"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a bit on the right-hand corner.' I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds."

Would you like to take your counselling session outdoors into the fresh air and nature? 

Bringing your favourite four-legged friend too?  

We can!

There is more and more research emerging about both the mental and physical benefits of being out in nature; reducing anxiety, reducing depression, helping with seasonal affective disorder, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anger and helping to improve mood and cognitive function. A recent study looking at neighbourhoods in Milton Keynes, Luton and Bedford found that rates of anxiety and depression were lower, when at least 20-35% of land around houses comprises of trees and shrubs. Even having a view of greenery from a hospital bed, can help you recover quicker! 

Walk-and-talk counselling can be a great way for those who find the conventional counselling setting too confining, awkward, uninspiring or uncomfortable. Also great for those who simply love being out in nature, whilst walking side by side with your counsellor. 

Additionally, the movement that comes with walk-and-talk counselling can be particularly beneficial when working with anger or anxiety.

I offer 30-minute or one hour walks along local footpaths, through the beautiful Cheshire countryside.  Longer walks are also available upon request. Walks where we stick to pavements are also possible.

A few points to note ...

• I will always work initially with my clients in the counselling room. Only once we have an established relationship, can we begin walk-and-talk sessions.
• The routes will be initially decided by the counsellor, whilst subsequent routes can be decided between us.
• All walks will start and finish at the counselling room, so if you change your mind on the day due to the weather, it's no problem ... we can have the session in the counselling room instead!
• One of the main differences with walk-and-talk therapy surrounds confidentiality, as this cannot be guaranteed in the same way, when working outside, as within the confines of my counselling room.  I will do the utmost to ensure confidentiality and we will discuss the issues around this prior to starting.  If we meet anyone, I will only briefly say hello, to ensure we return to our session promptly.  We will discuss how to navigate  these situations prior to our first walk-and-talk session.
• The counsellor and client will remain responsible for their own, individual safety.  I will only suggest routes I have walked before and that I know well, to ensure both the counsellors and client's safety. 
• I am incredibly mindful this is your counselling space, and it is important to me that you get what you need from our sessions. Therefore, if walk-and-talk sessions are not right for you, we can easily and quickly switch back to future face-to-face, online, phone or WhatsApp video sessions.