Most people feel renewed after spending time outside in a peaceful, natural setting. Breathing fresh air, feeling the sun on your skin, and getting away from all the stress that holds you prisoner throughout your days can completely change your outlook on life.
If you're fighting isolation, depression, anxiety, or some other problem that feels insurmountable and have been thinking about therapy, but sitting on a couch while talking about your issues doesn't appeal to you, consider trying Walk and Talk therapy.
Definition of Walk and Talk Therapy
This type of therapy consists of walking while you 're talking. You and your therapist walk outside while talking, instead of staying enclosed in an office. For the best results, the walking usually takes place in a serene environment, such as a park or in the countryside, though other venues will do when these areas are not available. Walking and talking combines the best of both therapeutic worlds. By getting out in nature during your sessions, you'll receive not only traditional talk therapy but physical exercise as well, which comes with numerous benefits.
Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy
This holistic approach to therapy releases endorphins which work with receptors in the brain to help us fight pain, to think more clearly, and to just generally feel better. Because of the outdoor setting, as opposed to being in an office, you'll also remain more relaxed. Since you're looking ahead as you walk and not staring directly into the eyes of the therapist, which is intimidating to some, you won't feel embarrassed or as hesitant to reveal what's bothering you. This feeling of freedom to talk more openly is the start of how the therapy works so well.
The Way Walk and Talk Therapy Works
Strolling through farm country, for example, where you can observe nature and various types of animals running around is an effective way to unclutter one's thoughts. Clearer thinking is vital when trying to deal with your troubles. While away from your traditional lifestyle, you won't remain fixated on your problems as much, so you can come to conclusions and solutions that will help you overcome your issues or lessen their severity. Incorporating nature and physical exercise with your talk sessions will help you refocus and prioritize what's truly important. You're also not constantly looking at a clock on the wall and counting down the time of your sessions, which sometimes stifles what you want to say and can interfere with breakthroughs and getting results.
Results of Walk and Talk Therapy
When you're walking, you feel more alive. You'll feel as if you're doing something productive. You're moving forward and, as such, will become more receptive to feedback. Often, once you've experienced this type of therapy, you won't want to ever go back to an office setting again, regardless of the weather. Most people would rather put on a coat or carry an umbrella when necessary than to become confined within four walls. In today's world, so many of us spend more time indoors than outdoors. Once we rediscover how enjoyable being out in nature is, it's often the start of a healthier lifestyle and the first step to healing and a brand new way of thinking.
If you're struggling to find peace and balance in your life, contact a behavioral therapist who uses the above techniques and who will listen to you with patience and understanding. You'll soon find your way to increased happiness.
