Walk and Talk therapy in Frisco, TX
Some people talk more easily side by side than face to face.
Walk-and-talk therapy is a form of counseling that takes place outdoors while walking. Some individuals find movement and natural surroundings help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and create a more relaxed therapeutic experience.
It is the same work as a session in the office, with the same clinician. Only the room is different.
Harnessing the healing power of nature
Nature therapy, also known as Ecotherapy or green therapy, involves therapeutic activities and interventions that take place outside.
Walk and Talk is grounded in research demonstrating the positive impact of nature on mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood, attention, and creativity.
As the name suggests, this method involves the therapist and client walking side by side while engaging in therapy. The physical activity and presence of nature can create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing clients to open up more freely.
Where we walk
Nature therapy in our practice includes Walk and Talk approaches at three places, all within reach of the office.
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano
- The Lake at Frisco Bridges
- White Rock Lake, Dallas
Weather permitting - which in North Texas means not in August. If the day turns, the session moves indoors or online instead; nothing is lost.
Why it helps
What the research points to
Research highlights various benefits that individuals can experience from spending time in nature.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Studies have found that spending time in green spaces can lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Natural environments encourage relaxation, helping clients feel more at ease during therapy sessions.
Improved mental clarity and focus
For individuals dealing with attention fatigue, such as those diagnosed with ADHD, nature can provide a break from overstimulation, allowing for improved focus and mental clarity. This, in turn, fosters more productive therapy sessions.
Enhanced mood and emotional well-being
Exposure to sunlight, fresh air, and greenery has been shown to boost mood, improve emotional health, and even combat depression. Studies have demonstrated that individuals who live near green spaces report fewer instances of depression and anxiety.
A stronger therapeutic alliance
Outdoor settings can reduce the formality often associated with traditional office environments, helping to break down barriers between the client and therapist. This fosters trust and openness, leading to a stronger therapeutic relationship.
You don’t have to be a walker.
Not at all. Nature-based counseling is designed to be accessible. Sessions can involve a gentle walk, sitting outdoors, or engaging with nature in ways that match each person’s comfort level and physical abilities.
People come to it for:
- Anxiety and stress management
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and loss
- ADHD and overstimulation
- Teens who find sitting still hard
- Postpartum adjustment and burnout
What about privacy, outdoors?
A fair question, and the honest answer is that it takes more care than a closed room does.
Therapists must ensure that the outdoor environment is safe for their clients, and they must obtain informed consent for outdoor sessions. Additionally, privacy and confidentiality need to be maintained in outdoor settings where others may be present.
If a trail is busier than expected, the session moves. That is a judgment your clinician makes with you, not for you.
What it costs
Walk and Talk sessions are $200 per session. A sliding scale is available, as it is for every other kind of session we offer.
Ask about it on your call - not every clinician on the team holds outdoor sessions, and matching you to one who does is part of what that conversation is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be athletic or enjoy hiking to take part?
Not at all. Nature-based counseling is designed to be accessible. Sessions can involve a gentle walk, sitting outdoors, or engaging with nature in ways that match each person’s comfort level and physical abilities.
What is nature-based counseling?
Nature-based counseling is a therapeutic approach that incorporates outdoor environments into the counseling process. Sessions may include walk-and-talk therapy, mindfulness practices, grounding exercises, or traditional counseling conducted in a natural setting.
How does it support mental health?
Natural environments can help reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional regulation, and encourage mindfulness. Many people find that being outdoors helps them feel calmer, more present, and better able to process difficult emotions.
What can be addressed this way?
Nature-based counseling may help with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, ADHD, relationship concerns, stress management, burnout, postpartum adjustment, self-esteem, and life transitions.
How do I know if it is right for me?
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, feel calmer in natural environments, or are looking for an alternative to traditional office-based therapy, nature-based counseling may be a good fit. A consultation with a therapist can help determine the best approach for your needs.
Is nature-based counseling available in Frisco, Texas?
Yes. Counseling & Nature Therapy Center offers nature-based counseling services for teens and adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD, postpartum concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, and life transitions in the Frisco area.
Ready to book, or want a free consultation?
We can get you scheduled within 24 hours, often within the same week you call.
Call 469-731-8369 or book a free consultation below.
Walk and Talk Therapy at Counseling and Nature Therapy Center
Some clients do better moving than sitting. If that sounds like you, say so on the call.
We also offer trauma and PTSD therapy, EMDR therapy, anxiety and depression therapy, grief therapy, postpartum therapy, therapy for teens and ADHD therapy, in person in Frisco, TX and by video across Texas.