A Fresh Approach to Counselling
20 Sept – written by Katrin Kemmerzehl – Blog
There’s a growing approach to therapy that’s as simple as it is powerful: Walk-and-Talk therapy. As the name suggests, these counselling sessions take place outdoors while walking side by side.
This approach combines therapeutic conversation, gentle movement and the restorative benefits of spending time in nature, all of which can support emotional wellbeing (Hays, 1999; Pretty & Barton, 2010).
For some people, stepping outside can make counselling feel more natural, relaxed and easier to engage with.
Walking as a symbol for moving forward
Walking is more than exercise. It can also symbolise movement in life, taking things one step at a time and moving gently towards change, healing or a new perspective.
For clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed or emotionally weighed down, physical movement can sometimes help create emotional movement too.
There is growing recognition that mind and body are deeply connected, and that movement can positively influence emotional wellbeing (Mahindru et al., 2023).
Carl Jung once said, “The mind reflects the body reflects the mind.” In other words, body and mind are deeply connected.
Combining meaningful conversation with fresh air, movement and time outdoors can create a powerful therapeutic experience.
Why Choose Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk therapy can be a refreshing alternative to traditional seated counselling, or a helpful complement to it.
Many clients find that walking side by side makes conversation feel less formal and less intense. Without the pressure of sitting face to face, thoughts can sometimes flow more freely, and difficult feelings may feel easier to express (Doucette, 2004).
For some, the gentle rhythm of walking creates space to reflect, process emotions and gain clarity.
Walking Side by Side
Walk and Talk therapy can feel like a more natural way of engaging in counselling for many people. Being outdoors, walking at a gentle pace, and sharing space side by side rather than sitting face to face can help conversations unfold more comfortably and with less pressure.
Some research suggests that outdoor approaches to therapy may be particularly helpful in supporting engagement for men, who are often less likely to seek counselling or may find it harder to remain in therapy over time (Dickmeyer, 2025). At the same time, Walk and Talk therapy can appeal to people of all genders and backgrounds who find movement, fresh air, and a less formal setting calming or easier to settle into.
For some people, including some neurodivergent clients, walking can make it easier to think, reflect, and express themselves. Others simply find that being outdoors softens the intensity that can sometimes come with more traditional therapy spaces, allowing them to feel more at ease, more connected, and more themselves.
Why Walking Helps the Body and Mind
The mental health benefits of movement are well established. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and support better sleep, all important foundations for emotional wellbeing (NHS; Mahindru et al., 2023).
Research also suggests that spending time in green spaces can improve self esteem and promote more positive feelings, even after relatively short periods outdoors (Pretty & Barton, 2010).
When movement is combined with counselling, many people find they feel lighter, clearer and more emotionally open.
Moving Forward, Step by Step
Walk and Talk therapy offers a gentle, more informal way of being together in therapy, with therapist and client walking side by side through the surrounding space.
For many people, this can feel more natural, grounding, and at ease. Sometimes moving alongside another person, both literally and emotionally, can help difficult thoughts and feelings feel a little less heavy and allow conversation to unfold more freely and naturally.
A new Way of Being Together in Therapy
Walk and Talk therapy can complement traditional counselling beautifully. For some clients, it offers a refreshing change of pace when things feel stuck. For others, it becomes the approach that feels most natural and supportive.
Changing the environment, stepping outside, breathing fresh air and walking together, can bring new energy and perspective into therapy.
The act of moving forward physically can become part of moving forward emotionally too.
If you’re curious and would like to explore Walk-and-Talk therapy, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
References
- Dickmeyer, A. (2025). Walk-and-talk therapy versus conventional indoor therapy for men with low mood: A randomised pilot study. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. PubMed Central
- Doucette, P. A. (2004). Walk and talk: An intervention for behaviorally challenged youths. Adolescence, 39(154), 373–388.
- Hays, K. F. (1999). Working it out: Using exercise in psychotherapy. American Psychological Association
- Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475. Cureus article page
- National Health Service. (n.d.). Exercise for depression. NHS exercise for depression
- Pretty, J and Barton, J. What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2010,44(10), pp 3947–3955
Katrin Kemmerzehl
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in arranging a consultation.