Walk and Talk Counselling in Norwich
**Walk and Talk Counselling is unavailable at present. Please see other methods of counselling**
Walk and Talk therapy is a holistic approach which involves going for a light walk in a natural environment whilst having a counselling session. Our natural world is a great healer!
Being outside gives space to process feelings, and movement can help with the expression and release of stuck or challenging emotions. For some, the natural environment may be less intimidating than sitting in front of a Counsellor in a more formal enclosed therapy room. Walk and Talk may be experienced as more relaxed and less inhibiting by walking side by side.
Walk and Talk may suit you if you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed. It can offer more headspace and perspective on your situation by simply being in the fresh air. Naturally with walking and being outside, endorphin and dopamine levels are increased and a session can sometimes feel more upbeat.
It’s well known that walking can increase our physical wellbeing too, such help with diabetes, reduce blood pressure and fatigue, also ease anxiety and depression. Exercise boosts our immune systems and increases blood flow to the brain. A walk can be energising and invigorating.
If you live in a city or work inside all day, being in the natural world can help you reconnect, feel more engaged and be a therapeutic experience beyond words. Walking in silence, if this is what is needed at times, can feel nurturing and grounding whilst being 'held' and supported. Using all of our senses can be meditative and enable us to access memories, feelings and thoughts with more ease.
We incorporate the environment into the session, mindfully connecting with the movement of the elements, the insects, animals, plants and trees, as well as our whole body in the ‘here and now’, drawing on metaphors from the landscape. Walking through seasons can highlight the changes happening externally as well as internally.
As a lover of the natural world, this method of providing counselling resonates deeply with me. I’m at my most creative, focused, peaceful and energised when immersed in the more-than-human world. I’ve been working therapeutically in the outdoors in various ways for many years.
Considerations
Being outdoors brings extra consideration to whether this method of counselling is suitable for you. Any concerns can be discussed prior to the first Walk and Talk session.
Counselling Sessions
Walk and Talk therapy is a holistic approach which involves going for a light walk in a natural environment whilst having a counselling session. Our natural world is a great healer!
Being outside gives space to process feelings, and movement can help with the expression and release of stuck or challenging emotions. For some, the natural environment may be less intimidating than sitting in front of a Counsellor in a more formal enclosed therapy room. Walk and Talk may be experienced as more relaxed and less inhibiting by walking side by side.
Walk and Talk may suit you if you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed. It can offer more headspace and perspective on your situation by simply being in the fresh air. Naturally with walking and being outside, endorphin and dopamine levels are increased and a session can sometimes feel more upbeat.
It’s well known that walking can increase our physical wellbeing too, such help with diabetes, reduce blood pressure and fatigue, also ease anxiety and depression. Exercise boosts our immune systems and increases blood flow to the brain. A walk can be energising and invigorating.
If you live in a city or work inside all day, being in the natural world can help you reconnect, feel more engaged and be a therapeutic experience beyond words. Walking in silence, if this is what is needed at times, can feel nurturing and grounding whilst being 'held' and supported. Using all of our senses can be meditative and enable us to access memories, feelings and thoughts with more ease.
We incorporate the environment into the session, mindfully connecting with the movement of the elements, the insects, animals, plants and trees, as well as our whole body in the ‘here and now’, drawing on metaphors from the landscape. Walking through seasons can highlight the changes happening externally as well as internally.
As a lover of the natural world, this method of providing counselling resonates deeply with me. I’m at my most creative, focused, peaceful and energised when immersed in the more-than-human world. I’ve been working therapeutically in the outdoors in various ways for many years.
Considerations
Being outdoors brings extra consideration to whether this method of counselling is suitable for you. Any concerns can be discussed prior to the first Walk and Talk session.
- Confidentiality is a priority however we have less control over the privacy of your session while we are in a public place. We discuss how we manage this in advance.
- There may be a possibility we see someone either of us know - I will never divulge you are a client or we are in a counselling session.
- A level of physical ability is required. The walking distance is not more than 2-3 miles depending on pace. The routes include a variety of surfaces and some gentle slopes depending on the route.
- You set the pace while we walk and whether at any point you’d like to sit down and rest for a while during the session.
- A risk assessment has been completed for two outdoor routes; however you are responsible for your own health and safety, as I am mine.
- I am usually happy to walk in most weathers, however if the weather is unsuitable for a safe or reasonably comfortable walk, I make the decision to conduct it using another pre-agreed method.
- No special equipment is needed, other than suitable clothes for the weather and sturdy shoes and a hat, sunscreen etc. If your clothing or footwear is not deemed suitable for the conditions, the session may not be able to go ahead.
- Any Covid 19 government guidelines will be strictly adhered to regarding social distancing (if this is required).
Counselling Sessions
- Location: After a free brief initial conversation by phone to ensure we are able to work together, the first full session may be offered by telephone, online or face to face at The Norwich Wellbeing Centre where we can get to know each other and discuss outdoor considerations. The Walk and Talk sessions use a regular pre-agreed route outdoors and we meet in a local green space in Norwich (either in NR2 or NR4). We usually start and end in the same place.
- Duration: A Walk and Talk counselling session usually lasts for 50 minutes, and is generally on the same day, at the same time on a weekly basis. Regular attendance is crucial to the counselling process.
- Cost: I provide a free 20 minute initial conversation by telephone (book here), then each 50 minute counselling session costs £60.
First we change the environment, thereafter the environment changes us. - Winston Churchill
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