What is Walk & Talk Therapy?
Outdoor Therapy in San Luis Obispo County, California
When you picture therapy, what comes to mind? Maybe a quiet office with a couch, a few cozy throw pillows, and a therapist sitting across from you with a notepad. That classic setup works well for many people—but it’s not the only way to do therapy.
What if your therapy session happened outside, walking side by side with your therapist along a peaceful trail?
That’s exactly what walk and talk therapy offers—an evidence-based, movement-friendly approach to mental health that’s growing in popularity.
Walk and talk therapy in Avila Beach, California
Therapy, Beyond the Couch
As mental health care becomes more accessible and personalized, more people are looking for options that feel natural and flexible. Walk and talk therapy is a great fit for clients who feel restless, uncomfortable, or stuck in traditional therapy settings. It blends the benefits of talk therapy with the calming power of nature.
So, What Is Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy is exactly what it sounds like: instead of sitting across from your therapist indoors, you meet outside and walk together—while still doing real therapeutic work.
Sessions follow the same evidence-based approach as they would in an office, but they happen side by side, in motion, in nature.
Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy
Having implemented walk and talk therapy before, I have seen surprising benefits for clients who opt into a nontraditional setting for therapy. Some benefits of walk and talk therapy include:
A more relaxed feel: Walking side by side can make conversations feel less intense than face-to-face sessions.
Boosted emotional processing: Movement can help regulate emotions and support clearer thinking.
Nature’s impact: Being outside can naturally lower stress and lift your mood.
Built-in mindfulness: Nature creates natural moments for grounding and reflection.
Somatic connection: Movement allows the body to reflect internal growth, especially helpful in trauma work.
Where Can I Do Walk and Talk Therapy in San Luis Obispo County?
Walk and Talk Therapy, Nature Therapy, Outdoor Therapy
I offer walk and talk therapy sessions on the Bob Jones Trail in Avila Beach, one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in San Luis Obispo County. This paved, mostly shaded trail offers a quiet, scenic environment with gentle terrain—ideal for therapeutic work.
What Walk and Talk Therapy Isn’t
While walk and talk therapy can be incredibly helpful, it’s not for everyone—or every situation. It may not be a good fit if:
You’re dealing with topics that require a high degree of privacy
You have physical limitations that make walking uncomfortable
You’d prefer a more contained, structured office setting
It’s also important to know:
Walk and talk therapy is not meant as a fitness session—the focus stays on your mental and emotional wellbeing.
It’s not a casual chat; we’re still working toward your therapy goals, just in a different setting.
Who Might Benefit from Walk and Talk Therapy?
Walk and talk therapy can be especially helpful for:
People who feel stuck or restless during traditional sessions
Clients navigating anxiety, depression, or chronic stress
Teenagers who may feel more at ease walking than sitting face-to-face
Clients interested in integrating somatic work (body-based techniques)
Nature lovers who feel more grounded and open outside
What to Expect in a Walk and Talk Therapy Session
If you’re curious to try it out, here’s what to know before your first session:
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Bring a water bottle and any weather-appropriate gear
We’ll review and sign a brief informed consent form beforehand, outlining things like physical risks and potential privacy concerns (for example, someone recognizing us on the trail)
Once we’re walking, the session works like any other. We’ll talk through what’s going on for you, explore your goals, and check in on coping strategies. You’ll set the pace, and we can pause, sit, or head back at any point.
Final Thoughts
Walk and talk therapy is always optional—you can choose whether you'd like to meet indoors or head outside on any given day. Some clients walk every week; others switch it up depending on how they’re feeling.
If you're curious about trying outdoor therapy in San Luis Obispo County, I’d love to talk with you.