The benefits of Walk & Talk Therapy

‘Walk & Talk’ Therapy is part of the Eco-Therapy movement, which is a blend of ‘Ecology’ and ‘Psychotherapy’ or ‘Counselling’...read on to find out more and my approach to this wonderful alternative to the clinic.

Walk & Talk Therapy - Beaulieu Forest.

There are several well-known benefits to being outdoors in nature, from lowered anxiety, depression, and stress levels as well as increased well-being. Not only is it great for the mind but it is good for the body too!

Some clients may find it difficult to talk and to think if they feel confined within a traditional clinic based therapeutic environment.

I have met several people that struggle to relax and open up whilst sitting in a room, which can further compound the stresses and strain they may feel under at that moment in time. Others may just enjoy a different surrounding and being ‘part’ of nature. They may have been sitting in front of a computer all day at the office and welcome the opportunity to stretch the legs and loosen the body, which can often facilitate an opening up of a discussion.

As with all of our therapy services, an initial online or telephone consultation will occur. I will discuss with the client important aspects around safeguarding and confidentiality for therapy that is held whilst walking and establish whether it is truly suitable.

Nature will come into the sessions in many ways via metaphors, e.g., birds swooping or singing, the ponies & cattle foraging for food, the trees swaying in the wind as well as using mindfulness by connecting with the natural environment.

New Forest Ponies & Foals - Outside the Clinic at Hill Top Beaulieu.

Observing people navigate paths, trees, streams, and wildlife can be enlightening and informative as part of the therapeutic journey and the meaning it may hold for clients can be quite profound.

We are truly blessed to have our Clinic facing directly on to the New Forest heath-land and backing on to wonderful woodlands, so the choice of scenic routes is endless. The speed, distance, and type of route is adapted to suit the client within the given time-frame.

King's Hat Enclosure Beaulieu - One of the routes taken.

I have lived on the Forest for much of my life and know the types of terrains and well walked paths, so will be able to gauge the best trail to take so that my clients maximise the benefits as well as getting back to clinic within time. This helps with bringing a natural end to the therapy session.

To find out more please feel free to get in touch or book a session over the phone or online.