Austin Walk Talk Therapy
Takeaway: Outdoor therapy can provide a much-needed break from screens and help us tap into the healing power of nature. I offer walk-and-talk therapy in Austin, TX for those looking to incorporate gentle movement into their sessions or simply want to be held by the outdoors as they care for their mental health.
About walking therapy
Walk and talk therapy moves the normal office therapy session into the outdoor setting. It is an opportunity to bring movement and mind body connection into the traditional talk therapy session. The benefit of therapy outdoors is to promote mental well-being, connection, increase self esteem, and healing through a relationship with the natural world. Although there is body movement, the focus is not around weight loss or exercise. If this is your primary reason for wanting to reach out, this may not be the right fit. As an advocate of anti-diet culture and fat liberation, I encourage you to check out The Body is Not an Apology by Sonee Renee Taylor and the work of Aubrey Gordon.
Benefits of walk therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy redefines traditional psychotherapy sessions by moving out of the office into the outdoors with your therapist. This approach combines walking and talking to harness nature's healing effects and can help in confronting difficult issues. Supported by research and real-life experiences, this method offers various benefits that support mental health and overall growth. Being outside in nature can look and feel different for everyone. If you grew up spending time outside as a child, nature may evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. However, for some, the lack of experience of being in nature may lead to feeling disconnected or even a little “scared” of the unknown. Whatever your relationship with nature is at this moment, walk and talk therapy can be beneficial to you.
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Spending intentional time in nature can increase connection in your life. Connectedness to nature seems to benefit mood and mental health (American Psychological Assocation) This research goes on to show that not only can our connection to the natural world increase, but also to one another. In a world where we can find ourselves experiencing disconnection at staggering rates, nature is ready to aid and support you showing up in the present moment.
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Walk and talk therapy helps can be beneficial to folks struggling with anxiety and other mental health conditions. Regular talk therapy can feel challenging if you struggle with eye contact or sitting still for long periods of time. Having sessions in the fresh air while moving your body can help therapy feel more approachable. Walking and taking in the natural environment can facilitate more mindfulness, relaxation and presence, which can help decrease anxiety.
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Spending time in nature during Walk and Talk therapy sessions can evoke feelings of connectedness and purpose. Interacting with natural environments has been linked to an increased sense of belonging and purposefulness. Engaging with nature during therapy sessions might promote a sense of being part of something larger, leading to a deeper sense of meaning. For some, the natural world provides a spiritual experience that can be helpful in their healing journey.
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Nature-based activities, including walking in green spaces, have shown positive effects on stress reduction and is used as an alternative mental health treatment. The combination of movement, natural surroundings, and therapeutic conversation can assist in processing emotions and regulating responses to stressors, potentially leading to improved emotional resilience.
Meet Meg Mattingly, Ecotherapist in Austin
I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world. Growing up in a rural community in Texas, I spent much of my childhood exploring outside, riding my bike around town, and going on camping trips with my family. Even as a child, I felt a strong kinship with Mother Nature. Learning about cycles, identifying plants, and growing food fed my curiosity and desire to understand more.
I graduated college with a degree in Recreation, Parks & Tourism and pursued jobs that allowed me to learn from nature in more community spaces. I taught outdoor education, worked with youth on urban farms and helped to build school gardens. As a therapist, I carry all these experiences with me and value the experiential aspect of my previous work.
Whether we are in the office or outside together, I rely on nature as a guide and co-facilitator. I incorporate mindfulness, feminist theory, non-violent communication, and ecotherapy into my sessions. If you are looking for a unique alternative to traditional talk therapy, walk and talk therapy with me is a great option. Depending on your needs, our sessions may sound very similar to those that occur indoors or may take on more of an experiential component. Mother nature is a lifelong teacher, reminding us that change is inevitable, grief and gratitude are intertwined, and beauty can be found everywhere. The lessons and depth are endless. We just have to slow down long enough to see it.
Why choose Willow Tree Collective for walk + talk therapy in Austin
FAQs about walk therapy
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This type of therapy involves conducting therapeutic sessions outdoors while walking or sitting in nature. During these sessions, we engage in conversation and exploration, using the natural environment to facilitate healing and self-reflection. You can expect a collaborative process where we work together to integrate movement, nature, and relationship building to address concerns and healing. Before we start this process, we'll go over the risks and possible situations that can arise when meeting outside the therapy room, ie: how meeting in a public space impacts confidentiality, discussing sensitive topics outside in the open, or backup plans if weather issues arise. At this time, outdoor sessions take place on the Shoal Creek Trail or at Pease Park.
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Typically, walk and talk therapy sessions last around 45-50 minutes, similar to traditional office-based sessions. If you are interested in extending an outdoor session or desire to meet longer, I can offer a 80 minute session. However, this has to be predetermined prior to us meeting. There is an adjusted fee for a 80 minute session. Whether you're interested in weekly sessions outside, or simply curious and want to try it once, I welcome you.
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I offer walk and talk therapy services to folks in and around Austin, Texas. For those outside this area, various online directories or mental health platforms may assist in locating therapists who provide similar outdoor or walk-based therapy. I recommend checking out Inclusive Therapist or Therapy Den. Both of these directories will let you search "ecotherapy" , "wilderness therapy" or "mindfulness therapy", which should connect you to therapists offering this service.
Get the mental health care you need while embracing the healing power of nature.
Walk and Talk Therapy blends movement, nature, and conversation to offer a holistic approach to healing and growth. It's a natural fit for those looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy. Its diverse advantages go beyond regular counseling methods, providing a unique path for personal development and mental well-being. If you're curious about exploring this, reach out to schedule a free consultation with me. I look forward to walking with you soon!
