When we think of therapy, we often imagine sitting across from a therapist in a quiet room. But healing doesn’t always have to happen indoors. At Creating Your Balance Counselling Therapy in Dartmouth, NS, we offer Walk and Talk Therapy—a refreshing alternative that invites movement, nature, and fresh air into the therapeutic process.
What is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and Talk Therapy is a form of counselling that takes place outdoors, typically in a local park or trail. Instead of sitting in an office, the therapist and client walk side-by-side, engaging in meaningful conversation while enjoying the benefits of nature.
This approach can reduce the intensity of face-to-face conversation and help clients feel more relaxed. The gentle rhythm of walking can also support emotional processing, self-reflection, and a deeper sense of grounding.
Why Choose Walk and Talk?
There are many benefits to moving therapy outdoors:
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Reduced anxiety and stress: Exposure to nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mood (Berman et al., 2012).
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Improved mental clarity: Walking can stimulate cognitive functioning and creativity (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014).
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Enhanced openness: Walking side-by-side may make difficult conversations feel more natural and less intimidating.
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Holistic wellness: Combining physical activity with emotional support promotes whole-person healing.
For clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, Walk and Talk Therapy can offer a welcome sense of movement—both physically and emotionally.
Who Is It For?
Walk and Talk Therapy may be helpful for people experiencing:
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Anxiety or mild to moderate depression
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Grief and loss
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Life transitions
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Stress and burnout
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A desire for a less traditional therapeutic setting
However, this format may not be suitable for all issues or clients. At Creating Your Balance, we’ll work with you to determine if Walk and Talk is the right fit for your needs.
Our Approach at Creating Your Balance
Walk and Talk sessions take place in safe, accessible outdoor spaces in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, weather permitting. We prioritize your comfort, privacy, and confidentiality at every step. Whether you're processing life changes or simply want a new way to connect with yourself, this format offers a grounded, client-centred option for healing.
Ready to Try Something New?
If you're curious about Walk and Talk Therapy, we invite you to reach out. Let’s explore the path to wellness—together.
902-420-6934
admin@cybct.ca
www.cybct.ca
References
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Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2012). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212.
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Oppezzo, M., & Schwartz, D. L. (2014). Give your ideas some legs: The positive effect of walking on creative thinking. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 40(4), 1142–1152.
