Did you ever notice that it can be easier to be yourself around someone when you're doing something together? Maybe more comfortable than if you met up to talk face to face for coffee or for a meal? You may find yourself hardly notice that you're sharing personal details because you're focused on the activity at hand. Walk and talk therapy, or nature therapy, allows you to do just that because you're focused on your surroundings. Nature therapy may be a suitable option if you previously found limited success with traditional talk therapy. Meeting outdoors can remove the potential stigma of therapy and discomfort of an office.

 Naturally, extensive research supports the many benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy:

~ aligning your body, mind, and soul

~ engaging your breath and your body to soften your stress response in the moment

~ helping you process trauma and negative emotions through bilateral brain stimulation

~ discovering the natural cycles, symbols, and metaphors (e.g., transformation, rebirth)

~ elevating mindfulness, mental focus, and creativity

~ experiencing the vastness of the world outside of yourself and fostering awe, wonder, and gratitude

When do we walk?

Any season, any weather. Nature therapy is about experiencing the beauty of nature through her changing seasons. Not just "perfect" spring and fall days. In fact, purposely not on those days, as well.  This is Philadelphia, after all, where we get the full spectrum of weather and the range of seasonal change. “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” (German saying, translated). Meaning, every day is a good day to spend time outside. With the exception of extreme weather (e.g. heavy rain/storms, extreme heat or cold, or excessive wind), we can plan to meet together to walk. So dress appropriately and let's get out there!

Where do we walk?

Fernhill Park in Germantown: 4600 Morris St, Philadelphia, PA 19144.  The main entrance is near 4800 McKean Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19144 by McKean Ave and Abbottsford Ave. It is a living park, enjoyed by neighbors year round. The park features a walking path, lots of shady trees, tables and benches, a growing food forest (a garden adjacent to a forest with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers), sports fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts (see pictures below).