Walking Side by Side: What Is Walk and Talk Therapy and Why It Works.

Have you ever noticed how some of your best conversations happen when you’re walking with someone? There’s something about moving side by side, with the world around you changing as you go, that makes it easier to open up. Walk and talk therapy is a counselling approach that uses this natural rhythm to support emotional wellbeing.

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and talk therapy is a counselling session that takes place outdoors, instead of sitting face-to-face in a traditional therapy room or online setting. The client and therapist walk together at a comfortable pace.
This approach blends the benefits of gentle physical movement, the freedom of the outdoors, and connection with nature with the therapeutic conversation you’d expect in any counselling session.
Eco-Therapy is a broader term that can include other nature-based practices – such as mindfulness in natural settings, gardening therapy, or outdoor creative exercises – but walk and talk therapy is one of the most accessible ways to experience it.

New Research Spotlight.

A recent study by Prince-Llewellyn & McCarthy (2024) explored the impact of a walk and talk intervention with five adults across 6–8 sessions. Using pre-, post-, and follow-up assessments, plus semi-structured interviews, the study found: Reduced psychological distress and increased well-being across all participants.
Participants described how the calming effect of being outdoors, combined with walking, created a sense of freedom that helped them express themselves more fully.
Reported benefits also included greater self-awareness, broader perspective, and acceptance of personal challenges.
This study provides real-world, empirical support for this therapeutic approach and highlights it as a valuable alternative—especially for clients who find indoor therapy settings intimidating. 

Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy

Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Movement and time spent in nature have been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and support a calmer nervous system.
Improved Mood
Exposure to natural light can boost serotonin and improve sleep patterns, both of which have a positive impact on mood.
Easier Communication
Walking side by side rather than sitting face-to-face can feel less intense, making it easier for some to talk about difficult or personal topics.
Mind-Body Connection
The gentle rhythm of walking can help process emotions and thoughts in a more grounded, embodied way.
Creative Thinking
Being in nature and moving physically can enhance creativity and problem-solving – helpful when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Physical Health Benefits
While the primary focus is emotional well-being, walking naturally supports cardiovascular health, posture, and energy levels.

Is It Right for Everyone?

I have noticed that some clients find the idea of looking at another person while talking simply overwhelming. Reflecting on my own experience when my children were young, car rides often fostered the best conversations. They would sit in the back, while I mostly sat in the front, driving, which meant the opportunity to truly look at one another was often absent.  Walk and talk therapy can be thought of as walking side by side. 
Walk and talk therapy can be adapted for most fitness levels, but it’s important to choose a route and pace that feels comfortable for you. In our sessions together we will walk a route at a gentle pace, pausing where necessary. For those with mobility issues, some therapists may offer eco-therapy alternatives which might include sitting in a garden or using accessible walking paths.

Final Thoughts

Walk and talk therapy isn’t just about relocating a session outdoors—it’s about integrating the outdoors and movement to deepen therapy. Supported by recent empirical research, this approach promotes emotional freedom, awareness, and holistic growth. Whether you’re managing stress, seeking creative breakthroughs, or simply curious about a new format, this method offers a refreshing path toward wellbeing.

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