And into the forest I go. To lose my mind and find my soul.
-Unknown
Mending Hearts Counseling offers walk-and-talk therapy for those in Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, and northern Colorado. Evidence and research have shown that nature-based approaches to counseling are effective in enhancing overall well-being. Researchers looking into the relationship between nature and mental health found that exposure to nature reduces stress, improves attention capacity, reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, and improves cognitive functioning.
We live in a beautiful state with more sunny days than not. You might opt to have an outdoor session while walking and enjoying the healing power of nature. We’ll bring therapy to the outdoors and I will apply the same interventions and theory as in-office while walking at a pace that is comfortable for you. This approach only applies to individual therapy sessions. This isn’t a workout or exercise session. If you feel more comfortable communicating side-by-side rather than face-to-face, you might enjoy an outdoor session. Walk-and-talk therapy is also a great way to get moving, literally and figuratively.
Walk-and-talk considerations
- Our initial session will always take place in-office. If you want to consider a future walk-and-talk therapy session, we’ll go over risks, benefits, and goals beforehand. I’m happy to meet in most weather except very windy or rainy. I also want to be mindful about ensuring there is no snow or ice on trails.
- You’ll set the pace for our walk-and-talk session. Slow or vigorous are both allowed so long as we can comfortably converse.
- Depending on where you are in your situation, walk-and-talk therapy is not always appropriate. Some sessions will require work that we need to be in-office for. You and I will discuss options at the end of each session and decide whether it is appropriate to walk-and-talk the following session.
- Your confidentiality is paramount. Walk-and-talk therapy will take place in public spaces where we might encounter familiar people to both you and I. Prior to any outdoor sessions we will go over how to handle such situations so as not to risk your privacy. Sometimes sessions are emotional and you might not know how to react if you see someone you know while in the midst of your emotion. I’ll guide you through all the possibilities and how we can handle them beforehand.
- If you have physical limitations or concerns, we will discuss prior to any outdoor sessions. It’s always best to consult with your physician prior to engaging in a new physical activity. I’ll only meet in locations that are paved and well trafficked by others to ensure our safety. Physical conditions such as bee allergies, cardiac conditions, asthma, or any other health concerns will be thoroughly discussed prior to any outdoor sessions.
START THE HEALING
Don’t let another day go by! If you live in northern Colorado (Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Loveland), call to make an appointment today. We’ll return your call within 24 hours.