I was compelled to create this video to share the beauty of my recent walk in nature. We are being invited into nature at this time of year. The air is fragrant, the colours are spectacular (vibrant purples, soft pinks, gorgeous greens) and the environment is calming, soothing & grounding. When we are outside, we hear the birds, see those around us and are reminded of our inherent connections in and to life. This is mood-boosting and whole-health promoting!
Walk Therapy, also referred to as ecotherapy, recognizes the profound, innate relationship that exists between us and the ecosystem that surrounds & supports us. Whether you are actively engaging in a Walk Therapy session or not, our therapists use self-care and self-soothing activities to encourage you to interact and engage more with your surroundings to promote vibrant health and healing.
Before beginning Walk Therapy, please discuss this option with your therapist so that you can review the potential benefits and risks, as well as discuss the route (generally in the Bloor By The Park/Roncesvalles/High Park/West Bend neighbourhoods surrounding our office) to the taken.
Walk Therapy has benefits that can include, but are not limited to, engaging in healthy physical activity that
can release tension & stress, release endorphins & neurotransmitters that can improve mood, enjoying
the sights & sounds of nature, feel more grounded, more calm, etc.
There are potential risks, as well as benefits, to Walk Therapy (e.g. that Walk Therapy may be experienced as
less helpful than an in-office appointment, that you may become short of breath, which may interfere with self
expression, that the weather may change and the session need to be shortened or that trip and fall hazards exist, etc.).
Clients are responsible for setting the walking pace during the session at my comfort level and letting
your therapist know if you would like to quicken or slow down the pace at any time (this also has to work for your therapist!), as well as if you need to take a break or sit down.
Obtaining your doctor’s approval before beginning Walk Therapy is recommended.
Clients take full responsibility for any medical and physical well-being and cannot hold the therapist responsible for any medical conditions and/or accidents/pains that may arise as a result of engaging in a walking session.
If you come into contact with someone that you know, you have the right to disclose or not to
disclose that you are in a Walk Therapy session. Your therapist will follow your lead should this
occur.
Weather, temperature changes, visual distractions and parallel experience with your therapist in the environment become part of the therapeutic process.
Clients are requested to engage in self-care and bring water, nourishment, protection against the elements and wear proper attire as needed for the walk.
During Walk Therapy, privacy and confidentiality cannot be protected in the same way as it can in a private office setting, due to the inherent lack of privacy outdoors and in public settings. If you feel uncomfortable or wish to pause the dialogue in the event of being overheard, you an let my therapist know and pause the conversation at any time.
Many of our therapists offer Walk Therapy! To learn more about this service, please contact us
