Walking & Healing

Before We Go...

Before we meet outdoors, you will complete a brief screening to make sure that this format is a good match. In the screening we will assess your comfort level in the outdoors, and have a conversation about the pros and cons to this type of therapy so that you can choose to give informed consent after receiving all of the details.

An Outdoor Approach to Mental Wellness

I offer walk and talk therapy for older teens and adults in Wenatchee, WA. If you're looking for a different approach to therapy, you have found it. During a walk and talk session we often focus on personal goals, similar to a traditional session, and we get the added benefits of physical activity and time in nature. Many individuals find that walking while talking makes therapy feel more approachable.

Why Take a Session on the Trail?

Research shows that time outside benefits our mental well-being by: decreasing stress, calming your nervous system, improving mood, increasing self esteem, and improving a sense of connection to the natural world.

During a walk and talk session we may implement Nature-Based Stress Reduction techniques which may include: mindfulness, grounding skills, observing plants and animals, and expressive exercises.

FAQs

I am offering walk and talk therapy most days of the week. During the summer, sessions times may be limited to mornings or evenings to avoid the heat.
I accept four major insurances: Premera, Regence, United, and Aetna. As a courtesy, my biller will provide a benefit estimate prior to starting treatment. Coverage payments can differ once the claim is processed by your insurance so I always encourage clients to call their insurance to verify. I also accept private pay. My rate is $150.00 per 50-55 minute session.
Similar to traditional therapy, you will be charged the full rate for a missed session that is rescheduled within 24-hours. If I have openings and we are able to reschedule the session for the same week, I do not charge. I give an annual “free pass” for a late cancellation but after this is used, the full rate will be charged. If a participant is more than 15-minutes late, this Clinician may cancel the session. Please text if you are running late.
I offer walk and talk therapy nine months out of the year (March-October).
If there are hazardous conditions such as high wind, heavy rain, hazardous air quality, flooding, snow/ice, a session may change to telehealth format. Individual will be notified of any changes.
I am currently taking older teenagers and adult clients for walk and talk therapy (age 16+). Sometimes I will make exceptions for younger clients who are well suited to this type of therapy.
We walk on the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
Typically, I meet clients on the trail by Pybus Market or on the East Wenatchee side. I am open to meeting clients on other sections of the trail based on need.
Depending on the time of year, different items may be helpful. In general, it is helpful to have: shoes that are comfortable to walk in, weather- appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and snacks. During the warm months there may be bugs present, so layers or using bug spray may be helpful.
During the screening process we discuss privacy and confidentiality issues and decide together how we want to handle various social situations we may encounter. Care is taken to avoid being overheard by others. Each individual is informed of the risks and benefits and consent to treatment taking place outdoors after receiving a full briefing and discussing questions or concerns.
Walking sessions are 50-55 minutes. We walk at a speed that is comfortable for you. Most sessions involve walking about 2 miles at a moderate pace, but fast walkers may walk up to 3 miles in a session. We often pause to take breaks. We can modify our route and pace to be accomodating for different fitness levels and body types.
Unfortunately no. I have found it easier to help clients emotionally process and connect with nature without their pets present.