At its core, walk therapy is quite simple: Walking in nature, while engaging in therapy, fusing the benefits of therapy with light exercise. Guided by a supportive and experienced counselor, we walk and work at your own pace.
After years of conducting walk therapy, I’ve seen how the mind operates differently in motion and in light. We know there are mental health benefits associated with participating in therapy, being in nature, and regular exercise. While research in walk therapy is extremely limited — I believe this practice combines the benefits of each of these processes and outlets.
For me in particular, I’m seen how emotions are more easily accessed outdoors. Other research has shown how rhythmic motion (e.g., walking) can liberate endorphins, a natural hormone that brings a sense of wellbeing. The feeling of wellbeing can be a key agent of in reducing in-session anxiety and successfully incorporating feedback.
Starting therapy is not easy. I’ve been there, as a therapist and a client. We all have vulnerabilities and wounds that are not easy to access, expose, and discuss. Being in therapy takes courage, a willingness to open up and share one’s inner world with a new person. For many, it’s hard to open up in a closed office. For this (primary) reason, I prefer ‘getting out.’
In helping others, I aim to integrate nature and movement with opportunities for creative reflection, insight, and progress toward one’s goals. While different in the setting, other aspects of our work are similar to traditional forms of counseling. Walk therapy is HOW and WHERE I practice as Psychologist.
At the onset of therapy, we will:
- Overview the structure and limitations of walk therapy
- Review the focus of ones concerns and conflict
- Explore relevant background information (family, work, relational, mental health)
- Collaboratively discuss realistic goals and processes
Typically, we will start our sessions in my office which will including completing all required paperwork. We will then move toward the path which will be our collective office, located just a minute outside the building.
Free parking is available in this downtown location.
There is real increasing interest in recent years in walk-and-talk therapy
– Washington Post, 2019
C. Vaile Wright, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Special Projects
American Psychological Association