3 Reasons to Try Walk and Talk Therapy

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I just hung up the phone with a colleague who wanted to pick my brain about providing Walk and Talk Therapy. Our call got me thinking about all the incredible benefits of this, seemingly to some, out-of-the box therapy, and why more people should consider trying it.

Walk and Talk Therapy is just that—walking while talking with a trained therapist. It’s exercise but not cardio. Collaborative and professional. Walk and Talk is a useful type of treatment for many people. Anyone suffering from anxiety or depression, coping with grief or loss, or those feeling stagnant in life may find it beneficial. This article talks about the benefits for new moms and also talks more about what Walk and Talk is, and what it isn’t (How walk and Talk Will Change Your Life, Mama).

Here are three MORE reasons to consider Walk and Talk Therapy:

  1. Walk and Talk Therapy allows you to take small steps towards your goals. It’s a great metaphor. With each step, you’re moving forward in life, leaving your problems behind figuratively and literally. You’re no longer thinking about starting therapy, you’re engaging in it actively. You’re no longer thinking about exercise, you’re moving. Small steps change lives.

  2. You’ll feel Better—Both therapy and exercise are linked to improved mood and a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical exercise releases endorphins, which naturally spark positive feelings that help to reduce levels of depression and anxiety and prevent depressive symptoms. Being in nature is not only restorative but can improve your positive outlook on life and your ability to cope and recover from stress and illness.  Walk and Talk Therapy leaves many people with improved self-esteem and sleep, and a greater overall sense of well-being.
     
  3. Hello multi-tasking! Life is busy, and carving out time for exercise, fresh air and your mental health can be daunting. Combining movement and therapy in nature is a convenient way to make progress in multiple areas of life that need tending. We've all heard sitting referred to as the new smoking. It’s not enough to just think about our need for more exercise, we need tools and plans that allow us to implement exercise in ways that don’t add greater stress to our lives.

 If you’ve been thinking about starting or resuming counseling, could Walk and Talk would be a good fit for you? What do you think? Please chime in below in the comments section!

If you’d like to learn more about Walk and Talk therapy and live in San Diego, schedule your free 30 minute in-person consultation to find out if I might be the right fit for you!