Walk & Talk Therapy Sessions
Collaborating with nature on your healing journey
Walk & Talk
Therapy Sessions
Collaborating with nature
on your healing journey
Walk & talk therapy is a way of taking the therapeutic benefit of talk therapy outside, combining it with fresh air and movement in the vicinity of the clinic.
Why walk outside?
- Nervous system regulation: Nature has a calming presence that helps to lower activation and distress, making it easier to process difficult emotions. Additionally bi-lateral stimulation (walking) has been proven to help process distress and aid in regulation.
- Reduced Intensity: Walking side-by-side can feel less intense than face-to-face conversation for some, increasing a sense of safety so that clients may be able to open up more easily.
- Grounding & Presence: Engaging the senses in nature supports mindfulness and somatic awareness — core tools in trauma-informed work.
- Whole-Body Wellbeing: Gentle movement and fresh air add a physical dimension to mental health support, honouring the mind-body connection, reducing stress, and deepening self-reflection.
- Something different: Sometimes trying something different stimulates a change in perspective and can help clients get past feeling stuck.
Did you know?
Walk & Talk sessions are available at either clinic. In East Vancouver we will walk around a nearby park and in North Vancouver we will go into the nearby forest paths, providing that it is light enough. If it is dark, we can walk around the neighbourhood. I am not afraid of weather but I do have office space available in these time slots so it is always an option to move the session inside.
Please wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. All therapeutic principles of confidentiality and care apply to walk & talk sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confidentiality is imperative in counselling and while being outdoors is not without risk, All therapeutic principles of confidentiality and care apply to walk & talk sessions.
In my experience, even when there are many people out walking, it is usually possible to find a quiet path, or pause for a moment while others pass.
I tend to have a good memory but I do have a small notebook that I may pull out from time to time. However, I do require that the initial session be in the clinic so that we can complete the intake.
Get started on your healing journey today
Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to set up a free 20-minute online consultation to see if we’re a good fit. If you can’t find a time that works for you, contact me directly.