Walk-and-Talk Therapy: Moving Your Body and Mind This Summer

Walk-and-Talk Therapy: Moving Your Body and Mind This Summer By Practicum Counsellor, Taylor Whittall

Taylor offers Walk & Talk therapy at Talking Helps Heal in Cranbrook BC

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a noticeable shift. Fewer clients make their way into the counselling office, and it’s not hard to see why. Sunshine lifts moods, daily routines fill with outdoor activities, and sitting inside- whether on a computer for virtual therapy or in an office for an in-person session, can feel like a waste of precious warm days. Walk-and-talk therapy offers an alternative. It lets you enjoy the beautiful summer weather in the Kootenays while still prioritizing your mental health.

Walk-and-talk therapy is exactly what it sounds like: counselling sessions done while walking outdoors, usually on trails, in parks, or through other green spaces. Instead of sitting face-to-face in a room, you and your therapist stroll side by side, talking as you move. This approach blends traditional psychotherapy with the healing effects of nature and physical movement, creating a unique, holistic way to care for your mental health.

I was drawn to offer walk-and-talk therapy because of my own passion for being in nature. During my studies, I took a course in adventure education that shifted how I view the natural world. We spent time slowing down, observing, and allowing nature to guide us. One practice from this course that stood out to me was our daily “sit spots,” where we sat quietly in one place for five minutes, simply observing what was happening around us.

At first, these sit spots felt uncomfortable and challenging. I was away from my friends and family, had no cell phone connection, and was relying on new classmates for support. Sitting still with my thoughts and the quiet of nature felt foreign and overwhelming. But over time, those five minutes became some of the most calming and grounding moments of my day. They taught me to trust myself and look inward to find ways to support and soothe my stress and anxiety. It was a reminder that we live in a world of immediacy (technology, quick responses, and constant distractions) yet slowing down, noticing what is around us, and checking in with what is within us can bring an unmatched sense of clarity and calm.

There’s a concept in environmental psychology called “soft fascination.” Modern life demands directed attention (work, screens, problem-solving) which leads to mental fatigue. Soft fascination refers to the way nature gently captures your attention without requiring effort, letting your mind rest and recharge. Watching leaves move in the breeze, noticing shifting light through trees, or listening to birdsong are small experiences that can refresh and restore us. This is part of why being outside feels so good.

Walk-and-talk therapy can offer many benefits beyond this calming effect. Walking increases endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can lift your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being outdoors also improves cognitive function and focus, while movement sparks creativity and fresh perspectives which can be particularly helpful when working through complex or stuck areas in life. Additionally, spending regular time in green spaces is linked to improved immune function, cardiovascular health, and overall wellbeing. Walking therapy supports your physical, mental, and emotional health all at once.

So how does it work?

Walk-and-talk therapy isn’t just casual chatting while on a stroll. It involves guided therapeutic conversations, somatic (body-based) awareness, like noticing where emotions show up physically, and mindfulness of your surroundings to ground and regulate your nervous system. Nature itself often offers metaphors and reflections that can deepen the process. Your therapist ensures the pace and setting are comfortable for you and maintains privacy and confidentiality throughout your session.

If you’re looking for a way to care for your mental health without sacrificing time in the sun, walk-and-talk therapy could be the perfect fit for you this summer. It’s a way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit while enjoying the beauty and calm of nature around you.

This blog post was written by Taylor Whittall, one of the amazing practicum counsellors at Talking Helps Heal in Cranbrook who helps us run our low cost counselling program!