What to expect from walk and talk counselling

Outdoor counselling sessions in green, natural spaces are sometimes called ecotherapy. This refers to being in the natural ecology to experience a connection with the environment. This could be in a city centre park or a countryside walkway, along a riverbank or by the sea. The counselling room expands into the real-world setting.

How does walk and talk work?

When you meet up with your counsellor/therapist outdoors, the office becomes the natural setting, and both people walk side by side. Meeting one another as equals and striding along the pathway together, at the same pace. The natural environment offers a relaxed, calm space with the ancient trees around and the grasses and flowers giving scents and shelter.

It is an invitation to enter the beauty of nature. As you walk on and share whatever issues need to be discussed, the birds will chirp, the water will flow, the sky will cloud over, or the sun will shine. All the senses are stirred by nature, keeping you in the here and now and bringing you gifts, such as a fluttering butterfly or a clear rainbow.

The effect of being in nature on your nervous system is a calming one, which influences your mood. It is an uplifting feeling. Being mindful of your own inner senses and the natural setting keeps you in the present moment and maintains a safe connection. 

What can you expect from walk and talk counselling/therapy?

You may need to wear walking or comfortable boots or trainers and waterproof clothing. In the summer, you may need to apply sunscreen or wear appropriate light clothing and a hat. A drink of water is always useful to bring on a walk.

You should expect your counsellor to have prepared and planned this walk in advance and risk assessed it. This will provide safety and could also let you know where the toilets can be accessed. The clear instructions for where to meet up and where you will be walking. A short summary of the walk will give you information about what kind of terrain to expect, what natural space will provide and any seats on the walk. The time to meet and the duration of the walk will be maintained within boundaries.

Are there any other risks?

Sometimes, unexpected things may happen, such as a heavy downpour. The weather can be unpredictable, and it is always a good idea to take an umbrella or a waterproof jacket. If it is too dangerous to walk on the day due to icy conditions, your walk may have to be rescheduled. Another possibility is that you may meet someone whom you know or who your counsellor knows. In this situation, it may be best to discuss this event with your counsellor and agree on a response that keeps both people safe and working ethically.

What are the advantages of walk and talk?

Being connected to nature has a grounding effect both in the physical body as well as in the inner sensations and emotional regulation. It is a mindful experience of all of the senses and will offer a here-and-now experience. It is not a walk from A to B, but rather it is the walk that is the way. By looking at the tree tops, listening to the birds sing, feeling the wind and smelling the flowers, you will fill your senses in the moment and connect with the natural space. Living in the city centre, surrounded by concrete, can negatively impact a person's mood, but having a park or riverbank nearby can transform your whole body-mind connection. 

Walk and talk counselling removes a power imbalance from the counsellor/client relationship, as both walk side by side. The freedom to look around you and see what is there, listen and touch your natural space, offers a sense of autonomy that is not available if working indoors. Inhibitions are lightened, due to not being face-to-face with another person, but walking side-by-side, and this allows a client to express themselves with less fear of judgement.

The regular exercise improves mood, circulation, blood flow, homeostatic regulation, breathing, muscle development, skin and fitness. 

Where can I find a walk-and-talk counsellor?

Counsellors advertise what type of session they offer on the Counselling Directory. This information can be searched for by entering 'Walk and talk' in the search box or using the advanced search tool and selecting 'Walk and talk' from the 'Type of therapy' dropdown.