Walk and Talk Therapy in Saskatoon

Walk-and-talk therapy is pretty simple: instead of sitting in an office, we have the counselling session while walking outside.

I offer it because some people find it easier to talk when they're moving. Sitting across from a therapist for an hour can feel formal, especially when you're talking about something difficult. Walking side-by-side can take some of that pressure away.

It isn't a different type of therapy. We can still work on anger, anxiety, grief, addiction, relationships, trauma, stress, or whatever else brought you to counselling. We're just doing the session in a different setting.

Why walk?

There isn't anything magical about walking.

For some people, movement just helps.

You don't have to think about eye contact as much. There are natural pauses in the conversation. If you need a minute to think about something, it doesn't feel quite as awkward as sitting silently across from someone.

I also work with a fair number of people who are restless or spend most of their day sitting. They often like having the option to move while we talk.

Other people try it once and decide they'd rather sit down.

Both are fine.

What is a session actually like?

We pick a place to meet in Saskatoon and walk at a normal pace while we talk.

You don't need to dress for exercise or worry about keeping up with me. It isn't supposed to be a workout.

A session might involve talking through something that happened during the week, looking at a pattern that keeps showing up, working on communication, or figuring out what tends to happen before you get overwhelmed, angry, anxious or shut down.

Sometimes we stop and sit for a while.

Sometimes we walk the whole time.

There isn't a special walk-and-talk therapy formula.

Walk-and-talk therapy and anger

I particularly like the format for some of the anger work I do.

When people describe an incident after the fact, they'll sometimes say they just "lost it" or went from fine to furious.

Usually there was more happening before that point.

We might look at what you noticed, what you assumed was happening, what you felt in your body, what meaning you gave the situation, and what you did next.

Walking can make those conversations feel less like an interview and more like we're working through the situation together.

It can also be useful when we're talking about self-regulation, because we're already paying some attention to what your body is doing rather than treating anger as something that only happens in your thoughts.

What about privacy?

This is the biggest difference from meeting in an office.

We can choose quieter places, but we're still outside. We may pass other people.

I won't identify you as a client or introduce myself as your counsellor if we run into someone you know. To anyone else, we're just two people out for a walk.

That said, if we're going to be talking about something where you really want complete privacy, an office or virtual session may make more sense that day.

We can move between formats. You don't have to choose one and stick with it forever.

What if the weather is terrible?

We're in Saskatoon, sometimes it will be.

If the weather makes walking miserable or unsafe, we use another option or we can reschedule

As much as I enjoy walking in the rain and snow, I completely understand that not everyone enjoys it as much as I do. Or they may not feel safe walking on ice. 

Indoors can be an option as well. There are a lot of wonderful places in Saskatoon that offer indoor walking and we can always schedule in my office as well.

Is it for everyone?

No.

Some people prefer sitting in a room. Some people don't like being outside. Some want more privacy. Some have mobility concerns that make walking a poor fit.

The point is to have another option, not to convince everyone that walking is better.

If you tend to think more clearly while moving, hate sitting still, or just don't love the feel of a traditional counselling office, it may be worth trying.

Walk-and-Talk Counselling in Saskatoon

I offer walk-and-talk counselling in Saskatoon throughout the week, along with virtual counselling and in-office appointments on Sundays.

I work with individuals and couples around anger, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, trauma, relationship conflict, communication and other concerns.

If you're not sure whether walk-and-talk therapy would be a good fit, I offer a free 15-minute consultation before booking.

You can reach me at TheListeningTherapist@gmail.com or 306-361-5830.