Sunshine and Fresh Air - Summer is the Perfect Time for Walk and Talk Therapy

As the days become longer and the sunshine starts to make more regular appearances here in Mid Devon, many of us naturally feel drawn outdoors. After months of grey skies and muddy boots, there is something uplifting about feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, hearing birdsong and seeing the countryside come back to life.

It's also a good time to think about your mental wellbeing.

That said, if you notice a dip in your mental health at any time of the year, during any season - please do reach out to a friend, family member or professional if you need someone to talk to. I work all year round offering outdoor therapy and it is something that my clients find beneficial at any time of the year.

As a nature based counsellor, as well as having also worked face to face in a therapy room, I've noticed how much easier it can feel for my clients to open up when outside. There is no pressure for intense eye contact, something my neurodiverse clients find helpful - instead, we walk side by side through meadows, a small wood and the orchard, allowing the session to unfold naturally at the clients own pace.

Why Walking Therapy Can Help Us Process Our Thoughts

Have you ever noticed that your best thinking often happens when you're walking?

There is something about gentle movement that helps untangle our busy minds. When we're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stuck, it can be difficult to find clarity while sitting still. Walking gives both our bodies and minds the space to help process our thoughts and I personally, always feel better after getting outside.

Many clients tell me they feel less self conscious talking while walking. The pauses feel more natural. The silence feels comfortable. Sometimes a change in scenery can even help us see a situation from a completely different perspective.

The combination of movement, fresh air and therapeutic conversation creates space for reflection and growth in a way that often feels surprisingly natural.

You Don't Have to Walk the Whole Time

One of the things I love about outdoor counselling is that there is no right or wrong way to do it.

Some clients enjoy a gentle walk throughout the session, while others prefer to stop and sit for for a bit. Fortunately, there are plenty of peaceful spots around the land where we can pause, take in the surroundings and simply talk.

Sometimes sitting on a bench beneath a tree, looking across the meadow provides exactly the space needed for a meaningful conversation or a mindful moment.

The important thing isn't how far we walk. It's that you have the opportunity to slow down, be heard and spend time focusing on yourself.

Nature Has a Way of Helping Us Slow Down

Life can feel incredibly busy. Between work, other commitments and the endless demands of modern life, many of us spend very little time simply being present.

Nature gently encourages us to do exactly that.

Whether it's noticing the colours of wildflowers, listening to birds overhead or feeling the breeze through the trees - being outdoors can help bring us back to the present moment. For many people, this creates a sense of calm that makes difficult conversations feel a little easier to approach.

It's not about finding quick fixes. It's about creating the right environment to explore whatever may be on your mind.

Taking the First Step

If you've been considering counselling but have been put off by the idea of sitting in a traditional therapy room, walk and talk therapy may offer a different approach.

Whether you're experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, loss, relationship difficulties or simply feeling stuck - counselling can provide a supportive space to explore what's happening for you.

Based in Mid Devon, I offer walk and talk counselling for adults from Crediton, Tiverton, Exeter and the surrounding areas.

As summer unfolds, maybe this is your invitation to spend a little more time outdoors, reconnect with yourself and take that first step towards positive change.

After all, sometimes the most important journeys begin with a simple walk.