If you live in Tampa and are attending therapy sessions but haven’t tried walk and talk therapy yet, you are missing out big time. The city has many wonderful spots that you can explore and take a relaxing stroll, while working on your mental health.
From waterfronts to nature reserves, the city has it all. These kinds of places are encouraged for walk and talk therapy, not only because they are insanely aesthetic, but also because of their proven benefits for mental health.
Green therapy (nature therapy) and blue mind therapy (being near or in water) actually have opposing effects on the sympathetic pathway that is triggered during times of stress. It also suppresses hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you calm down. At the same time, it releases mood boosters into your system, coming like a fresh breath for your senses.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the places best for walk and talk therapy in downtown Tampa!
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Riverwalk is a pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River, approximately 2.6 miles long. It’s much more than a walk in the park, with multiple spots to hang out. It is home to museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions. This gives you a lot of options to explore while doing walk and talk therapy, and allows you to enjoy some sightseeing while having a heart-to-heart with your therapist.
If you are looking for some water-related activity during your session while walking along Tampa Riverwalk, you can always try Sparkman Wharf. It’s an outdoor waterfront space where you can dine in and enjoy the river view.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Another waterfront park connecting to the Tampa Riverwalk is Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which is known for holding popular events. The park connects to the Hillsborough River, allowing canoeing opportunities with an adjacent boat dock. It also offers shaded trails and wide lawn spaces that you can walk along with your therapist.
The well-maintained grounds and surrounding greenery, along with the splashing of Louver and Mist Fountains, create a peaceful space. You can connect with nature without stepping out of your comfort zone. If you aren’t exactly adventurous but have an eye for nature’s beauty, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park could be the perfect spot for your next walk-and-talk therapy session.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
The Julian B. Lane Waterfront Park is located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River from downtown. The area has large green spaces that contribute to the feeling of “freedom”, which can be a welcome breath of fresh air away from congested urban spaces. Apart from that, the paved lanes and quiet corners spanning the park, despite being quite a popular spot, make it a suitable spot for walk and talk therapy.
The color green is known to have calming effects on individuals suffering from anxiety. In addition, the greenery serves as a mood booster, releasing dopamine into your bloodstream. The river is also nearby, offering you glimpses of its aquatic serenity.
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
You will find Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park while walking alongside the Tampa Riverwalk. The park offers views of the Garrison channel, which you can enjoy while having your walk and talk therapy sessions. The area is close to the Tampa Bay History Center as well as the Colombian Cafe, which you can explore while strolling along the trails. Pay homage to veterans and the police force at the Heroes Plaza, or simply have a heart-to-heart with your therapist.
Open spaces like parks give you more opportunities to open up. The casual atmosphere helps you feel at ease. In-office sessions are often more deductive and can help therapists find the root causes of your mental health challenges. However, they can also feel daunting and formal. Frequent, forced eye contact can cause someone with social anxiety to shut down quickly. That’s why an outdoor therapy session in Cotanchobee can offer a refreshing change of pace. It can help you interact more freely with your counselor.
Water Works Park
Reopened in 2014 after a while of being shut down, the Water Works Park is a 5-acre urban park located north of downtown Tampa. The recent restoration of the Ulele Spring has added to the park’s aesthetic appeal, which allows visitors to enjoy the melody of the gushing water into the Hillsborough River and provides a majestic sight to behold.
The sound of water and just its clear presence have the ability to revamp your mental state. Studies have indicated that spending time near aquatic environments has proven benefits for your mind. The Water Works Park also features the Clara Faye Memorial Garden, a serene place honoring the African American nurse who built the first hospital for black patients. This location allows you to pay homage to the unsung hero while lessening the burden on your shoulders.
Perry Harvey Sr. Park
If you are looking for a spot close to nature that also celebrates art, then Perry Harvey Sr. Park is a perfect spot for your next walk and talk therapy session. The gateway sculptures representing the famous musicians and dancers were created by James Simon, who captured the influential figures in a timeless way, to always be commemorated by fans and followers.
There are also fountains that add to the aesthetic appeal of the area, along with monuments that honor influential figures from the African American community.
Conclusion
There are plenty of sites to explore when it comes to downtown Tampa. Many of these run alongside the Hillsborough River, with the Tampa Riverwalk providing a long, connected path that links parks like the Curtis Hixon and Cotanchobee. These areas offer both convenience and a calming environment.
You can always explore your own suitable place for walk and talk therapy; these are just some of the locations that form the crème of the crop in downtown Tampa.
Schedule a Session
Curious about walk-and-talk therapy or wondering if it’s the right fit for you? We’re here to help. Whether you’re ready to book your first session or just want to learn more, reach out to schedule a free consultation or set up an appointment that works with your schedule. Let’s take the first step together.
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