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Maybe you spend most of your day in a stuffy office and just need to get some fresh air. Or maybe the idea of sitting in a chair for an entire therapy session has you feeling a bit anxious and fidgety. Walk-and-talk therapy offers a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively.
What is walk and talk therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy is an alternative to the traditional, what I like to call, "butt-in-the-chair" therapy. It's a relatively new type of therapy that's gaining popularity and is supported by a growing body of research. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that Walk and Talk Therapy was just as effective as traditional talk therapy for treating depression. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that walking in nature can improve mood and self-esteem.
Physical activity has been shown to increase the production of "feel good" chemicals in the brain – neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – which are all linked to mood regulation.
Walk and Talk Therapy combines the benefits of talk therapy with the mood-boosting benefits of exercise.
Walk and Talk Therapy works just like it sounds. We'll meet at one of three local parks – either Stacey Park in St. Louis County, Veteran's Tribute Park in St. Charles County, or McNair Park in St. Charles City. We'll walk side-by-side at your pace while we talk about what's on your mind and enjoy the extraordinary health benefits of physical movement, fresh air, and sunshine.
It's not really about the exercise.
Don't get me wrong, exercise is an important part of your overall health and well-being. But when you and I partner for Walk and Talk Therapy, the focus is still 100% on you, not our physical activity. I'm not counting your steps or calculating calories burned, it's simply about getting outside, connecting with nature, and moving your body.
You set the pace and I'll follow.
Whether you're up for a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll, we'll always walk at your pace and to your comfort level. Sometimes, you might not even feel like walking at all – and that's perfectly okay. We'll find a comfortable, out-of-the-way park bench or picnic table to to serve as our outdoor therapy office for the day.
You might be wondering...