This is a unique approach that combines the benefits of traditional talk therapy with mild walking exercise.
Why do it?
Walk and talk sessions are a great way to switch up the therapy experience and allow for the benefits provided through connecting with nature, getting gentle exercise, and loosening up the thought process through movement.
Who is it best for?
All sorts of people from all walks of life and ages with low to medium emotional distress can participate in walk and talk counseling. Maybe you want to take advantage of this type of therapy because you to switch up the therapy experience and allow for the benefits provided through connecting with nature, getting gentle exercise, and loosening up the thought process through movement.
If you’re interested, we’ll decide beforehand if it’s clinically appropriate for your situation. Walk-and-talk sessions can be used intermittently or regularly, and may be discontinued at any time.
It is not advised that individuals with active psychosis, suicidal thoughts or are in an immediate crisis use this modality. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it will be better suited for you to see an in person office based counselor to ensure your safety and provide you with the support needed. Please call 911 or find your local mental health emergency services by Googling “(your town) crisis hotline” if you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Concerns to think about before doing a walk and talk session?
Below are the limits of confidentially, risks and more that my clients understand and sign off to when working with me for walk and talk sessions.
I voluntarily elect to participate in walk and talk therapy sessions with Therapy by Shannon, LLC and in doing so I expressly accept and assume ALL of the risks existing in walk and talk therapy and its individual activities and processes (physical, emotional, confidentiality, etc.)
I am medically able to participate in walking therapy and agree to alert my provider to any health concerns that may limit my ability to participate. I am responsible for having any medications on me that are necessary for environmental allergies (e.g., EpiPen for bee stings, inhaler for asthma, etc).
I agree to seek a doctor’s approval before beginning walk/talk therapy if appropriate.
If I have any medical conditions that would be detrimental to walk talk therapy I agree to disclose this and understand my therapist may not be able to offer this as an option.
I agree to inform my provider if our walking pace or any of the conditions associated with walk and talk therapy are uncomfortable for me in any way and I understand that it is my responsibility to communicate this with my therapist.
I understand that there are limits to confidentiality when we are in a public place. I am aware of these limitations and I am comfortable participating regardless.
I understand that if my therapist and I come into contact with a person that I know, I have the right to disclose or not to disclose that I am in a therapy session. I understand that my therapist will follow my lead should we come into contact with a person I know and my therapist will make every effort to preserve client confidentiality and privacy while conducting my walk/talk therapy session.
I understand that if my therapist should come into contact with a person he/she knows, my therapist will not acknowledge me as a client or the walk/talk therapy session as counseling to preserve confidentiality.
I acknowledge unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury or damage to myself or others and that these risks can not be eliminated. I understand that Therapy by Shannon, LLC is not liable for these risks. These risks include but are not limited to: emotional stress or trauma; strenuous and vigorous physical, mental emotional and intellectual activity; the possibility of slips and falls; bruises, sprains, lacerations, fractures, animal bites or stings, concussions or any physical injury.
I understand that my relationship with my provider is that of client and therapist and is completely professional. I take full responsibility for communicating and maintaining my personal boundaries. I recognize that my therapist will be acting solely as my mental health therapist. I understand that my therapist is not a medical doctor, not a personal fitness trainer, not a physical therapist, not a nurse, and not a nutritionist, etc.
I understand that if I am using in network or out of network insurance benefits, not all insurance plans cover walk and talk sessions or that these sessions might be subject to restrictions in order to qualify for insurance-based coverage. Please check with your provider on more information. Insurance benefits or restrictions to walk and talk sessions will be discussed ahead of time.
Where do sessions take place?
If scheduling sessions with me, you and I will decide together where the best location is for your sessions to take place at. Usually they are at a local public park, neighborhood, or walking trail that provides ample space to ensure the most confidential of conversations possible.
Can I do some sessions walk and talk and some online?
With my clients - I do allow them to do hybrid services. Maybe they want to mix it up and do some online, some in the office and some outside / or other times weather makes those decisions for us and it is raining during the time of our walk and talk session so we move it online for the day.
I recommend exploring this with your therapist and listening to your body the week of session to explore what it needs in that moment. Maybe we scheduled our walk and talk therapy session weeks ago and now that it’s week of session you aren’t feeling it- you as the client has full autonomy to alter the delivery method of your session (as long as it it inside the rescheduling window) to honor what your body needs in the moment.
What if I don’t like it?
Remember that therapy is a service and service driven by you. If you don’t like it - don’t do it. Before stopping, I do suggest getting curious about why you do not like it and bring that into conversation with your therapist if you feel comfortable. By doing this you both will be able to explore what is going on, options for your future services and how you would like to proceed going forward. Sometimes walk and talk sessions just might not be for you - but there also are times that walk and talk sessions allow us to access parts of self that are often hidden from us. This then makes us feel uncomfortable, vulnerable and scared - maybe bringing up an avoidance, blockage, or something else that is happening behind the scenes.
Written by: Shannon Gonter, LPCC in Louisville, KY in practice with Therapy by Shannon, LLC
The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional.