WALK AND TALK THERAPY

Walk & Talk Therapy offers a more natural, flexible approach to the therapy process—one that invites movement, fresh air, and the rhythm of walking to support emotional processing.

Instead of meeting in the office, we meet outdoors and walk side-by-side. For many people, this feels less intense than sitting face-to-face and can make it easier to open up, reflect, and stay connected to the present moment.

This approach can be especially supportive if you find yourself feeling stuck, restless, or overwhelmed in traditional settings—or if being in nature helps you feel more grounded.

 Sessions take place in and around the Charlottesville area, with options such as:

• Local parks  
• Quiet neighborhoods 
• Downtown walking routes 
• Other agreed-upon outdoor spaces that feel safe and accessible 

We’ll collaborate ahead of time to choose a location that feels comfortable and appropriate for your needs. Pace, distance, and level of activity are always tailored to you.

 There’s something powerful about combining movement with emotional work. Clients often notice:

• Increased ease in conversation and expression 
• Reduced anxiety or intensity during difficult topics 
• A stronger sense of grounding and connection to the body 
• Improved mood and energy from gentle movement 
• A feeling of forward momentum—both physically and emotionally 

The simple rhythm of walking—left, right, left—can also have a naturally regulating effect on the nervous system. This bilateral movement supports the brain in processing thoughts and emotions while helping you stay more anchored in the present moment.

 Walk & Talk Therapy may be a good option if you:

• Feel more comfortable talking while moving 
• Benefit from being outdoors or in nature 
• Experience restlessness, anxiety, or difficulty sitting still 
• Are looking for a more relaxed, less formal therapy environment 

We’ll always discuss together whether this approach aligns with your clinical needs and goals.

• Privacy: While we choose quieter locations, outdoor settings are not fully confidential. We’ll talk through how to navigate this in a way that feels comfortable for you. 
• Weather: Sessions are dependent on weather conditions and may shift to virtual or in-office as needed. 
• Accessibility: Routes and pacing are always adjusted to meet your comfort level and physical needs. 

At this time, insurance providers have not expanded coverage to include Walk & Talk Therapy sessions conducted outside of a traditional office setting.

Because of this, Walk & Talk sessions are offered on a self-pay basis only.

If you are currently using insurance for in-office or virtual sessions, we can discuss options for incorporating Walk & Talk sessions into your care in a way that feels supportive and transparent.

If you’re curious about whether Walk & Talk Therapy might be a good fit, we can explore this together in session or during a consultation.

This is simply another way of creating space—for movement, for reflection, and for connecting with yourself in a different way.