You may have heard of ‘Walk and Talk’ therapy but I prefer to name it Counselling Outdoors, as it’s more than just a talk and we don’t have to walk!

You may prefer to find a spot to sit, a bench, a log or perhaps the ground. It’s still therapy and being in nature can help the process.

As you talk through your worries and how that impacts you, I will help you to explore and make sense of your situation, thoughts & feelings. Forming greater understanding and a clearer sense of self, bringing a sense of peace within.

Why you might choose outdoor counselling.

  • It may feel easier to open up as you are not sitting in a room where eye contact could feel too intense.
  • Perhaps it feels safer or less intimidating in the open than a closed room.
  • Being in nature can provide a more relaxed environment.
  • Moving in nature can add to the therapeutic process, as we move our bodies blood flow increases, this helps thoughts and ideas flow and tensions release. The bilateral movement of walking in nature helps to process emotions, thoughts and experiencing whilst helping regulating the nervous system.
  • New perspectives and ideas may be reached more easily as we notice our ever changing environment for example;
    The tree that falls in a storm, but shows us its tenacity to adapt and survive could become a metaphor for your journey.
  • A walking therapy session can help the flow of your thoughts and release tension.
  • Being in a nature, breathing fresh air, walking at a pace or in a space that suits your mood can help express & release emotions & tension in a physical as well as an emotional sense.

Counselling Outdoors – What to expect

I will be led by your pace of walking just as I will be led by the pace you want to explore what has bought you to counselling.

You may choose to walk to a spot to sit and talk for the entire session or walk the entire session. I am very familiar with the area and do my best to ensure we arrive back to finish on time. I will set an alarm on my phone to alert us when we have 15 minutes left of our session giving us time to wind down and return.

Nature as a metaphor or symbol

We can take time to notice or perhaps touch what we find that resonates with you. Nature has a way of speaking to us, helping us to find words or meaning, giving deeper understanding and is incorporated if you wish.

Mindfulness in Nature

As I have training as a Natural Mindfulness Guide I can incorporate moments of mindfulness practise if you wish. Mindfulness in nature is particularly helpful to calm anxiety, grounding us to the present moment where we are not worrying about the past or future as we focus on what we feel, see, hear and smell, it is a tool you can take away if you find it helpful.

Whilst I will encourage you to explore your feelings and emotions to move through them, walking and grounding to nature can help with overwhelm.

Choosing our Outdoor Space

Outdoor spaces I work are in the Hinckley & Bosworth area of Leicestershire. The first session will always be either online or face to face at The Therapy Cabin as the first session has a bit of paperwork to complete and a thorough explanation of what to expect working outdoors. We would then discuss and agree the location and where I will meet you.

Please wait for me to approach you at our agreed time. All sessions are 50 minutes, I set a quiet alarm tone to let us know when it is time to head back on our route. I do my best to ensure we arrive back on time though ask you to allow an extra 5-10 minutes when working outside due to pace of walking or alternative route.

Confidentiality

I will let you know if people or animals are approaching.

We have options of how we manage this which I will discuss prior; perhaps pause what we are saying, or you may choose to continue. I will take charge of friendly dogs or passers-by politely to resume our session.

Be Prepared for unpredictable weather

Comfortable appropriate footwear is essential; good walking- trainers/shoes/boots.

Clothing that protects you from the weather, insects, stings.

Bear in mind our weather can be changeable so a waterproof, warm coat and/or hat

and gloves may be needed or sun cream and hat for sunnier weather.

Sessions are conducted throughout the year, with the exception of adverse weather such as: high winds, heat waves, slippery ice or heavy snow.

Though you can combine online, in person and outdoor therapy as suits our availability and as needed during winter.

I will assess the area after storms prior to our session and inform you if needed.

In late autumn/winter I will reduce session times in accordance with daylight.

The weather also gives us opportunities to reframe our perspective, challenge & soothe our mind and body, empower and invigorate.

Wind – exhilarating, tingles, awakes, tickles, soothes, invigorates

Sun – warms, calms, slows, soothing, energising

Rain – refreshes, challenges, cools, chills, calms

……. together as we connect to your body and mind feelings of clarity & peace begin.

Other information to note:

We will likely encounter people walking their dog/s, please make sure you let me know if you are fearful of dogs.

I continually assess all areas for risk such as fallen trees, events that may prevent access, pathways etc. As I know the areas well I will direct us on an alternate route in unforeseen circumstance. I choose the quieter areas of woodland and fields surrounding for our session.

Please don’t bring own dog/s as it can be distracting from our therapeutic work.

I carry a small first aid kit for minor scratches or cuts and our emergency contact details.

Please bring any medication you may need (e.g., inhalers

I have two small sit mats we can use if you decide you would like to sit on the ground, a log or if benches are damp.

Please be aware there are only toilet facilities at the café in the main car park.

I will not provide drinking water or tissues so please bring your own if you feel you may need them.

Warm weather recommendations; Bottle of water, hat, sunglasses, clothing to protect from sun.

Cold Weather recommendations: Extra layers/waterproofs and perhaps a hot drink in closed cup.

Please bring your own hand sanitiser if you require it.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.