Walk and Talk

What is Walk and Talk Therapy?

Walk and talk therapy is a form of outdoor therapy and nature therapy in the field of eco-psychotherapy. I offer walk and talk therapy within the grounds of Abington Park, Northampton.

Individuals who seek outdoor therapy, nature therapy, or walk and talk therapy often have a love for or enjoy being in nature. For others, it may be difficult to sit still while trying to process emotions in a traditional therapy session. Another reason someone may seek walk and talk therapy is because they do not like the sometimes awkward format of being stared at by a therapist sitting across from them. Similarly, they may come from a job in which they sit at a desk all day and may benefit from the exercise and enjoying some fresh air.

Walk and talk therapy begins with the client and therapist meeting at a location they previously agreed upon, possibly during the initial intake session. During sessions, you will tend to lead the pace of the walk. The session time will be the standard duration of fifty minutes, unless a different session length has been pre-arranged and negotiated.

Is it Right for Me?

Before the first walk and talk therapy session, I will inform you of how confidentiality can be implemented in a natural environment. This should be a collaborative conversation between the two of us, and include how we might respond if we bump into others we may know along our route.

Because walk and talk therapy takes place in a natural setting, there could be nearby people who can hear parts of a session. Walk and talk therapy differs from office or online treatments because we can’t fully control our environment. Therefore, it will be important for you to reflect on the possibility of others overhearing or witnessing you becoming emotional (e.g. crying) when discussing sensitive topics. This can help you decide if walk and talk therapy would be a healthy method for you to receive counselling from me. Walk and talk therapy is only offered during daylight hours due to safety.

Location and Meeting Point

Unless other arrangements have been made, we will meet by the main entrance gates to Abington Park, at the location shown on the map.

Address and Parking

On road parking is available nearby, the closest location being along Ardington Road. The address for the meeting point is as follows: Abington Park Gates, Abington Park, Northampton, NN1 4EY

Suggested Route

I do have a suggested route that we can keep to, which takes around fifty minutes, goes around the outer edges of the park & lake, and tends to be a little quieter - with less chance of others overhearing our conversation.

Poor Weather

In the event of poor weather, either you or I will make contact with each other via text or email. The general ‘fall-back position’ will be to hold the session via video call using my virtual therapy room below. Alternatively, a session via telephone can also be arranged, and I will call you on the number of your choice at the agreed session time.

Virtual Therapy Room Link - https://whereby.com/matt-lightfoot-counselling.

Safety

I only offer walk and talk therapy during daylight hours, and the times offered does change throughout the course of the year, and will be agreed in advance.

I carry a first aid kit and mobile phone with me when holding walk and talk therapy sessions and, by consenting to this mode of therapy, you are authorising me to call the emergency services on your behalf in the event of an accident or serious illness.