Benefits of Walk and Talk - EcoTherapy

There is the actual experience, that is reported to me by my clients that I have been hearing since I first started offering Walk and Talk in 2020 - We all know why that was - Covid all of a sudden made sitting in a cosy room with someone outside of your immediate household became dangerous, and not everyone wanted to move to Phone or Zoom sessions, So I offered outdoor Walk and Talk sessions. And then there is the actual studies and evidence being collected about the benefits of Walk and Talk - EcoTherapy.

Today I thought I would share some evidence as Walk and Talk is a wonderful way to attend counselling for those who live in or visit Melbourne CBD. For those who do not live here, you can still book in Walk and Talk when you visit. I have clients from all over Australia via phone and zoom sessions, who book in Walk and Talk when they Visit Melbourne. Of course you can also walk as we talk on the phone, just make sure you have a good headset, and are in a safe environment with privacy.

"Results show that participants in the walk and talk group improved more on burnout, stress symptoms, general mental health, and wellbeing than those in the control group. The importance of nature for mental health is increasingly recognized in mainstream healthcare. Findings suggest that the positive impact of therapy on feelings of self-efficacy and well-being was enhanced by being outdoors, and that the walking component allowed for physical release and aided problem-solving".

Agnes E. van den Berg, Femke Beute, Walk it off! The effectiveness of walk and talk coaching in nature for individuals with burnout- and stress-related complaints,

Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 76,2021,

Individuals described their experience of WATT (Walk and Talk Therapy) as enjoyable, relaxing and calming. They noted feeling more energised, able to breathe more deeply and feeling more comfortable disclosing personal thoughts and feelings. Walking also relieved the pressure on the conversation, making it more enjoyable than speaking in an office with constant eye contact. Additional research suggests that natural environments can enhance the therapeutic relationship by creating a shared, neutral space that encourages a more balanced power dynamic (Cooley & Robertson, 2020). This increased sense of autonomy over the space may have contributed to the openness participants experienced.

Prince-Llewellyn, H., & McCarthy, P. (2025). Walking and talking for well-being: Exploring the effectiveness of walk and talk therapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 25, e12847. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12847

Research has evidenced that being exposure to natural light and fresh air combined with physical movement like walking has many health benefits. Adding in talking experiences provides even more positive outcomes, including: Helping to release emotion, calm the nervous system, energise and motivate, Boosting mood and reducing stress chemicals in the body Better circulation and sleep Improved concentration and problem-solving 

https://healthcheck.griffith.edu.au/walk-and-talk-for-wellness-a-new-and-innovative-counselling-service/

Walking therapy is one particular ecotherapy approach – not to be confused with a personal training exercise. Walking therapy, also known as walk and talk therapy, is essentially a therapeutic or supportive conversation in an outdoor, green and natural environment. The walking is secondary to the conversation or the joining of individual and therapist or facilitator. However, it does provide a different kind of therapeutic experience, which combines the mind and the body in ways that traditional mental health support does not.

Walk and talk experiences can help the individual feel more grounded, and able to release emotion, which in turn boosts mood, and reduces stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Exposure to natural light and fresh air combined with light exercise carries opportunities for mood benefits. In particular, walking and talking side-by-side can help shift a person’s sense of ‘stuckness’ as movement can often facilitate psychological processing. Hence, walking in nature often enhances problem solving ability, and creative thinking processes which can impact on the individual’s ability to broaden or shift their perspective. 

https://healthcheck.griffith.edu.au/walk-and-talk-for-wellness-a-new-and-innovative-counselling-service/ This is just a few things I have found as I have looked about on the internet for the science that supports my lived experience. There are also benefits for the therapist, which I can also vouch for.

I love that there are options - I enjoy the variety of ways I am able to

, and being in a position to offer the variety to each of you is a wonderful thing. Perhaps Walk and Talk is for you, perhaps being at home in your own safe nest and having a phone or zoom session or perhaps you would benefit from a Yoga Counselling session. How wonderful that we are all different and at varying times within our life our needs and desires change and therapy can meet that - where you are.

If you are interested in learning more about me, eco therapy/Walk and Talk please reach out - I invite you to book in a FREE 15 minute Connection Call. I have space to start counselling now and am also taking bookings for Late January start for those that are wanting counselling to be part of their 2026

Take Care

Kirsten