Walk & Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy involves engaging in counseling while walking outside (ideally in a natural environment). Since most of our days are spent sitting indoors, having the option of engaging in counseling while getting some exercise and some exposure to Nature can be a welcome and therapeutic change. I offer clients the choice of Walk and Talk Therapy around the crown of Queen Anne, Magnolia’s Discovery Park or Green Lake.

Call me at (206) 285-0171 for availability.

For more information on Walk and Talk Therapy, CLICK HERE to access an article on WebMD.

Are you struggling with depression or anxiety?

Research shows that physical activity can lower levels of anxiety and depression (Dixon, Mauzey, & Hall, 2003; Dubbert, 2002; Martinsen, 2008). Research also shows that exposure to Nature can decrease states of aggression, depression and anxiety (Mayer, Franz, Bruehlman-Senecal, & Dolliver, 2009; Plante et al, 2007). Walk and Talk Therapy provides you with the opportunity to move your body while you engage your mind and your heart in your healing journey. It combines counseling with walking and with being in Nature.

Are you trying to move through grief or loss of a loved one?

Research indicates that exposure to Nature can “increase one’s sense of belonging, increase the rate of recovery from fatigue and illness, and prevent future stress” (McKinney, 2011) In addition, benefits can include “increased awareness of the relationship with the natural environment, increased attention to surroundings, increased self-confidence, feelings of tranquility, and self discovery” (Fletcher and Hinkle, 2002 in McKinney, 2011). Grief walking groups have provided many people suffering through the pain of loss with an effective form of relief and support in their grieving journey. Walking out in Nature can be very be soothing in challenging times.

Cited Works

Dixon, W. A., Mauzey, E. D., & Hall, C. R. (2003). Physical activity and exercise: Implications for counselors. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81, 502-504.

Dubbert, P. M. (2002). Physical activity and exercise: Recent advances and current challenges. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 526-536.

Fletcher, T. B., & Hinkle, J. S. (2002). Adventure based counseling: An innovation in counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80, 277-285.

Martinsen, E. W. (2008). Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 62, 25-29. doi:10.1080/08039480802315640

Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why is nature beneficial? The role of connectedness to nature. Environment and Behavior, 41, 607- 643. doi:10.1177/0013916508319745.

McKinney, B. L. (2011). Therapist’s Perceptions of Walk and Talk Therapy: A Grounded Study. University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2381&context=td

Plante, T. G., Gores, C., Brecht, C., Carrow, J., Imbs, A., & Willemsen, E. (2007). Does exercise environment enhance the psychological benefits of exercise for women? International Journal of Stress Management, 14(1), 88-98.