What is a walking consultation and Why I do it
I am the kind of person who talks, out loud that is, on her way to the tube station, who laughs and writes while walking.
I am most creative when I walk. Many of my article outlines are created while I walk. Webinars, workshops, they are all created when I walk. My mind seems to work best when my body is active. A possible reason is the increased blood flow to the brain. I personally blame it on space and freedom of movement and consequently freedom of thinking and creativity.
But I am not the only one engaging in walking meetings. Some psychologists hold their therapy sessions while walking around. “Bringing a little bit of movement enriches the counselling session” says psychotherapist Clay Cockrell.
Kate Hays, PhD, is the author of Working It Out: Using Exercise in Psychotherapy and she first encountered the concept of movement and therapy in the early 1980s. The idea is that rhythmic exercise, such as walking, can be conducive to the process of self-discovery.
When I walk and talk to my clients or friends who accept my invitation for walk instead of sitting in a cafe we create a unique bond. We go on an adventure together and we are in sync with each other.
When we walk we don’t feel “under the microscope” . There is a feeling of freedom and a lessened sense of confrontation. One of Dr Cockrell’s patience says that “taking four walls out of the equation helped me open up and feel more comfortable”.
When we talk about life experiences, especially depression, it is sometimes difficult to make eye contact. Walking side by side makes it easier to open up and to allow yourself to receive advice and guidance.
If we go silent there is no awkward moment. We keep walking until we decide to talk again. In a cafe we feel we have to talk, to ask or comment
Walking is a form of meditation, it allows your mind to tune out from all the chatter.
Research shows that after walking subjective perception of stress decreases significantly and may also bring about feeling uplifted. So after a consultation you can feel more energized and positive for the rest of the day.
Bottom line is that spending time in the outdoors scientifically proven makes you happier, more comfortable to talk and can be a process of self discovery.
