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Walk and Talk Therapy Calgary
Walk And Talk Therapy In Calgary
Virtuous Circle Counselling delivers walk and talk therapy services in Calgary. We take this location based form of therapy, one step further by inviting patients to walk outdoors. A positive experience outdoors can have a significant impact on the direction of therapy sessions. By practicing active listening and attention to body language, we can provide individualized therapeutic approaches that enhance the outcomes for our clients. We believe that using this approach helps to bring the people into touch with their body and mind, thereby promoting healing and transformation.
Walk and talk therapy is a collaborative, strengths-focused process. It involves walking in nature, on a street or in any environment that’s safe, interesting and pleasant. The propulsive movement of walking facilitates discussion and discovery of struggles and resources, while enjoying the views and scenery of the outside world.
What Is Walk And Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy (also known as active or movement therapy, nature therapy, and hiking therapy) is a form of psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and holistic therapy that incorporates walking outdoors while talking about issues and investigating solutions with your therapist. It’s an option for individuals who may want to use the therapy to explore their personal relationships, past traumas, current concerns as well as reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While traditional therapy has you sitting face to face with the therapist while they guide and support you to feel better, walk and talk therapy in Calgary has you walking outside as you work with a trained therapist or counsellor. With walk and talk therapy, you can be receiving body oriented therapy in a comfortable setting that feels more natural to you. This type of therapy is perfect for clients who have a hard time sitting still, feel uncomfortable sharing things directly in front of someone, or have trouble voicing their thoughts about what’s happening in their life and how it impacts them.
How Does Walk And Talk Therapy Work?
Walk and talk therapy is a form of therapy where an individual and their therapist walk in nature, discussing the problems they face. Through this process, people are able to let go of their stresses, worries or even just the everyday things that make them feel overwhelmed. The therapist listens to the patient attentively while also giving suggestions on what they can do to feel better. The overarching goal of walk and talk therapy is not just to help people talk about their problems, but that they will feel better and have a more positive outlook after each session.
Walking outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and connecting with nature offers multiple environmental benefits for those participating in walk and talk therapy. However, this form of therapy isn’t just about walking outdoors. It’s also about connecting with your therapist during a shared experience that encourages introspection, problem-solving, and focusing on the present moment.
There are many benefits to combining your medical treatment, nutrition, and exercise with active meditation and deliberate walking as done during a walk and talk therapy in Calgary. One of these benefits is the promotion of mindfulness. Although this concept has been around for a long time, new research has shown that mindfulness can have a significant impact on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. If you live in the Calgary area and are interested in learning more about becoming part of this groundbreaking method of therapy, please contact Virtuous Circle Counselling and start enjoying healthier, higher-functioning life today.
Who Is Walk And Talk Therapy For?
Walk and talk therapy is a unique solution for those who want to incorporate physical activity into their psychotherapy as well as improve their general health and wellness.
Depending on the goal for your therapy sessions, you can decide whether to simply walk in nature, or choose a more structured walking program. The beauty of this approach to therapy is that you can experience nature, the natural world (and real-life experiences) while working on resolving your personal difficulties and life goals. Plus, since you are physically active while practicing your talk therapy, you will be aiding your mind with the healing properties and benefits of movement, whereas when receiving traditional talk therapy treatment you may find yourself confined to a chair.
If you feel that nature is the missing element from your current therapy regimen, then walk and talk therapy may be a great fit for you. You can speak with a therapist about walk and talk therapy in Calgary and decide if it is something you would like to pursue.
What Are The Benefits Of Walk And Talk Therapy?
The combination of movement and conversation is powerful in ways that are different from traditional talk therapy, the particular benefits vary greatly depending on the client’s situation, but typically include:
- Enhanced communication skills;
- Reduced stress levels;
- Extended periods of focus;
- Time for reflection;
- Extra physical activity;
- Stronger connections with therapists;
- Natural stress relief;
- A more serene environment for therapy sessions; and
- Better resiliency.
A certain ambience and physical setting can help to bring about transformation. When a sense of engagement is developed, the body becomes more active, the mind more present, and communication and relationships are deepened.
Walking, Talking, Healing
Walk and talk therapy is safe and proven, and it fosters trust, communication, and collaboration between you and your therapist. Ultimately, walk and talk therapy is about enhancing your perspective as well as your immediate feelings. And with the many benefits of nature on your mind, body, and spirit, you could be left feeling reinvigorated when therapy ends.
That’s not to say that walk and talk therapy is for everyone. Those suffering from depression, anxiety, or other psychological or emotional disorders may find it challenging to participate in an hour-long walk with their therapist. For those who do participate in walk and talk therapy though, there are a variety of benefits to the activity. With its roots in the ancient art of walking and meditating, its cultural value as a method of cultivating mindfulness, and its numerous ways of participation, walk and talk therapy can add a positive dimension to your overall treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walk and Talk Therapy offers an alternative to traditional counselling methods while also providing a safe setting to talk openly about life challenges. Some limits to confidentiality may apply, but your therapist will do everything that they can to protect your confidentiality during Walk and Talk Therapy sessions.
Walk and talk therapy sessions need to take place outside in an environment that allows for focus and attention, as a result of the highly active nature of this type of therapy. There are several places where this could take place. It is best to choose areas in which there are few distractions.
A good way to start is by talking to someone simply through word-of mouth; talk to friends and family and see if they can recommend someone they’ve worked with in the past. Another way is to discuss this with your doctor or insurance company. They should have a list of preferred providers of anxiety therapy in Calgary that they work with and recommend you to their practice. Your doctor may also know of other doctors in your area who have expertise in your particular concern or condition.
Book Your Appointment Online
We are currently accepting new clients however being a good fit is everything in a therapeutic alliance. When you’re ready, please contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we match your needs and goals.
Our Alberta Locations
WestMount Corporate Campus
4838 Richard Rd SW Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3E 6L1
Phone: (587) 856-8369
Crowfoot West Business Centre
600 Crowfoot Crescent NW Suite 340
Calgary, AB T3G 0B4
Phone: (403) 797-0660
North Campus
160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Suite 300
Calgary, AB T2C 3G3
Phone: (587) 782-4277
Our Edmonton Locations
ELM Business Park
9426 51 Ave NW Suite 201
Edmonton, AB T6E 5A6
Phone: (587) 741-2364
Our British Columbia Locations
Landmark 6
1631 Dickson Ave Suite 1100
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0B5
Phone: (778) 654-5396
Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8am to 8pm
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We at Virtuous Circle Counselling acknowledge Moh’kinstsis, the lands where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, in what we currently call Calgary. We acknowledge that we are visitors on Moh’kinsstis and acknowledge the Blackfoot are those who named this area as Moh’kinsstis. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the ancestral territories, cultures, and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Dene people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.