What Are The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy?
Instead of meeting a therapist in a traditional therapy room, I love to offer Walk and Talk Anxiety Management sessions in and around the beautiful Essex countryside.
Walking side by side is especially beneficial for anyone initially uncomfortable with eye contact. The conversation and pace will still be led by you, but we will be in a relaxed environment which you may feel is less intimidating.
Walk and Talk Therapy can be held anywhere. I believe spending time together outdoors helps combat the challenges of anxiety and stress, lowers blood pressure and improves memory. Scientists agree with me too!
What is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Whilst I also hold Coaching and Therapy sessions online or at my consultancy room in Chelmsford, Essex, there is plenty of evidence that confirms spending time outside improves both our physical and mental health.
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”Friedrich Nietzsche
Therefore, when my clients are open to the idea, I like to hold my coaching and anxiety therapy sessions outdoors.
We would normally do a circular walk, with the distance, pace and location that suits you. Shorter Walk and Talks are of course possible too, when we may spend our time together sitting at a bench (or even sheltering in a coffee shop, should the weather not be so great). I may combine some NLP or CBT work into the session too.
Furthermore, many of my anxious clients have reported that they find it easier to open up, reflect and move on, when walking and talking side by side, in a beautiful natural environment.
The great feedback and results I have seen with my anxious clients make Walk and Talk Therapy my preferred choice.
Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy
Exercise and nature is very beneficial for both our body and mind.
Many people spend their school or work day indoors and in front of a computer screen, some people don’t even have access to natural light from their desks. They may then return home, to relax in front of the television, or play computer games.
Research suggests however, that it is important to make time to get outdoors, since doing so is beneficial, or maybe essential, for our wellbeing.
Psychologists and health researchers are finding more and more science-backed reasons why we should go outside and enjoy the natural world.
“Movement is a medicine for changing our physical, emotional and mental states."
Carol Welch
Scientific evidence indicates that anxiety, depression and other mental health issues may all be eased while spending time in nature, and the benefits are further enhanced when therapy is combined with exercise.
Researchers analysed 10 UK studies and found that nature walks were associated with decreased levels of anxiety and bad moods, and another study found that outdoor walks could be used as a supplement to existing treatments for major depressive disorder. The study found that the presence of water made the positive effects even stronger.
The conversation would still be similar to a traditional therapy session, however we are walking while you are talking. I have found that bringing together nature and movement enriches the session and my clients are able to see their challenges from a different perspective.
My clients are often intrigued by the idea of trying something different and are naturally drawn to being outside. The physiology of walking helps them to get "unstuck" quicker and movement allows for more creative ways of thinking.
I use my extensive experience and training as a coach and anxiety therapist to help my clients overcome whatever obstacles they may be facing, while teaching them skills and techniques that will help them cope with any future challenging events.
Walk and Talk Therapy Locations
I am happy to offer Walk and Talk Therapy at a park, wood or coastline that is convenient for you. Some of my favourite locations to visit include (but are not limited to) the following:
Belhus Woods, South Ockendon
Central and Bell Meadow Park, Chelmsford
Danbury Country Park, Danbury
Fitch Way, Braintree
Great Notley Country Park, Braintree
Hadleigh Country Park, Hadleigh
Heybridge Basin, Heybridge
Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Maldon Promenade, Maldon
Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers
Southend Pier, Southend
Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood
Weald Country Park, Brentwood
If You Need Further Support
Overcoming anxiety is a journey that involves a combination of techniques and strategies.
While you can implement these tools independently, seeking the support of an anxiety therapist provides an additional level of guidance and assistance, and enables you to get to the root cause.
Taking care of your mental health is an essential part of your overall well-being. If left unresolved, anxiety can spiral out of control and have a significant impact on every area of life.
It is my belief that no one needs to struggle with anxiety, we just need the correct strategies and techniques to overcome it.
So if you want to take the next steps to have a happier life where your fears no longer hold you back, click the link below and book a free no obligation consultation call.
