“To find new things, take the path you took yesterday.” John Burroughs
There are different kinds of walking. There is the kind of walking where the intention is to travel from point A to B and another where the focus is on being aware of your body, movements, or surrounding environment. The first is primarily about reaching a destination while the second emphasises the process of walking itself; where you end up at is significantly less important. It is the latter type of walking that is involved in ‘walk and talk therapy’ where sessions are conducted outdoors as you walk and talk.
This different approach to therapy is uniquely beneficial in several ways and especially helpful for individuals going through specific circumstances.
Firstly, a change in our surroundings can spur new associations and in turn new perspectives and ways of thinking. As a result of novel stimulations, different neural pathways can be fired off resulting in new thought processes. By experiencing new environments in this way, we may be able to gain new perspectives on ‘old issues’. Longstanding issues that we feel ‘stuck’ on can suddenly give way to new viewpoints and creative solutions around it; we gain clarity and clear up space in our mind for a sense of renewal and hope for the future.
Walking outdoors in nature is also a tangible way by which we can regulate our internal experience and physical body to feel greater peace and calm. Connection to nature helps activate the parasympathetic part of our autonomic nervous system which is responsible for down-regulating into rest and recovery. A slower heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and increased digestion are examples that our body is in this restful recovery mode. Through walking therapy, we create an opportunity to shift our attention away from the (often unhelpful) voice chattering in our mind which overly activates or mobilises us to act out of fear of anxiety. This is especially true for many individuals who feel as if there is a mind/body disconnection and feel numb, dissociated or unable to really sense into sensations or feelings. When we start connecting to our natural surroundings, we ‘get out of our head’ and back into our body, thus feeling more grounded and allowing respite from rumination and overthinking.
Similarly, for individuals who have difficulty concentrating or feel uncomfortable in the constraints of an office, being outdoors can be incredibly freeing and enable greater ability to open up. Having a therapist walk beside you without having to make too much eye-contact can be especially helpful for those who might find face to face conversations in a therapy room too intense.
Finally, physical movement no matter how moderate is well known to positively impact our mental health. (Hello Endorphins!) We’re almost guaranteed to feel better after moving our body. For those who are not involved in a sport or regular exercise, even light physical activity has been found to improve mood, reduce feelings of stress or pain, as well as alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety.
Walking therapy uniquely integrates aspects of traditional talk therapy with ecotherapy and somatic therapy. These sessions are a tangible and experiential way to engage the mind and the body as well as allowing our natural surroundings to help with the healing process.
Walk and Talk Sessions are 50 minutes long and take place around the Central and/or Mid-Levels area. Please get in touch here if you would like to set up a session or have any questions. You can also find more information and FAQs about Walk and Talk Sessions here.