during our walk and talk sessions. You are responsible for setting the pace and communicating at any time if you would like to sit and take a break. We will utilize teletherapy as our back up option in the event of inclement weather. Click here to learn more about how to show up prepared for your walk and talk session.

Is Walk and Talk right for me?

Walk and Talk might be a good fit for you if:

  • You feel safe outdoors and find nature to be enjoyable, calming, and grounding

  • You are feeling stuck and find the traditional office setting to be stifling

  • Moving your body is a mechanism that you are interested in engaging with more

  • You are interested in breaking the stigma that therapy should be hidden and behind closed doors

What are the potential benefits?

  • Feeling stuck? Incorporating movement by walking with your therapist can help shift your mindset forward and help increase motivation to make progress toward your goals.

  • Bilateral stimulation involves alternating stimulation of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This nervous system calming technique can be accomplished through many different activities, walking being one of them. Engaging in activities that promote bilateral stimulation has been shown to improve executive functioning skills, alleviate symptoms associated with a plethora of stress related disorders, aid in our nervous system's transition from a fight-flight-freeze state to a more grounded rest and digest state, and much more.

  • Combining nature based movement with therapeutic discussion can aid in our ability to process emotions and in real time practice using tools to regulate our nervous system's response to stressors ultimately leading to increasing our emotional resilience.

  • Inviting in the nurturing powers of nature gives us the opportunity to practice mindfulness and engaging with the present moment. Consistent use of mindfulness practices is linked to increased self awareness, deeper connections with others, and overall reduced stress.

As with any form of therapy, Walk and Talk Therapy has its own set of unique risks to take under consideration such as safety and confidentiality concerns, weather unpredictability, and environmental distractions. We can collaborate together to plan accordingly in order to minimize risks. If you are curious to learn more to see if Walk and Talk Therapy might be a good fit for your needs, I invite you to schedule a free consultation by clicking the ‘ready to get started’ button above.