2.

Nature-Based Outdoor 'Walk & Talk' Therapy

Walk & Talk therapy is an outdoor form of counseling that integrates movement, conversation, and time in nature. For many people — especially creatives and individuals with ADHD — walking can support clarity, regulation, and more fluid conversation than sitting indoors.

Rather than focusing on nature as a “healing intervention,” this approach simply recognizes that many nervous systems settle more easily outdoors. Being in a natural environment can reduce pressure, soften self-consciousness, and make it easier to reflect honestly.

Sessions take place on gently paced, thoughtfully chosen trails that prioritize safety, relative privacy, and ease of movement. We walk side by side, allowing conversation to unfold naturally without the intensity that can come from sitting face-to-face.

This work is informed by somatic therapy principles, which acknowledge that the body plays an important role in emotional regulation and insight. Light movement can help organize thoughts, release tension, and support a more integrated therapeutic process — especially for those who find traditional, sedentary therapy draining or limiting.

Walk & Talk therapy may be a good fit if you:

• Think more clearly while moving

• Feel restless or constrained in office settings

• Benefit from a less formal, more embodied approach

• Want therapy to feel integrated into real life rather than separate from it

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Practical Notes

• Sessions are held outdoors in most weather conditions,

unless conditions are unsafe or unhealthy.

• If weather or circumstances require, sessions can be rescheduled or

moved to a virtual format.

• Accommodations are available. We can pause, sit, or adjust pacing as needed, and alternative outdoor settings (such as a park or quiet outdoor space) can be considered when appropriate.

**If Walk & Talk therapy isn’t the right fit for you, individual online therapy

remains available.

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Movement doesn’t replace the work — it simply creates a different container for it.

FAQ's

About Outdoor Sessions

As we live in the Western U.S., I will assume you are comfortable walking in all types of weather with a few exceptions. In the case of extreme or unsafe weather conditions, we will either switch our session to virtual or we can reschedule to a time when it is safe to conduct our session outdoors. This also applies to air quality. If, for any reason, you don't feel safe in the weather conditions, we can, of course, make a change, but in general, we will be outside and/or walking in what our beautiful four seasons have to offer.

Depending on the weather, please dress appropriately to be outdoors and wear comfortable clothing, shoes, or boots. You should also bring a water bottle and any snacks you may require as we will be walking on trails or sitting out in Nature. In summer months, you may want to wear sunscreen and/or bug repellent. In winter months, please make sure you wear enough layers to be warm but not overheat. There are some paved trails available if you don't have proper non-slip shoes or boots, but please wear appropriate footwear.

Nature is our most abundant healing resource for managing our moods, energy levels, and overall wellness. People and animals respond to peaceful walk & talks by allowing our environment to benefit us during talk therapy as it decreases anxiety, depression, stress and other debilitating conditions, while increasing our feelings of connection, groundedness, and peace. A big focus of my practice as a therapist and coach is the integration of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and movement that gets our bodies involved in the healing process.

Risks may include but are not limited to possible physical injury; exposure to natural elements, including inclement weather; and general public space risks. These potential risks are discussed within the screening process where each participant makes an informed decision regarding consent before deciding if this format is a good fit for our work together.

The average walk depends on the client's abilities and is always tailored to each individual according to their needs. This can mean that active, fit clients who walk at a quicker pace may cover up to two to three miles in one 50 minute session, where others may only cover half to one mile in an average session. We can adapt and modify any course I have chosen for us at any time to accommodate different abilities and we can always stop, rest, sit, or take a break at any point. I usually recommend we take small breaks at various intervals. If you are not able to walk, we will find a peaceful spot to sit and talk, which will allow you to get a lot of the same benefits as clients who participate in 'walk & talks.' Just being in Nature is healing whether you are physically active or not.

During our initial meeting where we will establish our goals and decide whether to hold our sessions online or Outdoors. We will discuss the unique challenges of maintaining privacy and confidentiality while engaging with the Natural World. I have curated a list of trails, parks, and Nature areas that I have specifically chosen because they do offer a good amount of privacy, and depending on the time of year, we may have the entire space to ourselves. We will discuss these issues in-depth during our intake session and you will have the chance to address any other concerns before consenting to engaging in Outdoor Therapy sessions.

FlowState Counseling & Coaching

2.

Nature-Based Outdoor 'Walk & Talk' Therapy

FAQ's

What is Outdoor Therapy

What about weather?

What should I bring to our Outdoor sessions?

What are the benefits? Are there any risks?

How long/far is an average walk & talk session?

What about confidentiality & privacy

Can I bring my dog with me?

Merging Light with Sound