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 for what can be considered outdoor therapy, walking 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 for emotional processing take place in and around the Charlottesville area, with options such as: local parks, quiet neighborhoods, downtown walking routes, and other agreed-upon outdoor spaces that feel safe and accessible for outdoor therapy. We’ll collaborate ahead of time to choose a location that feels comfortable and appropriate for your needs. The pace, distance, and level of activity during our therapy in nature sessions are always tailored to you.

There’s something powerful about combining movement with emotional processing in outdoor therapy. 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 during therapy in nature.

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

Feel more comfortable talking while moving 

Benefit from outdoor therapy or being 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, particularly in terms of emotional processing.

Privacy: While we choose quieter locations for outdoor therapy sessions, these outdoor settings are not fully confidential. We’ll discuss how to navigate this aspect during our emotional processing 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 during therapy in nature are always adjusted to meet your comfort level and physical needs.

Currently, insurance providers have not broadened their coverage to include Walk & Talk Therapy sessions, which are a form of outdoor therapy, conducted outside of a traditional office setting. As a result, these sessions are available on a self-pay basis only. If you are utilizing insurance for in-office or virtual therapy sessions, we can explore options for integrating Walk & Talk sessions into your care. This approach can be particularly beneficial for emotional processing and offers a supportive and transparent way to experience therapy in nature.

If you’re curious about whether Walk & Talk Therapy, an innovative form of outdoor therapy, might be a good fit for your emotional processing, we can explore this together in session or during a consultation. This approach creates space for movement, reflection, and connecting with yourself in a different way, all while enjoying therapy in nature.