Walk And Talk Therapy
Understanding Walk And Talk Therapy
Walk-and-talk therapy is a form of psychotherapy where the therapist and client conduct a counseling session while walking outdoors rather than sitting in a traditional office. The therapeutic conversation and clinical goals remain the same—the environment and movement are simply incorporated into the session.
How does walk-and-talk therapy work?
A typical session may involve:
• Walking at a comfortable pace while talking with the therapist
• Pausing on a bench or quiet area when deeper discussion is needed
• Using the surroundings as an opportunity for grounding or mindfulness
• Combining traditional therapeutic techniques with gentle physical movement
• Talking about thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life challenges just as you would in an office
It is still psychotherapy, with the same confidentiality, therapeutic boundaries, documentation, and professional standards that apply to traditional counseling. The therapist should establish expectations around privacy, weather, safety, accessibility, and what happens if someone encounters the therapist or client during the session.
Who may benefit?
Walk-and-talk therapy can be particularly appealing for people who find traditional office therapy uncomfortable or restrictive.
It may be a good fit for:
Anxiety & stress
Walking can provide movement and a change of environment while clients work on anxious thoughts, stress management, and emotional regulation.
Young adults & teens
Some clients—especially adolescents and young adults—may feel more comfortable talking while doing something rather than sitting face-to-face in an office.
Life transitions
It can provide a less formal setting for processing divorce, parenting changes, college transitions, career changes, relationship difficulties, or other major life adjustments.
Depression & low motivation
For some people, getting outside and engaging in gentle movement can make it easier to participate in therapy when sitting in an office feels overwhelming.
High-achieving/perfectionistic clients
The less formal environment may make therapy feel less like another task to "perform" correctly.
Clients who process better through movement
Some people naturally think, reflect, and communicate more effectively while walking.
Clients working on mindfulness or grounding
The outdoors can provide opportunities to practice noticing sensations, sounds, breathing, and surroundings in real time.
What makes it different from a regular therapy session?
The biggest difference is the environment and use of movement, not the therapeutic quality.
For example, instead of:
"Tell me about what you're feeling."
A therapist might incorporate the environment and ask:
"As we're walking, notice what you're experiencing in your body as you talk about this."
That can create a more experiential approach to therapy.
Who might NOT be a good fit?
Walk-and-talk isn't appropriate for everyone or every clinical situation. Consider alternatives when a client:
• Has mobility or medical limitations that make walking difficult
• Needs a highly private environment
• Is experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis
• Has symptoms that make outdoor environments unsafe or overwhelming
• Doesn't feel comfortable being seen in public with their therapist
• Needs an environment with minimal stimulation
• Requires accessibility accommodations that the walking location cannot provide
It's also important to have a bad-weather and emergency plan and clearly define how confidentiality will be handled in a public setting.g.
It could be especially appealing as an option for young adults, clients experiencing life transitions, anxiety/stress, and people who feel uncomfortable with traditional office-based therapy.