The Surprising Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy in Michigan

Some conversations are easier when your feet are moving. It’s something I’ve noticed again and again, the way words seem to come more freely when we’re side by side, strolling a quiet path, the rhythm of our steps keeping time with the rise and fall of our voices.

If the idea of therapy makes you picture a small office and two chairs facing each other, you’re not alone. That’s the image most people carry. And while that setting can be deeply powerful, it’s not the only way to do meaningful, healing work.

In walk and talk therapy, we take our sessions outdoors, to the park, along the river trail, or through the peaceful stretches of Metro Detroit. The result? Conversations that feel natural, grounded, and often, surprisingly transformative.

How Walk and Talk Therapy Works

We start just like we would in a traditional session: with a check-in, a sense of what’s on your mind, and a focus on what you’d like to work on that day. The difference is that instead of sitting across from each other, we walk.

The pace is gentle. You don’t need special gear or a fitness tracker. This isn’t about exercise goals, it’s about creating a space that feels less formal and more freeing.

And here’s the beautiful thing: many people find that without the intensity of eye contact, it’s easier to open up. There’s something about looking out at the trees or the water while you speak that lets thoughts and feelings untangle themselves.

The Mental Health Benefits

Research, and my own years of experience as a therapist, show that being in motion can help:

• Lower stress and anxiety levels

• Improve mood by boosting endorphins

• Encourage more fluid, open conversation

• Spark creative thinking and new perspectives

For clients who feel “stuck” in life or in their thoughts, the simple act of walking can mirror the forward motion they want to feel inside.

The Physical Perks (A Gentle Bonus)

Even light walking supports better sleep, improved circulation, and reduced muscle tension. Add fresh air, sunlight, and the grounding presence of nature, and you’ve got a built-in layer of wellness support before we even start talking.

Who It’s Great For

Walk and talk therapy is especially helpful if you:

• Feel restless sitting still

• Spend most of your day indoors or at a desk

• Want to combine movement and self-care

• Feel more comfortable sharing when things are less formal

• Are drawn to nature or find it calming

Of course, it’s not the right fit for everyone and that’s okay. We can always discuss what environment would feel most supportive for your work.

Your Session, Your Pace

This is still therapy, tailored to your needs. We might use mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral strategies, or trauma-informed techniques, all while moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You set the tone, and we follow your comfort level.

Taking the First Step

Sometimes healing starts with a conversation. Sometimes it starts with a single step on a quiet path.

If you’ve been curious about trying therapy or if you’ve been in therapy before but want a different experience, walk and talk sessions might be the bridge you need.

I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Schedule your free consultation today and let’s see where the path takes us.