As part of my counselling practice I offer a way of working together called Walk and Talk, which takes counselling out of the counselling room and into nature.
Walk & Talk therapy allows us to take the counselling work outside. It might involve walking, sitting, working creatively in the forest – whatever feels right for you each time we meet. I recognise that it can feel like a big step when starting counselling, especially if you have not experienced it before. It can feel difficult not knowing what to expect or what to say. This is your time for you and that you can use it in whatever way feels most useful. Do ask questions. Do tell me what works for you. This way, together we can ensure that you get the most out of this experience.
Being in nature can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. Being connected through nature nurtures our physical, emotional and spiritual existence. Research has found that gazing upon, or being in, nature can contribute to physical healing, reduce stress and contribute to emotional regulation.
Location & fees
Weather conditions
Walk & Talk is not weather, or season, dependent. Although, if the weather conditions are extremely wet or unpleasant it will not take place; but this will be decided between us as every person has a different relationship to the outdoors and being outside in different kinds of weather.
Accessibility
Physical conditions do not necessarily prevent you from accessing Walk & Talk and I endeavour to make Walk & Talk as accessible as possible and find a way to meet your needs; there are options available for accessible walks.
Confidentiality
Counselling in public spaces can result in others overhearing our conversations. It is important that you know and acknowledge this. Whilst I will make every effort to keep distance from others, to speak more quietly, and move away from other parties during our sessions, there may be times where others hear snippets of what is said. We can talk fully about any concerns you may have around this and ways in which you would like the counselling to proceed where there are other people around; for example, we may agree to pause what is being said until we are away from people we may pass while walking.
Medical Disclosure
Walk & Talk is different from traditional counselling, where we may meet in a specific counselling room that is accessible. Because we are taking the counselling outside, into nature, there are certain risks that we need to manage. For this reason, if you wish to do Walk & Talk you will need to disclose certain relevant health information and fill in and sign a form which covers this.
If you are interested in Walk & Talk therapy I will share this information with you at your initial telephone consultation, where we can go over the information together and you can ask any questions that you have.
It is important that you disclose any information that might have an impact on the risk of you using Walk & Talk therapy. This includes any medical conditions that may put you at risk. Although conditions such as (but not limited to) asthma, arrhythmia and low blood pressure, for example, are safe when properly managed with the support of your doctor, it may be important to speak to your doctor before embarking on any form of physical exercise. Furthermore, if you are prescribed medication to manage a medical condition and you choose not to follow your doctor’s advice, I will not be able to offer you Walk & Talk.
Get in touch
For this type of therapy I offer an initial free 15 minute telephone consultation to talk about your needs to assess suitability and talk in more detail about what Walk & Talk entails. Please enter your details below if you have any questions, or would like to arrange a consultation.