Walking Therapy: Stepping Out To Open Up
One of my clients (who has been with me for some time) began his sessions in my counselling room, just like many others. During our initial conversations, he shared that he used to walk frequently and found it therapeutic, but due to recent life events he had stopped spending as much time outdoors. I encouraged him to reconnect with walking, but engaging in long walks alone led to overthinking, repetitive negative thoughts and emotional distress—turning an activity he once loved into something unsettling.
At the end of our third session, after reflecting on his experience, he shared how walking alone was making him feel. I suggested that we try Walking Therapy for our next session, so that we could work together on some of the issues that were keeping him indoors. That was in late October, it is now June as I type this blog. Since then we have met weekly, holding only one session indoors throughout the changing seasons. From leaves falling from the branches in Autumn, to the crisp & bitter walks during the Winter, & now watching the flowers bloom as we head from Spring into Summer, this journey has taught me profound lessons about the benefits, and challenges, of Walking Therapy.
Why Walking Therapy Works
✅ Breaking Barriers with Eye Contact
For some clients, maintaining eye contact throughout a traditional counselling session can feel overwhelming. Walking Therapy offers a more comfortable approach, allowing discussions to flow naturally as our eyes look out toward the route ahead, fostering honesty, vulnerability, and openness in sessions.
✅ Seasons & Symbolism
Moving through different seasons, observing shifting landscapes, and experiencing the natural world evokes memories, emotions, and reflections, that may not surface in an indoor setting. The golden hues of autumn, the shorter winter days, and the renewal of spring serve as powerful metaphors for personal growth and change.
✅ Navigating Roadblocks & Challenges
Obstacles are inevitable—both in life and on the paths we walk. During sessions, we have encountered overflowing rivers, fallen trees, and unexpected detours, each presenting a real-time metaphor for overcoming difficulties. As a therapist, these moments challenge me to adjust the session, while allowing my client to experience problem-solving and resilience in action as we both plan out a new route to take as we move forward.
✅ Secondary Gains: Nature & Mental Health
Beyond the therapeutic conversation itself, Walking Therapy enhances mental well-being through:
🌿 Nature Connection: Boosting mood and reducing stress.
🚶♂️ Physical Activity: Improving overall health and energy levels.
😌 Relaxation: Helping clients feel more grounded and present.
🌅 Sensory Engagement: Stimulating thought processes in new ways.
Is Walking Therapy Right for You?
In my experience, I have found Walking Therapy to be suitable for those who: Feel more comfortable talking while moving, Find traditional counselling rooms overwhelming, Benefit from grounding/sensory experiences, Enjoy nature & open spaces, Want a more flexible approach to discussing their mental health.
Not all therapists offer Walking Therapy, but if you feel that movement and nature could complement your counselling experience, consider discussing it with your therapist. Walking can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, emotional clarity, and supporting your mental health by taking things one step at a time.