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walk + Talk Therapy
Ever notice how refreshed you can feel after going for a walk and getting some fresh air? Now imagine combining the positive effects from a walk with the benefits of therapy and voilà – walk and talk therapy!
I know your time is valuable and I also understand being flexible is important in this day and age! So if getting in a walk and therapy session at the same time is something you would like to try once or decide to do on a more regular basis; that’s available for you. Here are some of the many benefits of walk and talk therapy and why it might be a great option for you:
- reduce stress
- practice mindfulness
- decrease anxiety
- regulate & boost your mood
- improve circulation & relieve muscle tension
- enjoy more restful sleep
- get some movement & exercise into your day
*please note due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all sessions are being held online. Therefore this option is not currently being offered at Freiburg Therapy
Why Walk and Talk Therapy?
Movement therapy was a natural addition to Freiburg Therapy service options as many people I work with lead or would like to lead a healthy lifestyle, both body and mind. Carving out time in their day for both exercise and psychotherapy though created more stress. In walk and talk therapy, you’re provided an opportunity to get out of the house or office environment and connect with the outdoors. I’ve also found people have an increased ability to process difficult situations when combining the benefits of therapy and physical movement (hello endorphins).
Research Findings & Features
- American Psychological Association: A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise needn’t be mutually exclusive
- Exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and negative mood as well as increases self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. (Sharma, Madaan, & Petty, 2006).
- WebMD: Walk and Talk Therapy: Exercise is good for the body and the mind. It may improve psychotherapy sessions, too.
- Research has consistently proven that exercise boosts brainpower; more specifically it increases concentration, focused thinking, organization, and even planning (Bassuk, Church, & Manson, 2013).
- CNN: It’s Spring! Take A Walk With Your Therapist
Where Do We Walk?
Outdoor therapy allows for the combined benefit of nature, therapy, and movement. Living in central San Diego we are fortunate to have various beautiful walking options close by. Favorite walk and talk therapy locations include Mission Bay, Downtown Waterfront, and Balboa Park. Together we will select appropriate outdoor locations that are suitable for both of us. I do keep driving distances to a minimum and within central San Diego.
We then meet at the outdoor location we’ve agreed upon and the outdoor sessions range from 50-75 minutes, depending on your preference.
Is It An Exercise Session?
Our purpose is still your psychotherapy, and my focus is on being your therapist, not a personal trainer or fitness coach. Even though walking is exercise, and we get the benefit of moving our bodies, it is not intended to be a strenuous workout. We will walk at a pace that is comfortable for you and allows for us to speak to one another easily. You’ll set the pace and I’ll follow your lead. Besides, it is not about the destination but the journey!
What About The Weather?
We can change our plans if it’s too hot, cold or wet outside. Living in San Diego therapy outside tends to be the perfect place, but we all know the weather is out of our control. You always have the opportunity for a telehealth session instead. Flexibility in these instances is important!
How Do I Start?
As with any option of therapy services at Freiburg Therapy, an initial phone consultation is a great first step to see if I am the right fit for you. If we decide to schedule our first session, which will be through telehealth, I’ll make an assessment of your overall health. I also want to hear about what brings you to therapy, and whether walk and talk therapy is clinically appropriate for your individual needs. We would then discuss the logistics of our therapy walks. Discussing privacy issues beforehand, since we will be outside of the office together, is also important.
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