Experiences of therapists who integrate walk and talk into their professional practice
Background: There has been increasing interest in recent years in the possibilities arising from conducting psychotherapy in outdoor settings, for example through the use of 'walk and talk' sessions. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of practitioners who use this approach, in terms of helpful and hindering factors. Method: Eighteen walk and talk practitioners completed an online mixed methods questionnaire. Findings: Participants perceived that walking and talking can help shift 'stuckness' in clients and facilitate psychological processing. In addition, practitioners indicated that walking side by side can promote a collaborative way of working. Hindering factors included working with uncertainty, issues around maintaining boundaries and the requirement to develop new skills. Limitations: The sample size and use of an online survey limited the amount and richness of information obtained. Implications: The results suggest that walk and talk is an emergent psychotherapeutic approach, characterised by a substantial degree of consensus across practitioners regarding the rationale for this type of intervention, and the facilitative processes that are supported by it. It would be valuable to develop research informed guidelines and training opportunities to support safe practice in this area of work.