A grounded, movement-based alternative to traditional therapy sessions
Why Walk-and-Talk Therapy?
If sitting in a therapist’s office makes you feel boxed in or overwhelmed, outdoor therapy might be a better fit. Walk-and-talk sessions take place outside—at a comfortable walking pace—so conversations feel more natural, less intense, and often easier to begin.
- Serving clients in Sacramento, California
- Specializing in anxiety, stress, parenting, relationships, life transitions, and more
What Is Walk-and-Talk Therapy?
Walk-and-talk therapy is exactly what it sounds like:
Professional counseling sessions are held outdoors, walking side-by-side with your therapist.
You’ll still receive:
- Evidence-based therapeutic support
- A structured, goal-oriented process
- Coping tools and emotional insights
- The safety and confidentiality of a licensed therapist
Just with more movement, sunlight, and room to breathe.
Who It’s Great For
People Managing Anxiety or Chronic Stress
If your nervous system runs on high—tight chest, racing thoughts, constant worry—moving while talking can help regulate your body and calm your mind.
You may benefit if you:
- Feel stuck in loops of overthinking
- Tend to relax after walking or being outside
- Want coping skills that work beyond the therapy office
People Who Struggle with Face-to-Face Conversation
Side-by-side walking often makes it easier to open up—especially if eye contact feels overwhelming.
This approach may help if you:
- Shut down or freeze in traditional sessions
- Feel more natural when talking while moving (like driving or walking)
- Prefer a laid-back, less clinical environment
Teens & Young Adults
Many younger clients open up more outdoors—especially when therapy feels less like an “interview” and more like a real conversation.
Outdoor therapy can support teens/young adults with:
- School stress, social pressure, family conflict
- Anxiety, depression, or low motivation
- A need for connection in a setting that feels normal and safe
People Feeling Stuck, Unmotivated, or Low
Even gentle movement can help shift mood, energy, and emotional inertia.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Feel in a rut or isolated
- Tend to feel better after a walk
- Want help taking small, consistent steps forward
Those Navigating Big Life Transitions
Outdoor therapy can be grounding and clarifying during change—whether it’s a move, a breakup, a parenting shift, or a career decision.
Helpful during:
- Relationship changes or divorce
- Career or identity transitions
- Parenting milestones
- Grief and loss
Burnout from Screens and Indoor Life
If you spend all day on Zoom, in front of a screen, or under fluorescent lights, outdoor sessions offer a mental and emotional reset.
When Walk-and-Talk May Not Be the Best Fit
This approach isn’t ideal if you:
- Need complete privacy or a controlled indoor space
- Feel distracted by outdoor settings
- Have mobility limitations that make walking difficult (ask about seated outdoor options)
- Are in crisis or processing trauma that feels too intense for a public setting
Not sure? Let’s talk and find what works best for you.
What to Expect from Outdoor Therapy Sessions
Locations
Sessions take place in quiet Sacramento-area parks or nature paths—spaces with low foot traffic and enough privacy to talk freely. You’ll receive exact meeting locations after scheduling.
Walking Pace
We walk at a relaxed, comfortable pace. This is not a workout—conversation is the focus.
Sitting or Standing
We can pause to sit or stand whenever needed—there’s no set structure.
Topics We Can Cover
Walk-and-talk therapy is appropriate for a wide range of challenges:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression and burnout
- Parenting and family challenges
- Relationship or communication issues
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem, boundaries, and identity work
- Life transitions and personal growth
Effectiveness of Walk-and-Talk Therapy
Yes—it can be just as effective as traditional in-office therapy.
The key factors that influence results:
- Your connection with your therapist
- Your goals and consistency
- Your openness to trying new tools
- A setting that helps you feel safe and real
For some people, being outdoors reduces anxiety and helps them open up faster—lowering the emotional barrier to entry.
Privacy Considerations
We take your confidentiality seriously:
- Choose low-traffic routes
- Pause or redirect sensitive conversations when others pass
- Use neutral language in public moments, then return to deeper topics
If privacy is your top concern, remote therapy (via phone or Zoom) may be a better option.
What to Bring to a Session
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers appropriate for Sacramento weather (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
- Optional: water, sunglasses, a hat
Who Can Book?
Outdoor therapy is available for clients located in California (state licensing laws apply).
If you’re in or near Sacramento, walk-and-talk sessions may offer the support you’ve been looking for—in a format that feels more like you.
Is It a Good Fit for You?
You’re likely a strong candidate if:
- You feel more at ease outdoors
- Movement helps you think or talk more clearly
- The idea of sitting in an office feels stressful or artificial
- You want support with anxiety, relationships, parenting, or transitions
- You’re open to trying a session or two to see how it feels
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out with a brief note about what’s on your mind. We’ll:
- Confirm if walk-and-talk therapy is a good match
- Answer any questions you have
- Schedule a first session (or offer other options if needed)
Walk-and-Talk Therapy FAQ
What is walk-and-talk therapy?
Licensed therapy sessions held outdoors while walking side-by-side—same process, just a different setting.
Who is it best for?
Great for people who feel calmer outside, teens or young adults, or anyone who talks more easily while moving.
Is it as effective as in-office therapy?
Yes—for many clients, it’s just as effective, especially if the outdoor setting helps them feel more open.
Is it private?
We take steps to maintain discretion, but if you need full privacy, consider remote therapy.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers. Sacramento weather can shift throughout the day.
Now accepting new clients in Sacramento, California for walk-and-talk sessions.
Let’s take the first step—together.
