Walk and Talk Research
Prairie Path in Elmhurst
Walk and talk therapy is a therapeutic intervention that combines talk therapy, walking, and the outdoors (Doucette, 2004). Several research studies have shown that physical activity can enhance the mental and physical health of clients (Dixon, Mauzey, & Hall, 2003; Dubbert, 2002; Martinsen, 2008). Physical activity has also been shown to reduce levels of depression and anxiety and can help to prevent depressive symptoms (Martinsen, 2008). Additionally, being in surroundings that are outdoors and in nature can: 1) improve recovery from mental fatigue; 2) be restorative; 3) improve one's positive outlook on life; 4) enhance one's ability to cope and recover from stress and illness; and 5) restore concentration (Maller, Townsend, Pryor, Brown, & St. Leger, 2005, as cited in McKinney, 2011).
Further mental health benefits:
1) Increased confidence, increased feelings of tranquility, and increased self-discovery (Fletcher & Hinkle, 2002)
2) A sense of well-being and happiness (Berger & McLeod, 2006; Burls, 2005; Davis & Atkins, 2009)
3) A heightened sense of presence (Orchin, 2004)
4) Decreased states of aggression (Mayer, Frantz, Bruehlman-Senecal, & Dolliver, 2009; Plante et al., 2007)
Cognitive benefits:
1) Increased cognitive capacity (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008; Mayer et al., 2009)
2) Enhanced ability to reflect on one's life problems (Mayer et al., 2009)
Walk and Talk Therapy with Our Therapists
If you would like to try out walk and talk therapy to see if it is a good fit for you, we will assess this during our initial intake session together. Although, similar to other exercise programs, you must consult a physician before beginning walk and talk to ensure that your mind and body is a good fit for this type of therapy. We will walk and talk at your pace. If you want to stop and take a break, we will! If we find a bench that looks comfortable, we can simply sit there and have our session. Walking is good because it is physical activity, but being outdoors is also very important and beneficial in this innovative practice of therapy.
Both offices are very close to the Prairie Path which is a peaceful and scenic trail to walk on. If you would rather choose a different route, I am open to suggestions. We can walk at your pace or just sit on a bench that we find on our path. If there is inclement weather, we can wear our rain or snow gear and go anyway. We can also simply stay in my office and have our session there. It's your choice! You should wear clothing and walking/gym shoes that are comfortable for you.
Let's get off the couch...and start walking and talking!
Further mental health benefits:
1) Increased confidence, increased feelings of tranquility, and increased self-discovery (Fletcher & Hinkle, 2002)
2) A sense of well-being and happiness (Berger & McLeod, 2006; Burls, 2005; Davis & Atkins, 2009)
3) A heightened sense of presence (Orchin, 2004)
4) Decreased states of aggression (Mayer, Frantz, Bruehlman-Senecal, & Dolliver, 2009; Plante et al., 2007)
Cognitive benefits:
1) Increased cognitive capacity (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008; Mayer et al., 2009)
2) Enhanced ability to reflect on one's life problems (Mayer et al., 2009)
Walk and Talk Therapy with Our Therapists
If you would like to try out walk and talk therapy to see if it is a good fit for you, we will assess this during our initial intake session together. Although, similar to other exercise programs, you must consult a physician before beginning walk and talk to ensure that your mind and body is a good fit for this type of therapy. We will walk and talk at your pace. If you want to stop and take a break, we will! If we find a bench that looks comfortable, we can simply sit there and have our session. Walking is good because it is physical activity, but being outdoors is also very important and beneficial in this innovative practice of therapy.
Both offices are very close to the Prairie Path which is a peaceful and scenic trail to walk on. If you would rather choose a different route, I am open to suggestions. We can walk at your pace or just sit on a bench that we find on our path. If there is inclement weather, we can wear our rain or snow gear and go anyway. We can also simply stay in my office and have our session there. It's your choice! You should wear clothing and walking/gym shoes that are comfortable for you.
Let's get off the couch...and start walking and talking!