Walk and Talk Therapy Milton Ontario |
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We offer Walk and Talk Therapy as a way to add the many benefits of connecting with nature to our work together. Eco-therapy can have a profound positive impact on the mind, body, and soul. Spending time outdoors and in nature can:
Walk and Talk Therapy combines talk therapy and therapeutic exercises with light physical activity, fresh air, and a built-in opportunity for self-care. Walk and Talk Therapy can include as much or as little walking and movement as you’d like. You set the pace and decide how you’d like to use this time as part of your treatment plan. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how Walk and Talk Therapy could be part of your treatment with Inner Oak Therapy. |
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FAQ
What is “Walk and Talk Therapy?”
Sessions take place in an outdoor location such as a local park or walking trail and involve walking and moving, and sometimes sitting, outside together while working toward your goals in therapy. Along with conversation, it may involve mindfulness and awareness activities such as breathing, noticing, and appreciating our surroundings.
How does this work?
The first meeting will be in person or virtual to plan together for our outdoor session(s). We will complete informed consent and get to know each other. We will address any concerns you may have and problem-solve any logistical considerations that could come up related to walking in a public location (weather, walking pace, confidentiality, managing time),
What are the benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy and doing therapy outdoors?
Eco-therapy uses nature as part of the therapeutic process. It can allow us to feel better by creating a deeper connection with nature and a greater whole. We are tapping into the energy of nature as a co-therapist and a source of support. Other benefits include:
Do I need to be physically fit or an “outdoorsy” person to do this?
There is no expectation that you have any experience with walking or spending time outdoors. We can start off as slow and gentle as you’d like. We use locations that have benches for breaks. It may be helpful for you to complete the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone) to determine if there are some things that you may need to consider prior to becoming physically active. If you are still not certain, talk with your doctor to discuss any concerns that you have and get their advice.
What about confidentiality?
Your confidentiality and privacy are the priority. When walking or sitting outside together in a public place, there is always the chance that one of us may encounter someone that we know. We will talk about how to handle these situations before we meet outside together. Our goal is your comfort
How should I prepare for an outdoor session?
Dress for the weather. Know that you may get a bit dirty or muddy. Layers are recommended for cooler weather, as well as:
Our safety while outdoors is important. Locations and walking routes will have flat terrain and limited/gentle slopes. We always have a first aid kit and some extra supplies on hand, and keep a cell phone handy and charged.
What about bad weather?
We monitor the weather forecasts and keep this in mind when preparing for a session. If the weather may be a problem, We will contact you to decide how to move forward. We can reschedule the session or have a virtual session instead.
Does every session have to be outdoors?
Not at all. We can switch back and forth from in-person, virtual, and outdoors. It is always your choice.
Are there any additional costs?
While most locations have ample free parking and no entry fee, there are a few places that have additional costs. We will share a list of options with you and you can choose what works best for you.
Final Note: We wanted to quickly inform you of our Burlington child therapy services. If your child is facing challenges, they could deeply benefit from therapy. Contact us to learn more and/or book an appointment.
Sessions take place in an outdoor location such as a local park or walking trail and involve walking and moving, and sometimes sitting, outside together while working toward your goals in therapy. Along with conversation, it may involve mindfulness and awareness activities such as breathing, noticing, and appreciating our surroundings.
How does this work?
The first meeting will be in person or virtual to plan together for our outdoor session(s). We will complete informed consent and get to know each other. We will address any concerns you may have and problem-solve any logistical considerations that could come up related to walking in a public location (weather, walking pace, confidentiality, managing time),
What are the benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy and doing therapy outdoors?
Eco-therapy uses nature as part of the therapeutic process. It can allow us to feel better by creating a deeper connection with nature and a greater whole. We are tapping into the energy of nature as a co-therapist and a source of support. Other benefits include:
- Flexible location: meeting in a less formal, more open and shared space
- Restorative effect
- Increased sense of calm and well-being
- Regain a sense of balance in our relationship with nature
- Inspires creativity and opens up new perspectives
- Complements other treatments
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved circulation
- Opportunity for self-care
- Improved sleep
- And much more!
Do I need to be physically fit or an “outdoorsy” person to do this?
There is no expectation that you have any experience with walking or spending time outdoors. We can start off as slow and gentle as you’d like. We use locations that have benches for breaks. It may be helpful for you to complete the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone) to determine if there are some things that you may need to consider prior to becoming physically active. If you are still not certain, talk with your doctor to discuss any concerns that you have and get their advice.
What about confidentiality?
Your confidentiality and privacy are the priority. When walking or sitting outside together in a public place, there is always the chance that one of us may encounter someone that we know. We will talk about how to handle these situations before we meet outside together. Our goal is your comfort
How should I prepare for an outdoor session?
Dress for the weather. Know that you may get a bit dirty or muddy. Layers are recommended for cooler weather, as well as:
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Hat, scarf, and gloves/mittens, as needed
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Bottled water
- Snacks, if you’d like
- Phone or camera, if you’d like
Our safety while outdoors is important. Locations and walking routes will have flat terrain and limited/gentle slopes. We always have a first aid kit and some extra supplies on hand, and keep a cell phone handy and charged.
What about bad weather?
We monitor the weather forecasts and keep this in mind when preparing for a session. If the weather may be a problem, We will contact you to decide how to move forward. We can reschedule the session or have a virtual session instead.
Does every session have to be outdoors?
Not at all. We can switch back and forth from in-person, virtual, and outdoors. It is always your choice.
Are there any additional costs?
While most locations have ample free parking and no entry fee, there are a few places that have additional costs. We will share a list of options with you and you can choose what works best for you.
Final Note: We wanted to quickly inform you of our Burlington child therapy services. If your child is facing challenges, they could deeply benefit from therapy. Contact us to learn more and/or book an appointment.
