Walk & Talk Nature Therapy

Humans are a part of the natural world—built to survive, adapt, and thrive in our ever-changing environments. And yet, many of us spend the majority of our time trapped within the confines of concrete walls, sitting inside air conditioned buildings as we type away under bright florescent lights. (Yuck.) What if there were more opportunities to feel the warm sun on our faces, smell the flowers as they bloom, listen to the birds sing, or watch a family of ducks swim across a lake? What if there were more opportunities for movement in our day-to-day lives? Walk & Talk Nature Therapy at Momentum Counseling & Consulting provides an opportunity for clients to experience all of these things as they continue to engage in talk therapy and coaching. Current research has shown that moving our bodies and spending time outdoors immersed in nature can be restorative to the human nervous system in many significant ways.

Some of the benefits of spending time walking in nature include:

  • nervous system relaxation (parasympathetic activation)

  • emotional regulation and mood enhancement

  • improved focus and creativity

  • lower cortisol levels

  • improved immune system functioning and reduced inflammation

  • lower blood pressure and increased blood flow

  • increased executive attention capacity

  • exposure to sunlight (Vitamin D)

  • boosted endorphin production

Incorporating nature walks into the therapeutic process is one way to enhance these benefits and create a productive space for cognitive processing, sensory grounding, and emotional regulation. The beautiful trails, creeks, parks, bluebonnet fields, and local green spaces in North Austin provide a great opportunity for local Austinites to combine a traditional talk therapy approach with immersion in nature (without needing to travel all the way to the Pacific Northwest!).

Momentum Counseling & Consulting will begin offering Walk & Talk Nature Therapy sessions during the weekday mornings starting in June for individual clients, so check back for availability. More session slots may become available depending on client interest. See below for more details and important information.

The Walk & Talk Nature Therapy Approach

This approach to therapy provides a unique opportunity for clients to engage in the talk therapy process of counseling while also reaping the benefits of spending time outside in nature. By combining talk therapy with trail walking in lush green North Austin spaces, clients are provided with a chance to walk side-by-side with their counselor as they engage in conversation, gently and thoughtfully move their bodies, observe the beauty of the natural world, and ground themselves through sensory experiences. The sessions will take place at a public park near the Momentum Counseling & Consulting office in the North Austin/Brushy Creek area. Specific location details will be provided to clients during the booking and consultation process. Sessions will be for individual clients only and will be priced at the same rate as in-office/virtual sessions. Clients will choose the walking pace and distance that feels most beneficial to them during the clinical hour as they enjoy the scenery, engage in talk therapy, pause to sit and rest, and encounter the natural world around them.

Confidentiality

While confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the public nature of this therapeutic approach, all measures of client safety, professionalism, and best ethical practices will be implemented at all times. It is also possible that clients may encounter someone that they know while on the trail. Precautions and methods for addressing these challenges will be discussed at length with each client prior to the first session. Clients will also sign a waiver prior to engaging in these sessions and will need to thoughtfully assess whether this approach is a good fit for them since it involves physical activity in a public outdoor space which comes with additional risks.

Safety Considerations

Clients are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, utilize sun protection, bring water and snacks if needed, and have an emergency contact on file in case of any potential injuries or emergencies.

Weather

When the weather is not permitting due to excessive heat, rain/thunderstorms, or the rare winter snowfall, clients will have the option to modify their session to an in-person office or virtual session. The counselor will always monitor the weather and clients will be notified in advance if a change in location is necessary. Client safety will always come first!