Walk and Talk Therapy
Counselling while walking in East Devon.
Sometimes it’s easier to think out loud when you’re walking rather than sitting across from someone. Walk and talk therapy offers the same warm, collaborative counselling in a more informal outdoor setting. Below you’ll find how it works, who it may suit, and answers to common questions.
Walk and talk counselling sessions are £60 per 60-minute session or £90 for a 90-minute session.
Full details about fees, session lengths and flexibility can be found on the services page.
Different Ways Of Meeting, Same Therapy
Different types of therapy suit different people, and sometimes different situations. Some people prefer to meet online from the comfort of their own home, others like the privacy of a therapy room, while some find it easier to talk while walking. There’s no right or wrong choice – together we can find the approach that feels right for you.
Walk And Talk Therapy Might Suit You If...
You find it easier to think while moving
You enjoy spending time outdoors
Side-by-side conversations feel more comfortable
Walking and movement help you feel settled
You’d like a change from sitting indoors
You enjoy quieter, natural spaces
Where We'll Meet
Sidmouth Byes
Peaceful riverside paths with a mixture of open spaces and shaded areas.
Woodbury Common
Wild heathland with wide gravel tracks, open skies, sweeping views and a real sense of space.
Otter Estuary
Level paths through a peaceful nature reserve with open skies, estuary views and abundant wildlife.
Exe Estuary Trail
Established waterside paths between Topsham and Lympstone with beautiful estuary views.
Common Questions
Below are answers to some common questions about walk and talk therapy.
How do we choose a route?
I have a small selection of walk and talk routes that I’ve chosen because they’re well suited to therapy sessions. When selecting them, I consider factors such as the length of the walk, terrain, parking and how busy they tend to be, helping us to talk with as much privacy and as few interruptions as possible.
If there’s another location you’d prefer, you’re very welcome to suggest it. I’ll just need to visit it beforehand to make sure it’s suitable, safe and the right length for a therapy session.
What happens if it rains?
Walk and talk sessions usually go ahead in light rain and typical British weather. If conditions become unsafe or just unenjoyable—for example heavy rain, strong winds, ice or extreme heat—we’ll either move the session online or rearrange, depending on what we’ve agreed beforehand.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear that’s appropriate for the weather and the route we’ve chosen. Before our first session, I’ll let you know what to expect from the terrain so you can dress accordingly. In warmer weather, you may also want to bring water and sun protection, while waterproof clothing is a good idea if light rain is forecast.
If conditions on the day mean the planned walk isn’t suitable, we’ll look at the safest alternative, whether that’s choosing a different route, moving the session online, or rearranging for another day.
How is confidentiality managed outdoors?
I’ve chosen routes that tend to be quieter to help reduce the chance of being overheard or interrupted. As we’re outdoors, however, I can’t guarantee complete confidentiality in the same way as I can in a therapy room.
If other people are nearby, we’ll usually pause our conversation or, where possible, take a different path until we have more privacy.
If I happen to see someone I know, I’ll acknowledge them briefly if appropriate, but I won’t stop to chat or do anything that would identify you as a client.
Before we begin walk and talk therapy, we’ll also discuss what you’d like to do if we meet someone you know, so we have a plan that feels comfortable for you.
How much walking is involved?
The focus is on the conversation rather than the distance. Walk and talk therapy isn’t about covering miles—it’s about creating a comfortable space to talk.
We’ll walk at a pace that feels right for you. Some people prefer a gentle stroll, while others naturally think more clearly when walking faster. I’m generally happy to follow your lead – I just don’t run! If you’d rather spend a few minutes sitting on a bench than walking, that’s absolutely fine too.
The routes I use are planned to fit comfortably within a 60-minute therapy session, without feeling rushed.
How do you keep sessions safe?
Your safety is an important part of planning every walk and talk session. I’m qualified in Outdoor First Aid and carefully choose routes that are suitable for therapy sessions.
Before we meet, we’ll discuss the route, terrain and any clothing or footwear that’s appropriate. I’ll also ask about any relevant medical conditions, injuries or mobility concerns so we can choose a route that’s right for you.
I monitor the weather forecast before each session and, if conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll discuss the safest option. This might mean changing to a more sheltered route, moving the session online, or rearranging for another day.
As with all my therapy sessions, if I have any concerns that it isn’t safe to continue, I’ll always prioritise the wellbeing of both of us.
What if I cry
It’s a question many people have before trying walk and talk therapy, and I completely understand why it might feel worrying. Many people are concerned that crying might feel more exposing outdoors than in a therapy room.
Before we start, I’ll ask whether you have any concerns about crying, and we’ll explore together how you’d like us to approach it if difficult emotions arise, including how I can best support you.
If you’re expecting a particularly difficult session, you’re always welcome to email me beforehand to share any concerns or ask to meet online instead if you’d prefer. The most important thing is that the environment never becomes a barrier to talking about what you need or want to, or that you feel you have to hold back your emotions.
If emotions do come up, there’s never any pressure to keep talking or keep walking. If anyone is nearby, we can simply pause our conversation, move a little further along the route or, where possible, step to one side until you feel ready to continue.
Some clients choose to wear sunglasses if it helps them feel more comfortable, and I always carry tissues. My priority is helping you feel as safe and supported as possible, wherever the session takes place.
Considering Walk and Talk Therapy?
If you’re unsure whether walk and talk therapy is right for you, we can talk it through in a free initial consultation. There’s no pressure — just a chance to see whether it feels like a good fit.
Not sure if walk and talk is right for you?
I also offer counselling online and from my therapy room in Exeter if you’d prefer a different way of meeting.
