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Walk and Talk Therapy
Slow down to connect. Are you a nature lover? Someone who feels like they can take a real breath only when outside? A person who struggles to feel comfortable sitting still? A creative who wants to see the world? Maybe walk and talk therapy is right for you.
Some things just feel easier to say when you are moving...At least, I found this to be true when leading multi-day hiking trips for groups. The moving meditation of our bodies outdoors offers an opportunity to slow down and honestly reflect on our internal landscape. Walk and talk therapy can offer that door in.
Walking side by side can take the pressure off - especially for people who find the concept of therapy somewhat uncomfortable. Instead, outdoors we can play with metaphor, watch nature scenes take place, or simple offer the peaceful silence of a moment to occur.
This is not a workout. Our time outdoors offers the same care and depth as a session inside my office, just with a different scene. The work is slow, intentional, and co-created.
So who is walk and talk therapy for?Outdoor therapy can be a good fit if you:
Feel restless or boxed in sitting in an office
Find it hard to talk face to face
Are burnt out and spend your days indoors or on screens
Carry grief, anxiety, or climate distress and feel steadier outside
Already feel most like yourself in nature
You don't need to be "outdoorsy." We go at your pace on well-used, mostly flat paths. Note: If walking is not accessible for you, we can find somewhere outside to sit instead.
Where we walk in North Vancouver & PrivacyMy office is in Lower Lonsdale, and most walk and talk sessions start nearby. We'll discuss what route option suits us best in our preparation session.
In terms of privacy, the reality is that we will likely encounter other people out on the trail. While I work hard to choose quieter routes and times, we will agree ahead of time what happens if we see someone you know.
How walk and talk session workBefore starting off all work, we will begin with a 20-minute consultation call to see if we are a good fit therapeutically. This is deeply important in any healing work and is a step I take quite seriously. Afterwards, we will meet for one or two virtual or in-office sessions where we will discuss informed consent, and assess readiness for outdoor work.
Outdoor sessions run for 50 or 75 minutes with the same fee rate as regular sessions ($174/$262 respectively). We will walk in all types of weather (hello North Vancouver!) and so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers, bring a backpack or bag with layers and water. If the weather ever becomes unsafe, we will move our session online or indoors. Once you start walking, you by no means have to stick to it. Some people walk every session, while others walk once a month and meet in the office the rest of the time.
FAQs-
No. We walk slowly and stop often. This is about what's on your mind, not your step count.
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It's North Vancouver, so it will. Most of the time we walk anyway, with good layers and a hood. If it's pouring or windy enough to be unsafe, we'll move to the office or online.
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Walk and talk sessions are counselling with a registered clinical counsellor, so they're billed the same way as office sessions. Check your extended health plan for "Registered Clinical Counsellor" coverage.
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Yes. The same confidentiality applies as in the office. We'll talk through the privacy side of being outside before your first walk.
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Comfortable shoes, layers, and whatever you'd wear for an hour outside. Make sure you have a water bottle, and have sunscreen and/or rain gear depending on the weather.
Ready to take it outside?If walking and talking sounds like it might suit you, let's find out. Book a free 20-minute consult. We'll talk about what you're looking for and whether walk and talk therapy in North Vancouver is the right fit. No pressure, no commitment.
Not sure walking is for you? You can also see me in the office or online across BC. Learn more about how I work.