Walk & Talk Therapy
Getting off the couch and moving toward a new horizon…
Are you dissatisfied in one or more areas of your life?
Does your daily life feel off balance?
Do you sometimes not like the person you have become?
Are there dreams you have abandoned?
Has your relationship or career become a huge disappointment?
Regardless of the motivation, you can use it to propel you forward in Walk & Talk therapy. Clients with intense feelings of anxieties, fears, depression, and disillusionment have found Walk & Talk therapy to be a tool for change and progression!
The sessions are the same as office sessions…
… except we are out in nature while we walk and talk.
I began researching it many years ago and learned there had been clinicians doing this since 2000. I had never really heard of it, but I knew that movement was always a good thing for anyone… and walking while talking was helpful in my personal relationships.
Ever hear the term “runner’s high”?
This term was first described in detail in a book called The Joy of Running. In 1976, it became a bestseller. This book was written by the pioneer in the field of running therapy, Dr. Thaddeus Kostrubala; he is also an anthropologist, doctor, and retired psychiatrist. He explains to the reader the important role movement plays in psychological well-being.
Dr. Kostrubala discusses how running can lead to a path of self-discovery and even profound change. Some reports included: introverts who became extroverted; depressed individuals recovered totally from their depression; anxiety completely disappeared in some cases, and, in others, it diminished significantly.
By the 1980s, many therapists were exploring the benefits from Dr. Kostrubala’s hypothesis that rhythmic exercise, such as walking, can be conducive to the process of self-discovery. In addition to the movement, therapists noticed there were also benefits for their clients who got out of the office and into nature. Going for a walk enabled them to have both benefits from nature and movement.
So, I must get physical for therapy to work?
Only if you prefer it!
It is simply another helpful tool in supporting you as you focus on your goals. Again, I follow the lead of you as the client as we work together to develop strategies and utilize tools that work for YOU.
Whether you choose Walk & Talk therapy or continue to come to my office for our session, the focus remains on your path to healing, change, and emotional well-being. Your journey, either way, will include challenges, concerns, and fears – the unique difference is that we conduct the session outdoors while walking together.
If you’re wondering about confidentiality…
Walk & Talk therapy sessions remain confidential in the same way our office sessions are confidential.
You might be wondering: “What if we run into someone I know while we’re walking?!” If that happens, I will follow your cue about whether to be introduced or not. If introduced, you do not need to identify me as a therapist. You can call me by my first name. Since our society is accustomed to individuals walking together and talking, it is not necessary to identify our time as “therapy” to anyone.
You can choose to acknowledge or not acknowledge me according to your own comfort.
Don’t worry: I will never do or say anything to compromise confidentiality.
It might not be for everyone, but chances are it’s for you!
For example, Jeff* is coming to therapy to deal with a recent loss of a serious relationship that ended after he was involved in a devastating accident. He is experiencing chronic pain and he recently had back surgery – yet he never wanted to talk about the physical stuff.
He kept saying, “I can handle physical pain. But I can’t live with this heartache, Doc.” Jeff isn’t a quitter; although heartbroken and having some suicidal ideation, he reached out for therapy as a last “hope.” He has worked through the emotional pain of both significant losses and is feeling a respite from the storm.
In the past month, his depression has reduced significantly. In fact, in our recent session, he reported his depression has reduced significantly, and his psychiatrist is considering weaning him off medication. He excitedly asked me if I thought he might be a good candidate for pain management therapy.
Jeff was not a good candidate for Walk & Talk therapy because of his physical limitations.
But for so many others, it just makes sense!
A lot of folks work hard all day, and they don’t want to do another traditional “meeting” after work (e.g., a kid’s school function, a doctor’s appointment, or a visit to a therapist’s office).
Some people find they can relax easier if they are outdoors in nature than sitting indoors. The more relaxed they feel, the easier it is to open up and talk about the “hard stuff.”
A few clients have shared that they find that moving and walking helps them process nervous energy; whereas, sitting still in the office where we are looking at each other face to face makes them too self-conscious to feel safe enough to really open up all the way about what’s eating them up inside.
Let’s talk about the unique benefits of Walk & Talk…
Many of my clients who have experienced compounded trauma have difficulty being still in my office for therapy. They ask if they can pace, look out of the window, or even sit in the corner or on the floor. These clients have reported how walking with me instead of sitting indoors helps them to share more openly and feel less vulnerable.
It helps anxious clients to experience calm. These clients report that it helps them focus and gain clarity just by moving and eliminating anxiety about the subject matter.
They experience the Walk & Talk sessions as less threatening and more like a chat with a friend. It provides an opportunity to relieve body tension, improve circulation, breathe deep, and reduce stress. It also helps them to clear their mind of any intrusive, negative, and ruminative thoughts. Most clients find that Walk & Talk sessions help them by decreasing anxiety, regulating mood, and even enjoying more restful sleep.
Walk & Talk therapy also brightens the day of a depressed client. The environment around them in nature instills hope, and they report feeling better about themselves just from having walked and talked aloud their struggles.
Plus, some have said that not having to make eye contact and walking beside me feels more like being with a friend and confidante rather than a “professional who is analyzing them.” That calms them, which helps them to open up more.
Many Walk & Talk therapists report: Somehow the simple act of walking while talking out life’s issues creates change through forward movement. Through the rhythm of walking and talking, there is synchronicity between the counselor and client. At a moderate pace, healing and breakthroughs occur!
You will set the pace, and I will support you as you move forward both physically and emotionally.
You probably have questions. Here are some answers…
Where is the walking location? Where do we meet?
How long is the Walk & Talk session?
Is there an additional cost for Walk & Talk therapy?
Will I lose weight?
Maybe… but the goal isn’t weight loss… it’s processing. The movement supports the psychological experience of processing in a variety of ways. Circulation is improved throughout your body and that brings benefits to your brain, bodily organs, and entire circulatory system.
The benefit of exercise is certainly not to be overlooked, but we will not be focused on strenuous activity for the purpose of calorie burning. You will be able to tell a difference after our session whether you choose to walk speedily or slowly.
I’m old, lazy, overweight, etc. What if I give up?
We will find your comfort zone. This is not a contest or race. I would encourage you to try it… after all, you might like it!
Clients of all ages are enjoying Walk & Talk. I’ve had teenagers to senior citizens say “yes” and benefit!
The focus is always on your therapy, not your fitness. In fact, starting out we can walk a little and pause to sit and talk a bit… and then walk again when we’re ready.
There is no shame or blame in the office, and there is none outdoors either!
Do you do this to get YOUR exercise?
The movement is energizing for both of us; however, I am not doing this for my personal exercise (I have a routine 3 days a week I do with my fitness coach!).
Again, this time is solely about you. I enjoy Walk & Talk therapy because it’s a non-threatening and effective way of addressing stubborn issues they’ve dealt with for years. That’s exciting!
Do we have to commit to a certain number of walks or can I alternate office visits with Walk & Talk?
If you want to try Walk & Talk but find it isn’t for you… that’s fine.
If you want to do Walk & Talk only occasionally… that’s fine, too.
If you want to alternate week to week… that’s fine!
It’s your call. I am happy to accommodate what works and feels most comfortable to you.
What about Houston’s unpredictable weather?
It is your choice to make the “weather call.” My office is always an option, and I respect your decision about which location is preferred.
Of course, we will not want to walk if ominous conditions are threatening, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Otherwise, though, I’ll join you regardless of the heat, humidity, or rain!
Are you ready? Here’s your next step…
This time is about you… and we will tailor it to suit your needs and goals. Together, we will move you toward a healthier way of relating to your mind, body, and spirit!
I’ve personally witnessed rapid improvement in symptoms with many Walk & Talk clients. I’m excited to share this with you, too!
If you have any medical conditions, be sure to check with your primary care physician to determine if you have any health problems that would prevent you from participating in Walk & Talk therapy.
But if you’re ready, grab some comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle if you want it!
To get started, just call (281) 900-8040 or email me. There will be some forms to complete (it’s easy to do online), but I’ll tell you about that when you call. I look forward to hearing from you!
*Names and demographics changed to preserve client confidentiality.