Verdant Life
Trauma-Informed Counselling and Psychotherapy
Indoors, Outdoors and Online
Danielle Quist MBACP (Accred)
Therapy and Nature
Supporting your growth as you move through change
Walk and Talk therapy
As an integrative psychotherapist I am committed to providing my clients a research backed practice that they can rely on.
Talk therapy done outdoors is an effective therapy model also known as called 'Walk and Talk therapy', or indeed 'Nature Therapy'. It came to prominence during the pandemic and has been piloted successfully by the NHS in many areas.
Walk and Talk therapy, or Nature Therapy as it is also known, has so many well-documented benefits.
All bodies are welcome. I fully appreciate the naming is not accurate. While I prefer 'Nature Therapy', this can unfortunately be confused with other types of therapy that also use the Nature Therapy heading. So for clarity, at the moment, I refer to talk therapy outdoors as 'Walk and Talk therapy'. I will do my very best to ensure that all bodies can access talk therapy outdoors, walking is not necessary and sitting or lying down can work perfectly.
You can book a free introductory call if you have any questions about working outdoors or
booking your Walk and Talk session.
What does Walk and Talk offer?
Movement and exercise - It can be refreshing and stimulating to gently walk outdoors. Engaging the physical body in the natural environment allows more blood circulation, and the flow of positive chemicals such as endorphins which improve mood. It can also encourage embodiment and a present focused experience which can be powerful.
Nature - The natural environment is powerfully restorative for the human organism. This is borne out by research which suggests people naturally de-accelerate their nervous systems and enter into a more 'rest and digest' state when in nature. During the session we may use the metaphors abundant in nature to help your therapeutic journey. A positive therapeutic connection to the natural area often walked in can be developed too.
Relaxation - Some people find sitting in front of a therapist intense and the conventional setting awkward. Walking side by side can feel more comfortable, reduce self consciousness and make it easier to open up and share.
What are the benefits of Walk and Talk therapy?
In addition to the benefits of talk therapy overall, Walk and Talk therapy provides some unique benefits.
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Walking in a general sense is a well known beneficial medium for processing thoughts and feelings, but walking in more natural habitats increases this benefit, and can provide creativity, inspiration and stimulation.
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The natural world helps us to potentially relax. This can switch people into potential flow states where they can access more grounded cognitive functions and think more clearly. This is also accessible if simply sitting in nature. This helps us to solve problems more easily.
My approach
The principles of having talk therapy outdoors are essentially the same as when offering sessions indoors, online or via phone. I endeavour to uphold providing a safe, comfortable container for you to experience empathy and understanding, wherever therapy is being conducted.
I apply the same professional standards as a member of the BACP. Not only this but I have undergone extensive training that enables me to fully understand the risks of outdoor working. With this in mind I am also fully insured and outdoor first aid trained.
A separate contract is signed before we begin to ensure that the different practical aspects are understood, for e.g. that appropriate clothing is needed, and how privacy will be respected.
I bring to my professional stance as an experienced integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, years and years of engaging deeply with the natural world. This means I have the ability to respond to the clients needs and take the session into more creative directions outdoors if appropriate for the client.
We are blessed to have many lovely areas to explore around Forres. However, if accessing areas a little further afield is important to you, we can discuss this.
I look forward to working with you!
