Question 1

What happens during a walk n' talk session?

Accepted Answer

In many ways, it is much like any other therapy session - we talk. The main difference is that we are moving through an outdoor setting reather than sitting in an office or meeting online. The pace can be gentle and can be adapted to your mobility, comfort, energy, and access needs. We can move for part or all of the session, or choose a place to stop and sit outdoors. Outdoor therapy is always optional. You may choose office-based or telehealth sessions at any time. I ask that all clients meet in-office or via telehealth with me at least twice before venturing into the outdoors.

Question 2

Do I have to be outdoorsy?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Nature-connected therapy does not require hiking experience, special gear, or even a particular interest in nature. Sessions can be as simple as walking or rolling along an accessible path, sitting out doors, or occasionally pausing to notice what is around us. We will always talk about what feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Question 3

Do we have to do nature-based activities?

Accepted Answer

No. Sometimes I may invite you to notice something in your surroundings, introduce a reflective mindfulness activity, or bring your attention to what you are experiencing in your body. You are always free to decline. Nature can simply be our setting for therapy.

Question 4

Can I choose between outdoor, office, and online sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nature-connected therapy is an option, not a requirement. We can decide together what setting makes sense for you and for the work we are doing. You may find that you prefer one setting consistently or that different settings feel useful. Please note: Outdoor sessions are 65-minutes long and are currently offered at selected locations on the Eastside. These sessions need to be arranged in advance. Because they require additional planning and travel time, a scheduled outdoor session can usually be changed to an office or telehealth if needed, but it is not possible to make a same-day change from an office or online session to an outdoor one.

Question 5

How do you approach safety during outdoor sessions?

Accepted Answer

Safety is an important consideration in deciding when and where we meet outdoors. I choose locations with factors such as accessibility, terrain, weather, path conditions, and the surrounding environment in mind. We'll also talk beforehand about any needs or concerns that may be relevant to being outdoors. Conditions can change, and outdoor settings come with some risks that aren't present in an office or telehealth session. If at any point I believe that conditions are unsafe or that continuing outdoors isn't appropriate, we may change our plans, move to another setting, or end the outdoor session. You are also always encouraged to tell me if something feels uncomfortable, inaccessible, or unsafe to you. We can slow down, change what we're doing, or make a different plan.

Question 6

What about privacy?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor therapy comes with different privacy considerations than meeting in a private office or by telehealth. Although I will continue to protect the confidentiality of our therapeutic relationship, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed in a public outdoor setting. Other people may pass nearby, overhear part of a conversation, or recognize one of us. We'll talk about these possibilities before beginning ourdoor sessions, including what we will do if we encounter someone either of us knows. Although I choose locations with privacy in mind, they are still public spaces. Nonetheless, we can adjust where we are, pause a conversation, or change our plans if needed. You are always welcome to let me know if, or I may suggest that, a particularly private discussion wait until we are in the office or meeting via telehealth.

Question 7

What if I have mobility limitations or don't want to walk?

Accepted Answer

Walking is not required. Nature-based therapy is not limited to people who identify as outdoorsy or physically active. Depending on the location and your needs, we might walk or roll, remain seated outdoors, or find other ways of incorporating nature into our time together. We can talk beforehand about mobility, sensory needs, chronic pain, fatigue, disability, or other access needs and consider what would make an outdoor session comfortable and workable for you. I am committed to making nature-connected therapy as accessible as I reasonably can, including for people who may encounter barriers to spending time in natural spaces. We can explore together whether an outdoor session might work for you.

Question 8

What should I wear or bring?

Accepted Answer

Wear whatever allows you to be comfortable for our seasonal Pacific Northwest weather and the kind of session we've planned. Comfortable, practical shoes, layers, mobility aids, rain protection, water, or sun protection may be helpful depending on the day. You do not need specialized outdoor clothing or equipment.

Question 9

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

Because we live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a little rain or chilly weather doesn't necessarily mean we have to cancel. We'll talk about weather preferences and what feels comfortable for you. When weather, air quality, trail or path conditions, or other circumstances make an outdoor session impractical or unsafe, we can arrange to meet in the office or by telehealth instead. I'll keep an eye on conditions before our outdoor sessions, and if it looks like we may need to change our plans, I'll be in touch as early as I reasonable can. Even when conditions are suitable for meeting outdoors, you can always let me know if you'd prefer to meet in the office or by telehealth instead. In this case, I prefer that you let me know of any change in plans as early as possible.

Meadowlight Circle

Therapy in nature - walk n' talk and outdoor sessions, when it fits.

Frequently Asked Questions