Women Assist Counselling has introduced Walk and Talk therapy, where the client and the therapist are outside walking during therapy instead of sitting inside an office. The rhythmic exercise of walking, can be helpful to the process of self-discovery.
Walk and Talk Therapy clients are of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels. Clients set the pace, and if breaks are necessary that’s fine. Competition and obtaining a physical goal is not the purpose. It is our goal to support you and ensure your comfort level.
How does Walk and Talk counselling work?
Before we begin walk and talk counselling, we meet with you for an assessment at our counselling room. This assessment is time for us to discuss your situation and needs, what your expectations are, and what you would like to achieve from our time together.
The assessment lasts 60 minutes, and is charged at the session rate of $90.00 or $50.00 for concession card holders. After the assessment is completed, we will arrange a time and a location to start our walk and talk counselling sessions.
Clients come to sessions with comfortable shoes and a bottle of water. The session starts and ends in the Park. Walks vary in intensity depending on the client’s preference and last the normal counselling session 60 minutes. Walk and Talk sessions are weather dependent and may be subject to either rescheduling or having an indoor counselling session at our consulting room in Reservoir.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of exercise and physical activity to improve mood has been well documented. Walk and Talk sessions are about practicing a holistic approach to mental, physical and emotional changes. Being out in the fresh air and in nature instead of sitting in a counselling room. Combining exercise with counselling in the park can lead clients to getting motivated on their own to become energised as well as the adding the regular benefits of a standard counselling session.
What if I don’t like it?
Clients have the choice to switch to traditional office settings. Alternating weeks is also an option.
Is there an additional cost for Walk and Talk Therapy?
There is no additional cost. It is the same fee as a traditional session.
What are the typical locations?
Usually parks are typical meeting locations. We can discuss which parks are closest to you during the intake process. We currently service parks in Reservoir, Bundoora, Rosanna and Heidelberg.
Clients have the choice to switch to traditional counselling room settings. Alternating weeks is also an option.
What about confidentiality?
The same confidentiality rules apply during a Walk and Talk therapy session as in a normal counselling session. However, there are some limitations with this being out in a public area which your counsellor will discuss with you prior to starting.
If by chance, we run into someone who you know, the client can take the lead in establishing how to handle it. Clients can steer into another direction or politely wave. In parks, people are accustomed to seeing people walk together. We will maintain your confidentiality. A signed consent form is required to address confidentiality prior to beginning.
Please note: Walk and talk counselling is not for everyone, and especially if you want guaranteed privacy and confidentiality, then face to face counselling in our safe counselling room in Reservoir is a safer option for you.
If Walk and Talk counselling sounds like something you might be interested in, please call Cassandra on 0422 791 427 to discuss further and see if its right for you.