The benefits of walking aren’t just limited to your physical health. Walk and talk therapy is a popular new method therapists employ to enhance counseling. Light physical activity not only gives you a break from being locked up in the clinic for hours but also has a profound effect on psychotherapy.
Walk and talk therapy has been proven effective for patients dealing with anxiety who may have a hard time sitting still due to jittery nerves, but we will get into that later. First, let’s dive into what walk and talk therapy is and the effects of walking on mental health in general. Plus, is it even worth the hype?
How Walking Improves Mental Health
Much of our mental health is based on the release of hormones. Some of that may be detrimental to our emotions, while the release of others give our mood a boost. Cortisol is the hormone released when the body experiences stress. Prolonged exposure to the hormone can lead to depression, anxiety, and have profound physical effects on physical health.
Walking not only reduces cortisol levels in your blood, helping to bring it back to normal, but also triggers the release of natural painkillers and mood boosters, aka endorphins. In addition, there is an increased flow of blood and oxygen to your brain, improving focus along with a boost in serotonin levels. Serotonin is another feel-good hormone that can help stabilize mental health.
It is also quite a calming activity when done outdoors. You’re can venture at your own pace while being aware of your surroundings. When you engage in therapy while walking, you benefit both mentally and physically. This can take you to a much better place than you were initially.
How Does It Work?
Walk and talk therapy works almost the same way as traditional sitting therapy. However, instead of sitting inside an office, you choose an outdoor location with your therapist, according to your convenience, and have a session while walking. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
The location doesn’t have to be a hiking trail (although that comes with its own advantages); it can be a park close to you or a friendly neighborhood–anywhere you feel safe.
Unlike being confined to the office or clinic, you can move around at your own pace while the therapist stays close to you, listening. You might even find it refreshing as you don’t always have to maintain eye contact with the therapist, and the conversation flows more naturally.
During walk and talk therapy, you are engaging both sides of your brain. Many therapists encourage mindfulness exercises to activate the problem-solving part of your brain and improve cognitive skills. However, although there are many benefits to walking therapy, the method has some drawbacks that you might want to be aware of, especially if you haven’t tried this form of therapy yet.
Walking Vs Sitting Therapy
Although walk and talk therapy is an innovative method, it might not be the right choice for everyone.
Walking therapy sessions are typically done outdoors, which might be a nightmare scenario for introverted individuals or people with social anxiety who avoid going outside at all costs. While it may be a fun way to improve your social skills, it can be intimidating to incorporate the method as a first session.
Traditional sitting therapy is also quite structured, making the sessions more predictable. Therefore, the patients may be more comfortable since they know what to expect. Walk and talk therapy is more spontaneous, which could be a better method for more extroverted individuals. It mainly depends on the client.
Sitting therapy is also beneficial for clients who have serious mental conditions that need undivided attention. It also offers more privacy than walking therapy, where there’s a chance of another person hearing your conversation. Besides that, there are several therapy techniques that can’t be applied in outdoor settings, like EMDR therapy or CBT with written exercises.
Keeping in mind the challenges with walk and talk therapy, there are also a number of benefits to discuss.
The Benefits of Walking With A Therapist
Walk and talk therapy is an unexpected turn in the world of mental health, one we never knew we needed. The method has made counseling much more fun than it used to be. Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is definitely a favorite for many clients around the world.
The sessions are more spontaneous. You have more say in the direction of your conversation while being mindful of your surroundings. A significant number of patients found walk and talk therapy more effective than traditional sitting therapy due to its flexible nature.
Even though it may not be recommended for your first session, if you are willing to improve your social skills, then don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. Search for a therapist that provides walking therapy sessions and book an appointment.
Conclusion
Walk and talk therapy is not exclusive to adventurous souls. Anyone can try it out; all you need is a little bit of faith.
The benefits of walking therapy encompass mental health. This type of therapy is great for your body as a whole. You will get the chance to activate both sides of your brain and improve both your cognitive skills and emotions. Not only will you be getting your steps in for the day, improving your heart rate, and balancing your stress hormones, but you’ll also be in a much better place mentally.
Instead of thinking about walking vs sitting therapy, focus on what works best for you. Although the methods might seem quite different at first glance, their objective is a common one. Both sitting and walking therapy strive to bring about your best mental well-being. So, the choice is really up to you.
Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand how difficult it can be to manage anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues. We can help through walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida, or online therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, or Utah. Remember, your mental health is important—take the time to care for yourself.
Contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.
