As Counsellors, What Would You Say If You Were Asked To Spend The Session Walking Rather Than Sitting?

Question: It says on a psychologist's website that dancing is good for a person's mental health. I don't dance but I walk an hour most nights and it definitely helps keep me in good spirits. When my husband walks with me, we often end up talking about things that we would usually avoid talking about. Sometimes the conversation has a healing quality to it. As counsellors, what would you say if you were asked to spend the session walking rather than sitting? Personally, I find the idea more appealing than spending an hour sitting inside. Monica, Merewether

Answer (1) Interesting question! A few months ago, I arrived at the rooms I use to see a client. I examined the room booking book to see which room I had booked following our previous session, only to be horrified to see that I'd forgotten, and there were no rooms available. My client was in the waiting room. Luckily, he was someone I'd seen for several months, and he suggested that we walk around the local reserve for an hour while having our session. It turned out to be a very therapeutic session. Perhaps it's similar to when interesting conversations are generated during long car trips. They're often very different to the ones you would have with the same person while sitting in their lounge room.

Answer provided by Graham Cox, Psychologist


Answer (2) Exercise of any kind has a positive effect on our brain chemistry as well as our bodies. Many could find benefit in imitating your routine. I have conducted sessions walking in a park. If the client is comfortable to be seen in public with someone who may be known to be a counsellor, and so long as conversations will not be overheard, I see no problem. Enjoy your walks.

Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor