The term “Ecotherapy” refers to therapeutic sessions that take place in and around natural environments, and “Talk and Walk” therapy refers to sessions where you’ll be on the move, such as on a walk or a mini hike.

The length and intensity of the walk can vary, depending on what the client and the therapist are happy with, and there are a handful of reasons why some clients much prefer this to having sessions online, over the phone, or within the confines of a therapist’s office.

Here are the top 3 reasons clients tend to book “Talk and Walk” therapy:

3. It leads to different topics

When surrounded by nature, for whatever reason, our minds work very differently. Be that because of visual stimulation, or because we inhale more fresh air, the environment affects us. These distractions can make us feel more relaxed and less guarded, so it’s little surprise that the topics we cover tend to be different to when we’re sat in a room, and this can be incredibly useful when addressing bigger issues.

2. It’s more relaxed

Some people feel incredibly conscious when they have a therapist sat right opposite them, particularly if the therapist tends to comment on things that make the client feel analysed, such as their body posture or movement. Being outdoors means you are generally walking side-by-side, so the dynamic changes to something inevitably less intense and more relaxed.

1. It’s healthy and time efficient

For those who are constantly fighting to find space in their diaries, combining therapy with exercise can offer a perfect solution to getting everything you need, with a double helping of self-care that gives you a huge boost of endorphins.

As well as the pros of “Talk and Walk” therapy, it’s also worth considering the many scenarios these sessions can throw up that wouldn’t arise in the office. For example, what if the weather turns bad? And what if you bump into somebody that you or your therapist knows? And there are many decisions to be made about what the route will be, whether it’s flat or hilly, what you should wear, and whether your therapist should wear a lanyard, etc.

A good therapist will ask all relevant questions beforehand so they know how best to run the session, meaning that you can focus on what you’d like to discuss on the day. In short though, if you’re someone who loves the outdoors, then “Talk and Walk” therapy is something that’s definitely worth a try.

I am based in Barnstaple, North Devon, where there’s no shortage of great routes to walk. If you’d like to know more about this, or if you’d like to arrange a free consultation call, feel free to contact me today so we can discuss it further.