Breathe explores a type of counselling that takes sessions into the great outdoors

When life presents challenges that seem difficult to resolve, speaking to someone qualified for guidance and support is often a great help. But the thought of a video call or sitting in a stuffy consultation room isn’t always appealing and can, for some, feel too clinical and intimidating. An alternative way is to embark on a walk-and-talk counselling session, which might prove to be a more relaxed, liberating and rewarding experience.

What is walk-and-talk counselling?

As indicated by its name, this type of counselling involves taking the traditional therapy session outside and walking alongside a counsellor – usually in a natural setting such as a public park – to discuss feelings and problems in a safe, present, free-flowing way. Listed under the umbrellas of nature therapy or eco-psychotherapy, walk-and-talk counselling is particularly effective in promoting an atmosphere of ease, openness and freedom of expression, while progressively supporting the health of body, mind and soul.

Naturalists and conservationists of the past, such as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Rachel Carson, were well aware of the spiritual and wellness benefits of being in nature. In the world of psychology, Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, used to walk with his patients outside to help them open up and think clearly. This method, which became known as Freudian Walks, has influenced modern mentalhealth therapy and, in recent years, walk-and-talk counselling has gained popularity as an alternative to online or room-based sessions. It’s believed that the action of walking and talking helps shift thoughts and emotions, particularly those that seem immovable, while helping to restore a clearer and more peaceful state of mind (see overleaf).