Walk and Talk Therapy

What Is Walk and Talk Therapy for Children and Young People?

Walk and Talk Therapy combines the benefits of therapeutic conversation with gentle physical activity in an outdoor setting. Rather than sitting face-to-face in a traditional therapy room, sessions take place while walking together at a pace that feels comfortable for the child or young person.

I offer Walk and Talk Therapy in Gillingham, Dorset, supporting children and young people across North Dorset. My aim is to create a relaxed, informal and welcoming space where they can feel comfortable, build trust and talk about whatever might be on their minds.

For some children and young people, sitting opposite an adult and being expected to talk about their thoughts and feelings can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Walking side by side can take away some of that pressure, with less need for eye contact and no expectation to sit still.

I recognise that talking doesn't always come easily, particularly when someone is worried, anxious or finding things difficult. Being outdoors, having the freedom to move and enjoying a change of environment can sometimes make it easier for conversations to unfold naturally. For some young people, this different approach can help them feel more settled, relaxed and ready to talk.

How Can Walk and Talk Therapy Help?

Walk and Talk Therapy offers an alternative to traditional face-to-face counselling. It can be particularly helpful for children and young people who find it difficult to sit still, struggle to make eye contact or feel uncomfortable talking directly about their feelings.

During our time together, there is no pressure to talk constantly or to have everything figured out. I follow the child's or young person's lead, allowing conversations to develop naturally and giving them the time and space they need.

The gentle movement, fresh air and natural surroundings can provide a different setting for exploring thoughts and feelings, building confidence and working through challenges.

Anxiety Support and Therapy for Teenagers

Growing up can bring lots of challenges, and I understand that anxiety and worry can sometimes make everyday life feel overwhelming for teenagers.

Anxiety can affect many areas of life, including friendships, relationships, school, confidence and how young people feel about themselves. Sometimes it can be difficult to explain what is wrong or even understand why they are feeling the way they do.

I offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where teenagers can explore their worries and feelings at their own pace. Walk and Talk Therapy provides an alternative to sitting in a counselling room, allowing us to walk side by side and talk in a more relaxed and informal way.

My approach to anxiety support for teenagers is centred around getting to know each individual, understanding what matters to them and exploring what might help them feel more confident and able to manage life's challenges.

Together, we can explore:

• Understanding and making sense of feelings of anxiety and worry.

• Developing confidence and self-esteem.

• Recognising personal strengths and positive qualities.

• Exploring ways to manage difficult feelings and everyday challenges.

• Building resilience and a greater sense of self-belief.

• Identifying small, realistic steps towards positive change.

If you are looking for anxiety counselling or support for your teenager in Gillingham, Dorset or North Dorset, I would be very happy to talk with you about how my alternative approach might help.

My Solution Focused Approach

My Walk and Talk Therapy sessions draw on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). This is an approach that focuses on a person's hopes, strengths and existing resources, rather than concentrating solely on problems or difficulties.

I like to help children and young people recognise that they already have strengths and abilities they can draw upon, even when things feel difficult.

Together, we explore what they would like to be different, what is already going well and what small, realistic steps might help them move towards the changes they want to see.

This approach creates opportunities to explore possibilities, build confidence and resilience, develop a greater understanding of feelings and discover ways of managing challenges that feel right for them.

A Personal Approach, Shaped Around Them

I believe every child and young person is an individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional support.

I take time to get to know each person, understand their interests and what is important to them, and adapt our sessions around their individual needs and goals.

Sometimes we might simply walk and talk, while at other times I may introduce activities or make gentle use of the natural environment to help encourage conversation and reflection.

Most importantly, I want children and young people to feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they have someone who will listen without judgement and give them the space to explore things in their own way.

Walk and Talk Therapy in Gillingham, Dorset and North Dorset

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more or have a chat about whether Walk and Talk Therapy might be a good fit for your child or young person.

You can also find out more about Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)HERE

Support for Parents and Carers

I also recognise that when a child or young person is experiencing anxiety, emotional difficulties or behavioural challenges, it can be difficult for parents and carers to know how best to support them.

You may be worried about your child, finding their behaviour difficult to understand or feeling unsure about how to respond when things become challenging. Perhaps you feel that you have tried lots of different approaches but are struggling to find something that helps.

I offer support to parents and carers too, providing a space to talk through your concerns, explore what's happening and think about ways you can support your child or young person.

Together, we can explore ways to better understand their feelings and behaviour, consider what might be contributing to their difficulties and identify practical strategies that may help at home and in everyday life.

I believe that supporting the adults around a child or young person can be an important part of helping them feel understood, supported and able to make positive changes.

You don't have to have all the answers, and sometimes having someone to talk things through with can make a real difference.

Have a question? Pop me an email : info@josielouise.com or scroll down for booking page and FAQS.

Picture this….

Instead of logging onto Zoom and waiting nervously for your appointment to start, you head to a nearby park. Standing beneath the trees, with your favourite drink in hand, you take a deep breath of fresh air and feel a sense of calm. 

Before long, you begin to walk with your therapist, and there’s no awkwardness, weird pauses, or uncomfortable note-taking action. You feel safe and supported and your problems seem figureoutable.

 By the time you're ready to head home, you haven’t just spent time gently moving your body and absorbing nature, you’ve also established what you want to be different and how to take the first step towards making that happen. You leave feeling positive and looking forward to your next walking session.