Sole to Soul Therapy & Consulting, LLC

Walk-and-Talk Therapy 

Walk-and-talk therapy is a rapidly growing practice where therapist and client take sessions outside, off the therapy couch, and walk side-by-side in a more natural setting. Walk-and-talk therapists believe in the combined therapeutic benefits of talk therapy combined with physical activity and time spent in natural settings. Individuals who engage in physical activity and time in nature report improvements in mood, clearer thinking, and increased creativity. Clients report that walk-and-talk is a full-body, multisensory experience that helps them feel better, think more clearly, embody and remember their therapeutic breakthroughs months or even years later. Clients report feeling like their conversation flows more easily while walking side-by-side with their therapist, and it is less intimidating than sitting face-to-face in an office setting.

If you believe you might benefit from talk therapy, or feel that an office is unappealing or maybe even intimidating, perhaps walk-and-talk therapy might be a better option for you!

**More therapists and clients are opting for walk-and-talk as a safer, in-person therapy option since the pandemic**

FAQs about Walk-and-Talk Therapy?

What is walk-and-talk therapy?  

Just like it sounds, walk-and-talk therapy is talk therapy conducted while walking. Talk therapy is often recommended for individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress. Physical activity has also been shown effective for improving mental and emotional health. I take therapy outside to not only incorporate the benefits of talk therapy and exercise, but also the benefits of being in “nearby nature” which has also been shown to be therapeutic. I currently conduct therapy in Bogan Park in Buford, and on the Suwanee/Ivy Creek Greenway in Suwanee (or other mutually agreed upon location).

Who would benefit from Walk-and-Talk therapy?

• Individuals seeking therapy for any of the typical reasons they would seek out traditional talk therapy including anxiety, depression, grief, stress, school, work, or relationship issues, or stage of life issues (i.e., aging or “sandwich generation” issues).
• Individuals seeking to change behaviors related to physical health (i.e., diet, exercise).
• Individuals who find themselves “stuck in a rut” and are in need of change in most any area of life.
• Any individual wanting to live their best life!
• Individuals seeking an in-person alternative to office-based therapy.

Instead of a traditional therapy setting where client and therapist sit opposite each other in an indoor office setting, why not take the therapy outside for some fresh air and a fresh perspective? Therapy sessions and content are generally no different…only the setting in which the conversations take place.

What about weather? 

Clients always get to make the choice about weather. I am willing to venture outside in most types of weather—cold, hot, light rain or even the occasional snow—but I draw the line at downpours, high winds, or thunder and lightening. I encourage clients to come dressed comfortably for the weather. I have the option of online sessions if clients prefer to an alternative to when weather conditions are not to their liking.

What about confidentiality? 

Clients are in charge of what they do and do not divulge in therapy. Any information shared in a therapy session, regardless of setting, is considered confidential and privileged within the confines of legal and ethical standards; therefore, I treat all information divulged in an outdoor session the same as any information revealed in a traditional therapy setting. I have a few different session routes in areas in the park with less activity or foot traffic. I monitor surrounding activity and will change the session route as appropriate in order to avoid being overheard, or I may ask a client to pause for a moment (both conversation and/or walking) to also protect confidentiality. All clients have the option of scheduling an online session, particularly if they know they need to discuss something of a sensitive nature.

Is this an aerobic workout? 

Although it is physical activity and will likely get your heart rate up some, it is not intended to be a workout. The pace is generally left up to the client, but it still remains a comfortable walking pace.

Do we have to walk? Can we just sit outside? 

While I do believe in the combined physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of physical activity, I do have some clients who, for various reasons, prefer not to walk but desire the benefits of being outside. For this reason, we can certainly opt for an outdoor session sitting on a park bench or on a blanket in a grassy area of the park.

Do you only do walk-and-talk therapy?

No. I also have the option of online session for those times when either the weather is bad or clients would prefer a more confidential and secure option. Please call 404-895-1525 or email Denice@walkandtalkatlanta.com for more information on pricing for all sessions.

In addition, I am a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider meaning I conduct online therapy for residents of Georgia. Current legal and ethical standards prohibit therapists from conducting therapy/counseling with clients outside their state of licensure.