10/04/2024
**Walk and Talk Therapy.
This is my new friend Horsey at Essex Therapy Barn, I just said a warm hello whilst I was waiting for my client for a Walk and Talk Therapy appointment.
Have you ever considered Walk and Talk Therapy?
I was lucky enough as a child to spend a lot of time at my Grandad’s farm and from a young age, I instinctively knew that being in the countryside was good for me. And now, many decades later as a professional counsellor, I appreciate even more now that being out in the open air is therapeutically beneficial. For me personally, it feeds my soul.
What is walking and talking therapy?
It is simply that, we walk and talk without the constraints of being inside. Some clients are more comfortable walking and talking and find it easier to start discussing their problems when strolling along a country path.
I am happy for my client to set the pace of the walk – if they want to meander along and have a relaxing walk that is fine, but equally, we can set a quicker pace if that’s what they feel comfortable with. The footpaths are easy to walk and start from my front door. So, in other words, you do not have to be super fit!
I have found walking and talking therapy effective with people of all ages. Older clients who follow a gentle pace find being surrounded by nature very reassuring. While some of my young teenage clients have found it a good alternative to being in my counselling room, as they have a sense of freedom and feel more able to unburden themselves.
I believe nature is intrinsically good for the soul, whether we are troubled or not, but especially so when we are struggling with problems.
Just being connected to nature can be beneficial. I find that whatever people’s problems are depression, anxiety, loss and grief, or any kind of difficult life transition, whether they are personal, relationship-based, family, or work-related – they can be comfortably talked through while walking. And in these times of anxiety brought about by COVID-19, being outside in the open air is even more important. Walking can help to ground you and that in itself is good.
I work in a peaceful location in Essex, where there are numerous footpaths in the middle of beautiful rolling countryside. Sometimes we might see deer, rabbits and hares along the walk. I believe nature is intrinsically good for the soul, whether we are troubled or not, but especially so when we are struggling with problems. Perhaps you might have tried traditional counselling, and it was not for you: walking and talking could be an excellent alternative. Or if you are nervous - as most people understandably are on their first visit to a counsellor – then have a think and consider the great outdoors for talking over your problems.
In these difficult and anxious times when many counsellors are doing more and more online and telephone, it is also good to have the option of working safely out of doors.
Lynda Gooby Counselling and Hypnotherapy
www.essextherapybarn.com
