Walk-and-Talk Therapy: When Getting Outside Can Help You Heal
Sometimes the best conversations don’t happen sitting across from each other in an office. They happen while walking side by side, letting the movement and fresh air loosen things up. That’s the idea behind walk-and-talk therapy-a form of counseling that happens outdoors, often on a trail, in a park, or even through your neighborhood.
Instead of sitting on a couch, you and your therapist walk together, talking through whatever’s on your mind. It’s still real therapy, guided by evidence-based approaches-but with the added benefits of being outdoors and getting your body moving.
Why Walk-and-Talk Therapy Works
Here are a few reasons people find this style of therapy helpful:
Movement helps you think more clearly. Walking stimulates your brain, reduces anxiety, and can make it easier to open up. Many people find it feels more natural to talk while moving than while sitting still.
Nature is calming. Studies show that time outdoors lowers stress levels and boosts mood. Pairing therapy with fresh air can make hard conversations feel more manageable.
It feels less intimidating. Sitting in an office chair face-to-face can feel intense. Walking side-by-side often helps clients feel more comfortable and less “on the spot.”
Mind-body connection. Moving your body while talking about emotions reinforces the idea that mental health and physical health are deeply connected.
Who Might Benefit from Walk-and-Talk Therapy?
Walk-and-talk therapy isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great fit for:
People who feel restless in traditional therapy. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t sit still and talk about my feelings for an hour,” this may be for you.
Clients struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression. Gentle movement and being in nature can reduce symptoms and help you feel grounded.
Teens and young adults. Many adolescents open up more easily when they’re not making direct eye contact, so walking can make tough topics less awkward.
People needing more movement in their day. Walk-and-talk therapy can help you get moving during the workday while still getting the support you need.
Anyone craving a different environment. Sometimes a change of scenery helps you see things from a new perspective.
When Walk-and-Talk Therapy May Not Be the Best Fit
For some situations, an office or telehealth session may be safer or more effective:
If you have mobility challenges that make walking uncomfortable.
During severe weather (your therapist should offer alternatives when conditions aren’t safe).
If privacy is a top concern-public spaces may not feel secure enough for every client.
Is Walk-and-Talk Therapy for You?
Walk-and-talk therapy combines the benefits of counseling with the restorative power of nature and movement. It can help you feel more relaxed, more open, and more connected- to yourself and the world around you.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in traditional therapy or just want to try something new, walk-and-talk sessions could be the fresh perspective you’re looking for.
Middle Way Wellness offers walk-and-talk therapy sessions in Ferndale, MI. We always start and end at our office- walking can be the entire session or part of the session- just let your therapist know what you need. Walking sessions can be every session (as long as conditions allow) or just a session every once in a while. We hope you give it a try!
