Walk and Talk Therapy

Are you interested in combining movement and nature with your therapy sessions?

  • Have you been dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress and feel like traditional office-based therapy isn’t quite enough?
  • Are you currently in therapy, but thinking that you would benefit from a more active approach?
  • Do you sometimes struggle to talk in session and feel incorporating physical activity and the outdoors may help?
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Maybe you’re struggling with feeling stuck—both emotionally and physically. Or perhaps you find it challenging to open up in a traditional face-to-face therapy setting. You might feel that your thoughts flow more freely when you’re in motion, or you’ve noticed that being in nature helps calm your mind. You may even find that sitting still for an entire therapy session leaves you feeling restless or disconnected from your body.

At Therapy for Women Center in Philadelphia, we offer walk and talk therapy for any clients who are interested in this innovative approach. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to switch up your current therapeutic experience, you are welcome to explore our walk and talk therapy services and begin your journey toward healing and wellness in the great outdoors.

two women in a walk and talk therapy session at Therapy For Women Center

Walk and talk therapy can provide a refreshing alternative to traditional therapy.

For many people dealing with mental health issues, walk and talk therapy offers a unique and effective way to process emotions, gain insights, and find relief. This form of outdoor therapy combines the benefits of traditional talk therapy with the positive effects of physical activity and nature exposure. Unfortunately, some people might not be aware that this option exists or might be hesitant to try something different from the conventional therapy setting.

What is walk and talk therapy?

It’s an approach where therapy sessions take place while walking outdoors, typically in a park or natural setting. You and your therapist walk side-by-side, engaging in therapeutic conversations just as you would in an office. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those who find it easier to open up while in motion or who simply enjoy being active and outdoors.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or any other mental health issues, it’s worth considering how walk and talk therapy can complement or replace traditional office-based sessions.

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Walk and talk therapy can provide an extra boost to your mental health journey.

Walk and talk therapy plays a unique role in the treatment of various mental health struggles. The combination of physical activity, exposure to nature, and therapeutic conversation can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being. What’s more, it can increase the effectiveness of therapy by engaging both the mind and body in the healing process.

At the Therapy for Women Center, our therapists believe in a client-centered approach to walk and talk therapy. We don’t push clients to walk at a specific pace or cover a certain distance. Instead, we provide a flexible, adaptable experience that prioritizes your comfort and therapeutic needs. This way, you have the freedom to engage in therapy in a way that feels natural and beneficial to you.

What to expect in our walk and talk therapy sessions:

Walk and talk therapy sessions typically last about 50 minutes, similar to traditional therapy sessions. We begin by meeting at a predetermined location, usually at our office and then walk to a local park or walking trail. Before we start walking, we’ll discuss any physical limitations or preferences you may have regarding pace and distance.

As we walk, we engage in therapeutic conversation, just as we would in an office setting. The natural environment often serves as a catalyst for discussion, providing metaphors and prompts that can deepen our exploration of your thoughts and feelings. The rhythm of walking can also help regulate your nervous system, making it easier to process emotions and insights.

We provide walk and talk therapy as a standalone service or in conjunction with traditional office-based therapy, depending on your preferences and needs. Our therapists can either exclusively offer talk and walk therapy or incorporate it as part of a broader treatment plan.

We believe that walk and talk therapy is one of the most effective tools you can have in your mental health toolbox. It can help you reach your therapeutic goals by providing a unique blend of physical activity, nature exposure, and professional support. This form of therapy in motion can be particularly helpful for those who feel stuck or stagnant in their lives, as the physical act of walking can serve as a metaphor for moving forward and making progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Walk and talk therapy is adaptable to all fitness levels. The pace and distance of our walks are entirely based on your comfort and ability. We can take a slow, gentle stroll or even find a bench to sit on if needed. The focus is on the therapeutic conversation, not on physical exertion.

We take your privacy very seriously, even in an outdoor setting. We carefully choose walking routes that offer privacy and minimize the chance of running into others. If we do encounter other people, we can pause our conversation or switch to more neutral topics. We also discuss confidentiality concerns before beginning walk and talk therapy and develop strategies to protect your privacy throughout our sessions.

While walking and talking with a friend can be beneficial, walk and talk therapy offers a structured, professional therapeutic experience. As trained therapists, we bring specific skills and techniques to guide the conversation, help you gain insights, and work towards your mental health goals. We’re able to recognize patterns, offer evidence-based strategies, and provide a level of support and guidance that goes beyond what a friend can offer. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship maintains clear boundaries, allowing you to focus entirely on your own growth and healing.

Let us help you find the path toward healing and wellness through walk and talk therapy.

Between the power of traditional therapy and the added benefits of walk and talk therapy, we are confident that our comprehensive approach to treatment can provide the relief and insights you’re looking for. To begin your journey toward healing and wellness through this innovative approach, you can contact us or book an appointment.

Ready to find the support you deserve?

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Kind Words From Real Patients

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“No practice has helped me the way Therapy for Women has.”

“I have been to many therapists for trauma work but no practice has helped me the way Therapy for Women has. This practice is based on mutual trust. Your therapist will happily share bits of their own life experiences. This always makes me feel less alone in what I am experiencing and make sessions feel so comfortable. I really think this practice is something special and I am SO happy I found it when I did.”

“Therapy for Women empowers clients to see change in themselves.

“Therapy for Women offers a fresh and modern approach to therapy which involves empowering clients to see change in themselves. They give you tools to supplement what’s talked about in session so you can go home and practice life skills. This step has been so crucial for my long-term recovery and emotional stability. The therapists genuinely care for each client. No matter why you go to Therapy for Women, these women WILL change your life. I really can’t thank them enough.”

“Therapy for Women has saved my life and then stuck with me to help me rebuild it from the bottom up.”

“In addition to individual therapy, I'm in a weekly group. I've created wonderful friendships here. It's also functioned as a safe space for me to experiment with things like stating my needs, getting vulnerable, setting boundaries, and receiving feedback from a non-therapist. Therapy for Women has saved my life and then stuck with me to help me rebuild it from the bottom up.”

“They just genuinely care about their patients.”

"I found this center when I needed it most in life. They matched me with a few therapists and first time was a charm. The center itself is very quick to act if you need anything. I see a psychiatrist within the practice as well and he too is amazing. They just genuinely care about their patients. You don’t feel like a time slot to them."

“…the very first therapist they hooked me up with was my perfect match.”

"Finding the right therapist is the hardest journey when you are already at your worst. I've tried multiple and none were working for me. But then I was told about Therapy for Women Center and the very first therapist they hooked me up with was my perfect match. We've been together coming on 2 years and she has really been amazing."

“The office has a soothing atmosphere, you immediately feel comfortable and at ease.”

"Happy to have found Therapy for Women Center. I can feel a change in my thinking and lifestyle and it is a huge difference from a year ago. So grateful! The office has a soothing atmosphere, you immediately feel comfortable and at ease."
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