This is a windswept Michaela, returning from a recent Walk and Talk session with one of her counselling clients.
We’ve been offering Walk and Talk Therapy since last summer and it’s been a fantastic way to maintain face to face contact with clients during the pandemic.
Whilst video and telephone sessions are working well - some clients are struggling with the isolation imposed by the lockdown, particularly if they live alone or are suffering bereavement.
Our outdoor sessions usually consist of short walks in and around the Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Cullercoats area. The walks can be interspersed with periods of sitting, depending on client preference - and the weather!
Walk and Talk therapy, (sometimes also known as eco-therapy) harnesses the therapeutic healing potential of nature for the benefit of mental wellbeing. It involves the delivery of counselling sessions in outdoor, natural environments.
There is now considerable scientific evidence to suggest that being outdoors and connecting with nature, can have a significant positive impact on our mental health. Being more mindful of our natural surroundings can be good for all of us, but it can be particularly beneficial to people suffering from anxiety, depression and bereavement.
This kind of therapy could also appeal to those people who may find the idea of sitting opposite a counsellor in a therapy room, intimidating or off-putting.
In considering whether Walk and Talk therapy is appropriate for a client, there are a number of practical considerations, which we discuss before embarking on a course of sessions.
These include confidentiality, (what we might do if either counsellor or client comes upon someone they know whilst walking), weather conditions, (what we might do if the weather is too inclement to walk) and issues relating to health and safety and physical fitness levels.
Walk and Talk sessions are charged at £40 per session. If you are interested in pursuing this option then please email or phone us to discuss it further.