In 2018, I began offering walking psychotherapy sessions to my clients as a way for us to get out of the office and into nature. Before Walk and Talks launched, we would sometimes both be staring out the window at the beautiful day saying, “I wish we could be outside right now.” So now we are!

I was always troubled by the fact that therapists are into health and wellness and yet we are sitting around all day (now shown to contribute to dementia…). In addition, my treatment paradigm has always integrated maximizing the mind-body connection along with a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I am active, light hearted, and energetic. Sitting for hours and hours began to feel like torture. Then the light bulb went off.

Why not take therapy outside?

Since Walk and Talks launched, there has been much scientific research available supporting the mind-body benefits of walking in nature. We feel it, but now we know why. The elements of nature boost our immunity. Walking boosts our endorphins. Why are we therapists not utilizing these natural resources to enrich our client’s wellness journey in our work together?

Why not let clients walk their dogs during a session? Why not yet young mothers walk their babies (especially with post-partum adjustments…). Why not let children get outside and play during a child therapy session? We can trust ourselves as providers to offer our professional expertise in a new, communal, natural and invigorating way.

I moved Walk and Talks forward, and have never looked back. Join our Walk and Talks movement! Invigorate your practice with the Walk and Talks certification today!