When we imagine therapy, many of us picture two people sitting in a room, facing one another, talking. While this setting can be deeply supportive, it isn’t the only way meaningful therapeutic work can happen. For some people, working outdoors and alongside gentle movement can offer a different, and sometimes more accessible, way into therapy.
Walk-and-talk therapy is exactly what it sounds like: we meet outdoors and walk together while engaging in the therapeutic conversation. The focus remains on the therapy, but the setting and posture are different — side by side rather than face to face, moving rather than sitting still.
How walk-and-talk therapy works
Sessions take place in a quiet, accessible outdoor setting and last the same length as a regular therapy session. We walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you, with the option to pause, slow down, or stop at any point. There’s no pressure to keep moving if you need stillness.
The therapeutic work unfolds much as it would in a room: we talk, reflect, notice patterns, and explore what’s present for you. The difference is that the environment and movement become part of the holding space, rather than something separate from it.
Practicalities such as confidentiality, boundaries, and safety are discussed in advance, and we regularly check in about how the format feels for you. Walk-and-talk therapy is always a choice, and it can be adapted or paused if it stops feeling supportive.
Why working outdoors can help: the benefits of Walk & Talk Therapy
For some people, sitting face to face in a room can feel intense, exposing, or overwhelming — especially at the beginning of therapy or when working with difficult experiences. Being outdoors and walking side by side can soften that intensity.
Gentle movement can support:
- Grounding and nervous system regulation
- Staying present with difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed
- Thinking and talking more freely
- A sense of containment through rhythm and pace
Nature can also offer subtle support. The wider environment can make space for emotion, allow pauses without pressure, and remind us that change, cycles, and movement are natural parts of life.
Walk-and-talk therapy and trauma-informed work
From a trauma-informed perspective, choice, pacing, and a sense of safety are central. Walk-and-talk therapy can offer an additional layer of support by engaging the body alongside the mind.
For some people, movement helps discharge excess tension, regulate arousal, or create a feeling of stability. Walking at a steady, chosen pace can feel containing and orienting, making it easier to stay connected to what’s happening inside while remaining anchored in the present moment.
This doesn’t mean walk-and-talk therapy is “lighter” or less meaningful — depth and emotional complexity are very much welcome. It simply offers a different way of holding the work, one that can feel gentler for some nervous systems.
Who might find walk-and-talk therapy helpful?
Walk-and-talk therapy may be particularly suitable if you:
- Feel anxious, restless, or stuck when sitting still
- Find face-to-face conversations intense or overwhelming
- Are working with anxiety, trauma, grief, or life transitions
- Feel more at ease outdoors or in motion
- Are curious about a more embodied way of working
It may not be the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. Some people prefer the consistency and privacy of a therapy room, or may have practical or physical considerations that make walking difficult. We can always explore what feels most supportive for you.
Starting with walk-and-talk therapy
In my practice, the first session usually takes place online, allowing time to talk through what’s bringing you to therapy, discuss practicalities, and decide together whether walk-and-talk therapy feels like a good fit. From there, sessions can take place outdoors, with the option to move between formats if needed.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Walk-and-talk therapy is simply one of the ways I offer space for reflection, connection, and change — grounded in care, collaboration, and respect for your pace.
If you’re curious about whether walk-and-talk therapy might suit you, you’re very welcome to get in touch and ask.