Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy offers a unique option for counseling in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Therapy doesn't have to just be done while sitting in an office or on a computer. Walk and Talk Therapy offers a great option for people who enjoy getting outdoors and out of an office setting. It's very similar to a traditional in-office psychotherapy session but you are walking while you talk about your challenges. This offers advantages such as:
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The chance to move as you talk. Do you like to pace when you talk on the phone or talk through a challenging problem? Then Walk and Talk Therapy might be for you!
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The benefits of nature, which have been documented to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower stress, and improve blood pressure.
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Bilateral stimulation. While not the same as EMDR, Walk and Talk Therapy involves movement that engages both sides of your brain. This can help support better insight and creative thinking in relation to your challenges.
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Being more relaxed in the session. Even a comfortable therapist's office can feel tense. By getting outdoors in a more casual setting, Walk and Talk Therapy helps some people be more relaxed and get more out of a session.
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The power of metaphor. Nature is filled with metaphors for our lives and being outdoors can involve random, spontaneous moments like seeing a heron or noticing new buds in the spring that can lead to new insights and breakthroughs.
Some things to consider.
While Walk and Talk therapy is great engaging the mind-body connection, bringing in more mindfulness, and tapping into the benefits of nature, there are some things to consider before choosing a Walk and Talk Therapy session.
It may not be a good fit if you have physical conditions or limitations that affect your ability to walk on paved paths or uneven trails for about an hour.
While we will make every effort to maintain your confidentiality and safety, Walk and Talk Therapy also does not have the same assurances as traditional in-office or online sessions.
Walk and Talk Therapy may also not be the right option for you if you have concerns about physical, mental, or emotional triggers that may affect the session such as severe allergies, certain anxiety conditions, or the possibility for dissociation or other crisis events that may be difficult to manage while on a walking path or hiking trail. In some cases, Walk and Talk Therapy can be added later, after work has been done in a more traditional setting.
Walk and Talk Therapy Sessions with MoonPath Counseling
If you decide that Walk and Talk Therapy sessions are a good fit for you, we'll meet at Kessler Mountain Regional Park just south of Fayetteville, Arkansas off of Cato Springs Road. You can find out more about the park itself by clicking here.
Depending on your physical ability and comfort level, we will either walk along the paved portion of the Fayetteville Greenway or the unpaved Saddle Up trail. You can click here for a map of the park and trails. The Fayetteville Traverse is a more level path and includes several open areas but often includes muddy stretches.
You will be expected to dress appropriately for the conditions and weather, which may involve loose soil, gravel, and/or mud in some areas of the unpaved trail. Some suggestions and/or requirements for Walk and Talk Therapy include:
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Comfortable, closed-toed walking/running shoes for the paved path or hiking boots with good traction for the unpaved trail.
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Appropriate attire for the day including layers, a hat, sunscreen, and bug-repellant.
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Water and something to carry it in. You may bring snacks if you wish.
While pets are not prohibited, they can prove distracting and interrupt a session depending on their behavior around other people or animals. Please discuss this with your therapist before bringing your pet to a session. Dogs must be kept on a leash in accordance with the park's rules and regulations.
Interested in Walk and Talk Therapy? Let's connect!
I am excited to offer you this unique form of therapy that combines the benefits of talk therapy with the advantages of outdoor activity and nature connection. Want to find out more? Click the link below to contact me to talk and schedule a session.
Please note that a standard telehealth intake session will be required to cover paperwork and ensure you are a good candidate for Walk and Talk Therapy.
Session rates for Walk and Talk Therapy are $60 for 60 minutes to accommodate the extra time involved in both the session and travel to and from site. Walk and Talk Therapy clients must provide their own transportation to and from the park.