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.
“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.
Walk n Talk FAQ
How do I know if “Walk and Talk” sessions are right for me?
Typically those who thrive in these various locations out in nature, find it easy to communicate thoughts, feelings, and emotions while walking in nature with another human being. They can manage their attention, focus, and energy towards their inner health and wealth so to speak, which perceptually and physically benefiting from the nature environment. They enjoy combining mental & relationship health + physical health techniques such as slow or fast walking, and do not find it to be distracting or distressing to be in public nature locations such as:
How will I know where to meet you?
You will receive a notification in your session appointment reminder, indicating the day and location of the session, if you click on the link it will direct you to exactly where we will meet. Ultimately, 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. It is always recommended to use the bathroom prior and after the session to optimize the session, therapeutically.
Will people be able to hear our conversation?
Discretion is vital and I hold your confidentiality and therapeutic process in the highest regard possible when out in a highly public nature spot in San Diego CA. I will do my best to route sessions to low frequency areas, however this is a potential side effect of engaging in this location decision and should be discussed prior. If this is a serious concern for you, I would avoid this type of therapy 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 more curious about oneself or one’s relationship.
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, please feel free to bring a backpack to carry your things. We can sit down and strategize at any point in the grass, on a bench, or in a shady spot.
What if I don’t like to walk too much or don’t feel like it the day of the session, what are my options?
These walks are always client & clinician led, many clients book the appointment in advance and then ask to sit down in nature, due to feeling low energy the day of the session. 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, these change moment to moment.
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. Some who struggle with self-worth and confidence to do these things alone, deeply benefit from talking it out with a therapist as well.
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 for you that takes away from your ability to be present for yourself in the therapy hour. I am happy to include all fur animals for emotional support.
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 and desires. Please reach out to Amy to discuss these service locations more in depthly prior to booking.