Our bodies are made to move, and walking is probably the single activity that brings the most benefits for the whole body. Walk and Talk counseling sessions use the physiological benefits of walking to support mental and emotional health. A walk and talk session is exactly what it sounds like: you walk outside with your therapist during your counseling session. This can create a more relaxed environment, and sometimes make talking about difficult things easier. You set the pace, from a slow, meditative walk to an active, high energy session. Walk and talk sessions can help get things moving, both literally and figuratively. They are a great fit for when you are going through a life transition, experiencing loss or grief, feeling challenged, or experiencing anxiety. The physical rhythm of walking becomes meditative, calming the nervous system and supporting emotional health. On a physical level, walking outside while working with mental and emotional health topics reduces anxiety and stress and improves overall mood. The activity can reduce depressive symptoms, and being outside supports feelings of grounding and release. Not being face to face for the counseling session can also create more ease for processing on some topics. Activity in general, like walking, also increases creativity, self-awareness, and emotional awareness. This means that walk and talk sessions can boost positive therapy outcomes. The movement improves blood flow to the brain, and one theory suggests that walking decreases brain activity in the left hemisphere and opens the way for creative insights in the right hemisphere. Walk and Talk psychotherapy helps to integrate body and mind for the greater support of overall health. At Ha.Lé, our psychotherapists are happy to conduct sessions in a cozy office or while walking quiet residential streets, and you can decide as you go what the best option is for you.
