benefits of nature
Being in nature has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, and enhance feelings of relaxation. Natural settings can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, making it easier for clients to open up and explore their feelings.
Walk and talk therapy inherently involves gentle physical activity, which can boost mood and improve physical health. This movement helps release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with depression or anxiety.
Spending time outdoors can enhance cognitive functions like memory and attention. This mental clarity can lead to more productive therapy sessions where clients may find it easier to focus and engage in reflective thinking.
Just as natural landscapes go through seasons and cycles, individuals in therapy often work through cycles of growth, setback, and renewal. Experiencing these natural cycles can reinforce the therapeutic process, emphasizing the normalcy and necessity of change.
Nature-based therapy can be more accessible for some individuals who might feel more at ease in an open, neutral space rather than a structured clinical environment.
Nature stimulates the senses — sight, sound, smell, and touch — which can be grounding and help individuals stay present. This sensory engagement is an excellent counterbalance to the often overwhelming digital and urban stimuli many people experience daily.
The side-by-side nature of walking can make conversations feel less intense than face-to-face interactions in a traditional office setting. This can be particularly beneficial for those who feel intimidated or confined by conventional therapy environments.
Engaging with nature can enhance creativity and open-mindedness. The complexity and beauty of natural settings can inspire new perspectives and ideas, paralleling clients’ mental and emotional journeys. This helps them discover new solutions and approaches to their challenges, especially useful for overcoming mental blocks or complex issues.
There are 3 primary locations that I meet clients to begin our session. We will discuss location and plan out any necessary variables prior to our session to ensure comfort, safety and efficiency.
1. Intersection of Rawlings Trail and North Lagoon Dr. This is located at the north west corner of lost lagoon. There is a stone bridge nearby
2. Second Beach Entry. Just north of second beach concession is a long parking lot
3. Prospect Point playing field and picnic area. There is a convenient parking lot located here with plenty of parking and trails begin in this area.
There are some limitations to Walk & Talk counselling. If you are more comfortable meeting virtually or in office, then let’s do that.
Mobility and Stability Issues: If you are unable to move around on gravel paths or up and down stairs, then walk and talk therapy might not be suitable for your case.
No guarantee for privacy: Therapy can be an emotionally vulnerable experience, and is deserving of privacy and respect. Being in a public park, we are not afforded the luxury of absolute privacy, but this is not typically an issue.
Familiarity with Nature and Therapist: Going on a walk in the woods with a new therapist can be stressful. Clients typically have at least 1 consult and one virtual meeting prior to an outdoor session. That being said, if you’re comfortable diving straight in, then lets get to work.
Weather: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor apparel.” -Some jerk who had nice gear, and probably gortex… Let’s face it, being in the outdoors in cold and wet weather isn’t for everybody. I’m ok with working in the rain, but if weather is not cooperating we typically conduct sessions either over virtual, or under a shelter of some kind.
There are therapists that fit, and therapists that don;t. This is a zero pressure opportunity to connect, take a peek under the hood and see if we both think working together would be beneficial for you.
