Why Walk & Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy is an innovative method of therapy, with unique benefits in its approach to healing. Through movement, it allows for the physical release of stress hormones and the creation of a calm environment. A calm, comfortable environment is key to any successful therapy session as it helps to frame a safe space for growth and change. Walk and talk therapy has been described as an intervention that marries the biological, psychological, and social factors significant to health and wellness.
"Walking with clients during therapy appears to help clients talk more, become more relaxed, and encourages present moment awareness. Therapists utilizing walking with therapy believe clients are more relaxed and talkative due to the orientation of the therapist and client. In traditional therapy, the therapist and client are sitting facing one another. Walking parallel with clients may allow them to become more relaxed and talkative. The act of walking encourages present moment awareness because it is difficult to not concentrate on your steps and surroundings."
- Bridget McKinney, University of New Orleans
Considerable anecdotal research has been devoted to the reasons why walk and talk therapy is successful. The following are quotes from therapists who employ walk and talk therapy in their practice:
"When you are out walking, you are working from a position of health, lying on a couch is what we do when we are sick."
- Goodman, B. (2005). Can you get more out of counseling if you take it out of the office? Health Magazine, 111-114.
“Vigorous physical activity elicits emotions better than slouching in a chair. It speeds up therapy.”
- Goodman, B. (2005). Can you get more out of counseling if you take it out of the office? Health Magazine, 111-114.
“Patients are more talkative and relaxed.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and Talk Therapy. WebMD.
“Many clients are stuck in the past or future; walking encourages present moment awareness.”
- Bricklin, M., & Smith, S.C. (1996). Fix your head with walking. Prevention, 48(5), 1-3.
“It is often easier to talk honestly with someone while walking because eye contact can be bothersome at times."
- Bricklin, M., & Smith, S.C. (1996). Fix your head with walking. Prevention, 48(5), 1-3.
“Walking in parallel with visual distractions may allow for easier engagement.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and talk therapy. WebMD.
“Many patients consider the association of being outdoors with recreation and vacation; two positive things that most want to experience more.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and talk therapy. WebMD.
"I have seen a lot of my clients get better a lot sooner. There is something about moving, which I think is a symbol for moving forward."
- Cockrell, C. (2008). A therapist without a couch. Hudson Reporter.
- Goodman, B. (2005). Can you get more out of counseling if you take it out of the office? Health Magazine, 111-114.
“Vigorous physical activity elicits emotions better than slouching in a chair. It speeds up therapy.”
- Goodman, B. (2005). Can you get more out of counseling if you take it out of the office? Health Magazine, 111-114.
“Patients are more talkative and relaxed.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and Talk Therapy. WebMD.
“Many clients are stuck in the past or future; walking encourages present moment awareness.”
- Bricklin, M., & Smith, S.C. (1996). Fix your head with walking. Prevention, 48(5), 1-3.
“It is often easier to talk honestly with someone while walking because eye contact can be bothersome at times."
- Bricklin, M., & Smith, S.C. (1996). Fix your head with walking. Prevention, 48(5), 1-3.
“Walking in parallel with visual distractions may allow for easier engagement.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and talk therapy. WebMD.
“Many patients consider the association of being outdoors with recreation and vacation; two positive things that most want to experience more.”
- Wright, S. (2008). Walk and talk therapy. WebMD.
"I have seen a lot of my clients get better a lot sooner. There is something about moving, which I think is a symbol for moving forward."
- Cockrell, C. (2008). A therapist without a couch. Hudson Reporter.
Learn More!
The following list of resources will help you learn more about this effective approach:
A Walk in the Park Gives Mental Boost to People With Depression
Therapist's Perceptions of Walk and Talk Therapy: A Grounded Study
Walk & Talk Therapy, WebMD
In the following video, Clay Cockrell, a New York social worker and pioneer of walk and talk therapy, explains why the combination of movement and conversation is so successful to therapy.
A Walk in the Park Gives Mental Boost to People With Depression
Therapist's Perceptions of Walk and Talk Therapy: A Grounded Study
Walk & Talk Therapy, WebMD
In the following video, Clay Cockrell, a New York social worker and pioneer of walk and talk therapy, explains why the combination of movement and conversation is so successful to therapy.