When many people think of psychotherapy, they envision themselves sitting within an office, on a couch, talking to a doctor-like character who is likely holding a clipboard in his lap and shaking his head in understanding. While that may be the case while working with some psychotherapists, it is not the only option. Experiential therapy takes counseling outside the office and comes in many forms. From working with horses, to sailing the ocean, for those who want a unique therapy
experience beyond typical talk therapy, the options are vast. Whatever the method, this category of therapy allows participants to address issues, many of which are subconscious, through the use of physical activity.
More traditional therapy models, while effective, are not always ideal. In reality, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sitting in a closed office, face-to-face with a stranger, divulging their feelings. It’s quite intense. Experiential options add another layer to the therapeutic experience that can create a higher level of comfort and appeal to a greater population of people.
Joe Sanok, owner of Mental Wellness Counseling in Traverse City Michigan shares how his therapeutic sailing program has been shown to yield a 70-80 percent drop in symptoms of the at-risk students that participate. This is in part because the youth actually look forward to the program and are therefore more likely to fully participate, in contrast to the resistance that often happens with traditional therapy options.
So what does all this mean for patients struggling with anxiety and depression?
Well, it means that they have options! If medication or regular talk therapy are not working, perhaps consider a simple form of experiential therapy, walk and talk therapy.
Below are some of the benefits of walk and talk therapy . . .
1) Sunlight- Exposure to sunlight aids in the body’s production of serotonin, a natural chemical, which impacts focus, feelings of well-being, and mood. Many anti-depressants have a function that allows serotonin to remain in the brain longer it naturally would on its own. Light therapy is another treatment option, in which patients are exposed to high (but safe) levels of light in order to boost serotonin production and decrease depression and anxiety.
While anti-depressants and light therapy are effective for some, many clients may not be comfortable with going to such methods for treatment. Likewise, most will not need this level of intervention. Walk and talk therapy provides a natural way of stirring up the production of this essential chemical.
2) Physical activity- At this point, it’s no surprise that physical activity yields tremendous health benefits. For those experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, physical activity allows the body to rid itself of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are released in response to fear or trouble. They are useful in helping us perform under pressure, run faster, and jump higher. However, when they remain in the body for too long, they begin to wear us down and can cause serious health issues.
3) Real world experiences- Imagine you’re walking the trail with your therapist and you encounter a bee buzzing nearby. You’re deathly afraid if bees, due to a rather traumatizing childhood experience. With your therapist there for support, you have a real world opportunity to implement coping skills. The office simply cannot allow for these types of experiences.
4) A less intimidating therapeutic experience- For some, this may be a down-side to walk and talk therapy; however, for many not having to look directly at the therapist creates a less intimidating dynamic. Being within a relaxing and neutral setting, with pleasant surroundings (most of the time), make therapy more comfortable. Similar to the youth in Sail Champion, a client may feel more prompted to let her guard down and jump into the work.
There are some concerns to consider while engaging in
walk and talk therapy.
While it may not feel like it, walk and talk therapy is still therapy. Your therapist should still conduct sessions professionally and remain proper boundaries. The experience will be very different than meeting a friend in the park. Hard work will be done. You may even need to bring tissue and sunglasses for the tough sessions.
There is also confidentiality to consider. Due to the open setting, it is possible to stumble upon a familiar face on the trail. Before starting, discuss how you would like your therapist to respond in this case.
Whether it’s a challenging transition, depression or anxiety that you’re struggling with, know that change can happen. If you’re interested in trying walk and talk therapy, contact us to get started!
About the Author: Kaity Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW is the founder and director of Serenity Wellness and Therapy Services, located in Montclair NJ. The practice was founded to be a haven for motivated individual in need of relief from anxiety and stress related disorders, as well as self-esteem and confidence challenges.