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Therapy Off the Couch

 

Therapy in Motion

 

We've all heard the studies: being in nature and moving your body is good for your health. Exercise releases endorphins; those feel good hormones, boosting your overall mood. It also has been proven to enhance learning and memory, in addition to its positive impacts on muscular strength and cardiovascular health.  Everyone can benefit from fresh air and exercise. I help individuals restore balance in their mental, emotional, and relational health through traditional talk therapy with a twist–I take therapy off the couch, outside in nature for walk-and-talk therapy sessions.

 

Walk and Talk therapy is a dynamic and effective counselling technique. We're moving forward literally and figuratively.  Exercise and therapy encourages the client to be more physically active and spend more time outdoors, helps those who are confronting difficult issues and it also spurs creative and alternative ways of thinking and enhances problem solving.  This simple act of walking while talking – creates an environment of possibilities and change.

 

There are several benefits to holding sessions outdoors in nature. The beauty of nature can have profound positive effects. A meta study indicated that time spent in nature improves self esteem and thus, wellbeing. It is a natural source of healing and can spark revelations about oneself. Being outside in nature is a multi sensory experience and is linked to increased levels of oxytocin which reduces blood pressure. The Japanese have an ancient custom of taking a break for a walk in the woods called forest bathing. The practice is proven to have positive effects on health and mood. Scientifically studies showed that forest bathing reduces cortisol levels; our main stress hormone, lowers pulse rate, lower blood pressure, improves parasympathetic (rest and digest system) nerve activity and lowers the sympathetic (fight or flight response) nerve activity.

 

Some people may become self conscious or anxious when confronting difficult issues and may feel more at ease and be more receptive while walking side by side with visual distractions. Clients who have been slow to warm up have stated that looking forward and not at the therapist helps them open up. Walking beside one another may allow for easier engagement. This form of therapy has shown to be effective with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, anger issues, substance abuse, relationship issues and grief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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