Walking Therapy

What is therapy in nature?

Therapy in nature

Walk and talk without the constraints of being inside, some clients are just more comfortable discussing there problems in a meadow, country lane or farm.

Its been a difficult year not being able to see our clients face to face in person, so taking the therapy outside seams to me to be an inspired solution for all who like me feel the joy from being in the countryside with the reassuring feelings which we seam to pick up on when surrounded by nature, the environment can help us to open up with a different view.

For people who may find it difficult to be in enclosed space the therapy room can feel intense, until you can build up a therapeutic relationship. It has been shown that walking and talking therapy in the countryside helps reduce depression and anxiety, which then helps with our well being, we need to learn skills for self care and self development especially now. Counselling gives us a guide which helps us to become a better version of who we want to be, kinder to ourselves, being outside helps us to feel grounded and part of something bigger than us. its open for all ages, the pace is set by you, a gentle stroll, a quicker step in a meadow, open spaces or at the top of a hill. It’s whatever will work best for you.

Why does walking outdoors help when having counselling?

Mental health charity Mind carried out extensive research a few years ago, which showed that walking in the countryside could help reduce depression and anxiety. In their survey, they reported that 71% of respondents felt decreased depression and less tense after a “green” walk, while 90% felt their self-esteem increase after a country walk.

And it’s not just Mind that believes in the benefits of being out in green spaces – other mental health organisations and the NHS recognise the benefits of the activity on good psychological health and mental well-being. In fact, any kind of exercise can help to reduce levels of stress, depression and anxiety.

What is walking and talking therapy?

It is simply that, we walk and talk without the constraints of being inside. Some clients are more comfortable walking and talking and find it easier to start discussing their problems when strolling along a country path.

I am happy for my client to set the pace of the walk – if they want to meander along and have a relaxing walk that is fine, but equally, we can set a quicker pace if that’s what they feel comfortable with. The footpaths are easy to walk and start from my front door. So, in other words, you do not have to be super fit!

I have found walking and talking therapy effective with people of all ages. Older clients who follow a gentle pace find being surrounded by nature very reassuring. While some of my younger clients have found it a good alternative to being in a counselling room, as they have a sense of freedom and feel more able to unburden themselves.
Just being connected to nature can be beneficial. I find that whatever people’s problems are – depression, anxiety, loss and grief, or any kind of difficult life transition, whether they are personal, relationship-based, family or work-related – they can be comfortably talked through while walking. And in these times of anxiety brought about by COVID-19, being outside in the open air is even more important. Walking can help to ground you and that in itself is good.
I live in a peaceful location in Wiltshire, where there are numerous footpaths in the middle of beautiful rolling countryside. Sometimes we might see deer, rabbits and hares along the walk. I believe nature is intrinsically good for the soul, whether we are troubled or not, but especially so when we are struggling with problems. Perhaps you might have tried traditional counselling and it was not for you: walking and talking could be an excellent alternative. Or if you are nervous – as most people understandably are on their first visit to a counsellor – then have a think and consider the great outdoors for talking over your problems.