What is Walking Psychotherapy?
Experience the Benefits of Therapy in Nature
Sometimes the best conversations happen while moving forward.
Walking Therapy combines the benefits of traditional counseling with the restorative effects of spending time outdoors. Rather than meeting in a traditional office setting, therapy sessions take place while walking at a comfortable pace in a peaceful outdoor environment.
Many clients find that being surrounded by nature helps them feel more relaxed, open, and emotionally grounded.
Why Choose
Walking Therapy?
Research continues to show that spending time outdoors and engaging in gentle physical activity can support both physical and emotional well-being. Walking while talking may help clients feel more comfortable discussing difficult topics and can reduce the pressure that sometimes comes with sitting face-to-face in an office.
Potential benefits include:
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Reduced stress and anxiety
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Improved mood
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Increased mental clarity
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Enhanced emotional regulation
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Greater sense of calm
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Gentle physical activity
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A more relaxed counseling experience
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Connection with the natural environment
Walking Therapy offers the same therapeutic relationship and professional guidance as traditional counseling while incorporating the healing qualities of movement and nature.
What to Expect
Sessions are conducted in an agreed-upon outdoor location and proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. The focus remains on your therapeutic goals while enjoying the calming influence of the natural surroundings.
Your privacy, safety, and comfort are always prioritized. Before beginning Walking Therapy, Kerry will discuss whether this format is appropriate for your needs and explain expectations regarding weather, confidentiality in public spaces, accessibility, and scheduling.
Who Can Benefit?
Walking Therapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:
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Anxiety
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Stress and burnout
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Mild to moderate depression
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Grief
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Life transitions
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Relationship concerns
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Personal growth and self-discovery
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Some individuals may benefit more from traditional office-based counseling, particularly when weather, mobility, safety, or clinical needs make outdoor sessions less appropriate. Kerry will help determine which approach best supports your goals.
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking for a different approach to counseling, Walking Therapy may offer the balance of movement, nature, and meaningful conversation you’re seeking. Kerry provides a supportive, compassionate space where healing can unfold—one step at a time.
Research
Dickmeyer, A., Smith, Jordan J., Halpin, S., McMullen, S., Drew, R., Morgan, P., Valkenborghs, S., Kay‐Lambkin, F., & Young, Myles D. (2025). Walk‐and‐Talk Therapy Versus Conventional Indoor Therapy for Men With Low Mood: A Randomised Pilot Study. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70035
Koziel, N., Vigod, S., Price, J., Leung, J., & Hensel, J. (2021). Walking Psychotherapy As a Health Promotion Strategy to Improve Mental and Physical Health for Patients and Therapists: Clinical Open-Label Feasibility Trial. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(2), 153–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437211039194
A small qualitative study found participants reporting feeling improved self-awareness, self-acceptance, and freedom of expression after walk-and-talk sessions. Participants reported reduction in psychological distress and an increase in well-being. The study group reported gaining a broader perspective, heightened self-awareness and greater acceptance of oneself, others and life's challenges.
Prince‐Llewellyn, H., & McCarthy, P. (2024). Walking and talking for well‐being: Exploring the effectiveness of walk and talk therapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12847
A 2020 meta-synthesis of outdoor therapies found benefits including more mutuality between therapist and client and a sense of interconnectedness between the mind, body, and natural world (Cooley et al, 2020.)
Walking therapy has shown to help build an inner sense of purpose, and has shown positive results in reduced depression, anxiety, and negative affect. Walking therapy also promotes physical health benefits such as improvements in heart rate variability, blood pressure levels, and cortisol response.
Capaldi, C., Passmore, H.-A., Nisbet, E., Zelenski, J., & Dopko, R. (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.449
Cooley, S. J., Jones, C. R., Kurtz, A., & Robertson, N. (2020). “Into the Wild”: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces. Clinical Psychology Review, 77(1), 101841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101841
Coventry, P. A., Brown, JenniferV. E., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R., McEachan, R., & White, PiranC. L. (2021). Nature-based Outdoor Activities for Mental and Physical health: Systematic Review and meta-analysis. SSM - Population Health, 16(100934), 100934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2023). Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309-320.
Schen C. R. (2020). Flexibility in Treatment: A Trial of Walking Psychotherapy. Psychodynamic psychiatry, 48(3), 295–313. https://doi.org/10.1521/pdps.2020.48.3.295
Yao, W., Zhang, X., & Gong, Q. (2021). The Effect of Exposure to the Natural Environment on Stress reduction: a meta-analysis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57(1618-8667).