Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
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What is running therapy?
What is running therapy?
Running therapy combines walking/running together with another traditional therapy method, such as CBT, talk therapy and mindfulness practice. It is traditionally practiced as a pair or small group under the guidance of a certified running therapist or other practitioner, providing an additional way to cultivate mental health and resilience, and has been proven effective in coping with anxiety and depression in multiple peer-reviewed studies.
How is running/walking therapy different from "running as therapy" or simply recognizing the mental health benefits of running?
How is running/walking therapy different from "running as therapy" or simply recognizing the mental health benefits of running?
Running, walking or run-walk-run routines have many holistic (body-mind-spirit) therapeutic benefits in and of themselves, which is why movement is often included in various personal wellness plans and recovery groups. "Running therapy" with a trained therapist is different as it focuses a specific psychotherapy modality or counseling technique and incorporates a run/walk; commonly described as an adjunct to mental health treatment (rather than a replacement for it). Research suggests such regular movement practice with others can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, with some studies finding benefits comparable to antidepressants for mental health, in addition to better outcomes for physical health.
How can I find a running therapy practitioner where I live?
How can I find a running therapy practitioner where I live?
You can begin by exploring the member practitioners listed here on the IART home page, alongside their unique programs/methods- some individual and some group-based. The largest list of trained local practitioners in North America at this time is the Run Walk Talk (R) certified practitioner directory, which lets you make contact directly regarding their unique local services, availability, and fees: https://www.runwalktalk.com/find-a-practitioner.
Do I have to be a "good runner" or a trained athlete to benefit from this approach?
Do I have to be a "good runner" or a trained athlete to benefit from this approach?
No, you don’t have to meet any special threshold, however most therapists and professionals will require being "medically cleared" by your doctor before beginning a new walking or running routine. Run/walking therapy is adjusted to your ability level, and most people begin with run-walk-run intervals while gradually building endurance. Running therapy is meant to support mental well-being, not test or develop athletic performance. The emphasis is on a sustainable, individualized pace, which means the activity is scaled to what your body can handle rather than how fast or far you can run. It can still be useful even if you walk or run "slowly" (a relative term), need frequent breaks, or are brand new.
How and why does it work? (Combining movement with traditional therapy methods or mindfulness practice)
How and why does it work? (Combining movement with traditional therapy methods or mindfulness practice)
It works because movement and therapy influence each other in real time: running side by side can make it easier to open up, feel less pressured than sitting face-to-face, and build a stronger connection with others in a group and with a practitioner. Mindful movement activates the parasympathetic system, and can also lower emotional tension, help thoughts feel less stuck, and shift attention into the body and the present moment, reducing rumination and increasing awareness of breath, pace, and physical sensations. Traditional therapy can add structure, language, and clinical guidance, while movement provides a physical outlet that can make difficult conversations feel more manageable, especially for people who feel anxious in an office or think more clearly while moving; research suggests this approach can improve clinical depression and anxiety symptoms as well as physical health. Running/walking therapy emphasizes the rhythm of moving together "shoulder to shoulder" toward a common goal.
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