I offer Walk and Talk Therapy on the Wirral. I choose areas that are easily accessible, with parking, areas to sit down and near public facilities.

 

What happens if the weather is bad?

 

If the weather is likely to make a walk unsafe or uncomfortable, the session can always be switched to an online session instead or I am happy to move the session for another time in the week. Whatever is preferred by the client at that time. It is important that a reliable method of communication is established so that arrangements can be altered appropriately.

 

What about confidentiality?

 

I maintain client confidentiality boundaries by agreeing that, in the unlikely event that they should meet anyone they know, they will indicate to me using an agreed phrase and pause the conversation until we are alone again.

 

What are the boundaries?

 

I will provide the client with a counselling agreement prior to our sessions starting. The working contract is still present and valid, even though we are outside. Professional boundaries are important for our work's emotional safety and integrity and something that will be explained in the first session, just as though the session were indoors.

 

What if I can’t walk far but prefer to be outdoors?

 

We always walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I have also chosen the walking routes because there are places that we can sit if you would prefer to only walk a short distance. It's totally up to you as the client. We might link our work to the pace that we are moving at, as it can sometimes be a good indication of what is going on for you.

 

What can I expect from Walk and Talk Therapy?

 

We typically meet at the same time and place each week. This offers clients a sense of start and finish and is an ideal way to safely ground clients after the session before they continue the rest of their day. There is nothing more important than the relationship between counsellor and client when working therapeutically towards making changes in your life. If you prefer being in the natural environment then walk and talk counselling is a way of working that might work for you.

 

Do you offer early walks or evening walks?

 

From April until the end of September I like to make the most of the lighter mornings and evenings. I offer 8am walks and my last walk in the evening is 7pm. During the winter months my walks are from 9am and last walk is 3pm. However, I adjust my hours over the winter months to offer more weekend sessions as I understand that the weekday hours are not always suitable.

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*Please note risk assessments have been carried out on the walking routes, however, the counsellor and the client retain their responsibility for their own safety*