Guide to Eco Art Therapy and Walk-and-Talk Therapy
What is therapy outdoors like?
- Outdoor therapy is similar to our sessions in the therapy studio, but more mobile. We can sit together, create art, and have conversations as usual. I will provide a small sketchbook for our outdoor sessions, and we can use natural materials we find during our walk.
- Engaging in therapeutic conversations outside, whether we are walking, sitting, or doing both, can introduce a positive and different dynamic to the therapy experience. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who feel anxious in confined spaces, as walking side by side lessens the intensity of eye contact, which may help neurodiverse individuals.
- Walking together conveys a sense of equality and connection.
Session Details
- Our outdoor therapy sessions offer freedom and flexibility in movement. We will meet at the same time each week, starting and ending our sessions from a mutually agreed-upon location. There are several routes that I regularly walk, and we can choose one that suits your preferences. I will also assess the risks associated with the walks or locations you suggest to ensure your safety and comfort.
- You may prefer to take a leisurely stroll, head to a sitting area, or explore a woodland for 'forest bathing.' This practice involves immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a forest, which can be deeply relaxing and rejuvenating, offering opportunities for stillness and peace as we work together.
Benefits of Outdoor Therapy
- Changing our physical environment and moving our bodies can help us think differently about aspects of our lives that may have felt stuck. The therapeutic benefits of being outdoors are vast, often providing a fresh perspective along with hope and optimism.
- Being outside can be physically relaxing, which helps our minds open up.
- Outdoor activities release endorphins, are generally mood-enhancing, and walking outside can improve health by lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and enhancing heart health.
Weather
- I am happy to walk in any weather and will wear appropriate clothing for the conditions.
- I understand you might prefer to stay indoors in extreme weather. If it's too hot, too cold, or if there's heavy rain, we can switch to an online session or home visit instead.
- Your comfort and well-being are always my priority.
Confidentiality
- To maintain confidentiality during our sessions, we will agree that if we encounter anyone we know, we will inform each other and pause our conversation until we are alone again.
Boundaries
- While the physical boundaries may change in outdoor therapy, it’s important to remember that we are still engaged in a therapeutic relationship.
- Our therapy agreement remains valid, even when we are outside.
Pace
- We will walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you, whether that is slow or fast.
- Our walking pace might also reflect the themes we are exploring in therapy, which can provide insights into your experiences.