Walking Your Way to Better Mental Health One Step at a Time
Did you know there are many therapeutic benefits to mindfully walking during a therapy session? Not only is walking a great way to improve our cardiovascular health and our general physical wellness, but walking also enhance our mental health and overall sense of well-being. It has become socially accepted that our physical health and mental health are undoubtedly interconnected. What is less conventional in society is the opportunity to weave walking into a professional therapy setting. Lets jump right into the therapeutic benefits of this powerful combination.
A benefit that may seem quite obvious is feeling connected to your mind and body. We spend a lot of time in our heads, overthinking and feeling disconnected from our physical self. By focusing on the mind-body connection, we can better identify our emotions during therapy and how they present in our physical bodies.
Increased mindfulness is another direct benefit of walk and talk therapy. We live in a very distraction filled, technocentric world. Walking in a therapeutic setting, whether outside or indoors, allows us to disconnect from our phones/laptops and focus on the present. Virtual therapy has many of its own benefits and is widely utilized. Virtual therapy can help clients feel more comfortable in their own environment. Decide what works for you!
Walking within the therapeutic environment also creates a gentler, less-intimidating therapeutic environment. When we are less intimidated and feel less anxious, we are more inclined to open up and feel safe to be our most authentic self.
This type of setting also positively impacts the therapeutic alliance. As the client and therapist walk side by side, the client feels a sense of equality rather than feeling like they are under authority. This camaraderie and relatability builds trust and deepens the relationship.
One of the most powerful therapeutic benefits of walk and talk therapy is the instant decrease in anxiety and stress, along with improved mood. It is not always guaranteed that we walk out of talk therapy feeling instant gratification. Addressing our issues, challenging our thought patterns and working towards self actualization can be very difficult and sometimes we leave therapy feeling heavy. Mindful walking during therapy can help us instantly reap the mental and physical health benefits along side the hard work.
Walking on your own time is physically, mentally and emotionally beneficial. Walking within the therapeutic process enhances the therapeutic environment and improves clients overall mood. If you would like to incorporate more movement into your life, this type of therapy may suit you. It is important to find the therapist, setting and therapeutic interventions that work best for you and your values.
Live in the Movement Therapy offers in-person mindful walking sessions, indoors and outdoors, as well as virtual therapy. Book a free 15 minute phone consultation by clicking the link on the CONTACT page.