Walk & Talk
I offer Walk and Talk Counselling during daylight hours in the Galashiels area of the Scottish Borders.
Walk and Talk Counselling is also known as Outdoor Counselling. In some ways, these sessions might be no different to a standard session and are still led by you and what you wish to focus on. On the other hand, they can be an opportunity to connect more with the natural world and allow you the freedom to express yourself in a way that is not always possible in typical counselling.
It can be an especially helpful method of working for people who don't have the opportunity to get out into nature very often and for those who feel as if they thrive better when they do. Having therapeutic conversations outdoors, either while walking, sitting in a wooded clearing, or a mixture of both, adds a different and positive dynamic to the experience.
Why might you want to try Walk and Talk Counselling?
Some people feel more comfortable sharing their feelings side by side instead of face to face
Being outside can provide a sense of freedom and of being able to unburden ourselves
Movement can help us think differently and shift us out of feeling stuck
Opportunity to engage in mindfulness and being present
When we are in nature, we are in our species' natural habitat, releasing endorphins and enhancing our mood
Physical exercise has both mental and general health benefits
Being outside reminds us of our connection to nature and the world
What happens?
Before meeting outside, we’ll have one session online or over the phone to explore this way of working together and any concerns you may have. We'd also talk about what kind of walk we’d do and how we’d manage things like confidentiality as well as practicalities like the Scottish weather.
From there, sessions will be conducted on walks in the Galashiels area. Sessions are 50 minutes, so walks may be circular or a decision will be made on when to turn round and head back to the start. On some routes, there will be opportunities to sit and you might prefer that only part of the session consists of walking. It might be that we work together in a combination of online and Walk and Talk. We can explore what might work best for you.
Do I need any special equipment?
No, but please dress for the weather! It is very important that you wear suitable clothing for walking outside in different conditions, e.g. sturdy shoes, waterproof coat, hat, suncream, etc. You might also wish to bring water. I will always have a first aid kit on me just in case.
Do I need to be fit?
You set the pace of our walk. You may prefer to have a slower walk or for us to walk to a seating area. Alternatively, we might walk through the woods, where you can experience some stillness and peace while we work together.
I will offer a choice of routes which have all been risk assessed in line with the requirements of my professional insurance. If you have any concerns, it is highly reccommended that you seek the advice of a medical professional before starting any new exercise activity.
What if the weather is bad?
I'm happy to walk in whatever weather, but you may not be and there is no pressure to do so. I understand if it’s too hot or pouring down, and walking feels like too much. We can always switch to have the session online or by phone.
Risk assessments are conducted in advance of the sessions, but we both retain responsibility for our own safety.
What about confidentiality?
Seeing people walking and talking side by side is a very common sight, and we won't look any different. Although it's unlikely to occur, we will discuss how we navigate seeing people we may know and, to maintain confidentiality, we will have a codeword or phrase to pause the conversation until we are alone again.
Can I give it a try?
Please let me know in an upcoming session. I can give you some more information and we can set up a trial if you'd like to go ahead.
What if I decide it isn't right for me?
As with all therapy, if you feel that walk and talk counselling is not right for you, please let me know.
Are fees the same?
Yes. Our intial 15 minute meeting is free, and all sessions are charged at my usual rates.
Can I bring my dog?
As a dog lover, I'm happy to have well-behaved dogs join us on Walk and Talk sessions, but please note it can affect the dynamic of the session. Some people find immense comfort in having their dog with them, while others find that it is difficult to focus while also having to advocate for and tend to their dog's needs. We can do a trial session with your dog and then talk about how we feel if affected the session.
Your dog joining us for a session must be discussed in advance due to the risk assessment requirements of my professional insurance. If you choose to bring your dog to a Walk and Talk session, you retain responsibility for their safety and behaviour.
I am here to answer any questions you may have prior to starting sessions so that we both know what you hope to gain from counselling. If you're unsure about anything, please ask. No question is too simple. If it puts you at ease and helps you in your journey, it's a question worth asking.