Walk & Talk Therapy

Walk & Talk therapy is a beautiful way to experience psychotherapy services while simultaneously connecting more deeply to your body, to nature and your surroundings.

This approach helps to alleviate stress, eliminate distractions and get energy moving metaphysically so that you may share more freely in other areas of your life.

Walking side-by-side also can create a more organic and comfortable space for conversation in contrast to sitting in an office face-to-face, which many prefer.

As an added bonus, you will naturally experience deeper breathing and endorphin release from the gentle walking movement. Research shows spending time looking at the sky during the day promotes better sleep.

Schedule Walk & Talk

“Amy genuinely cares about me as someone who she wants to see succeed in life…Recently, we transitioned to walk and talk therapy…and it really works for me. I enjoy being out in nature and breathing fresh air instead of being in her office. However, it is still an option if you enjoy therapy in an office setting.”

— M.B.

  • A scenic view of rolling hills with sparse vegetation under a blue sky with wispy clouds. A dirt road winds through the landscape, leading towards distant mountains.

    Mission Hills Trails

  • Long arched hallway with beige columns and terracotta floor tiles.

    Balboa Park Promenade

  • Street view of North Park sign and surrounding buildings under a blue sky.

    North Park

  • Sandy beach with footprints, people walking, and ocean in background.

    San Diego Beaches

  • La Jolla

  • Sunset over a marina with boats, silhouetted trees, and sunlit clouds.

    Mission Bay at Sunset

  • Ornate building with sculptures and palm trees under a blue sky

    Balboa Park Architecture

FAQ

How do I know if Walk and Talk sessions are right for me?
You find it easy to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and emotions while walking in nature with another human being. You enjoy combining your emotional & mental health + physical health techniques and do not find it to be distracting or distressing to be in highly populated nature locations such as:

  • Mission Bay

  • Mission Beach

  • Torrey Pines

  • Balboa Park

  • Mission Trails

  • Lake Miramar

  • Trolley Barn Barn

How will I know where to meet you?
You will receive a notification in your session appointment reminder the day of our session directing you to exactly where we will meet.
I will determine an ideal location depending on weather, clinical factors of clients, safety and consistency of route.

Will there be bathrooms?
We will start and end our walk near bathrooms, ideally near where you are parked to start the session.
Please use the bathroom ahead of time to ensure comfort for the session.

Will people be able to hear our conversation?
Discretion is vital and I hold your confidentiality and therapeutic process in the highest regard possible. I will do my best to route sessions to low frequency areas, however this is a potential side effect of engaging in this location. If this is a serious concern for you, I would avoid this location for the time being.

What do I bring? What do I wear?

Yourself, just like any other session. An open mind and a readiness to grow curious.


Some helpful suggestions from other clients
• A hat
• Sunblock
• Wear comfy shoes and clothes
• Water
• A journal/notebook

If you bring a journal or homework, feel free to bring a backpack to carry your things. We can sit down and strategize at any point.


What if I don’t like to walk too much or don’t feel like it the day of the session? Are there any physical requirements or limitations?
These walks are always client led, many clients book the appointment and then ask to sit in the grass due to feeling low energy the day of the session. This is perfectly fine. Some clients ask for higher energy as well, all is welcome. It’s best to allow integration to go at your own pace and energy levels.

I also encourage you to share if you have injuries or preferences for the session. Many people do this as they prefer the nature environment and opt to sit the majority of the session, just for the fresh oxygen and sunshine.

You are always welcome to schedule your session as a walk & talk and change the location to video or phone at any time, including the day or hour of (to telehealth or telephone). There is never an obligation to do physical activity if you don’t feel well or up for it.

Can I bring my animal?
Yes! As long as your animal is not a distraction or source of anxiety for you that takes away from your ability to be present for yourself in the therapy hour.

Can I do both online/in-person and/or walk & talk sessions?
Yes! You can alternate and mix it up, depending on your therapeutic, confidentiality, and activity needs. Please reach out to Amy to discuss these service locations more.