Take a Walk: Enhancing Relationships (Step-by-Step!)

Hello dear readers! It’s me: The Outdoor Art Therapist!

I’m back with another blog post, and today’s agenda is all about the power of going for a walk to enhance relationships and why I am a walk-and-talk therapist. If you’ve visited this art therapy website page before or talked to me in real life for more than 15 minutes, you probably know two things about me: 1.) I am an art therapist, and 2.) I love being outside in nature.

The Joy of Connection in Nature

There’s something magical about being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. It creates an inviting atmosphere for connection. Walking side by side with someone you care about- whether in person or over the phone- allows for a unique blend of movement and conversation. The gentle rhythm of your steps can ease the mind, making it easier to open up and share what’s going on inside your heart.

Why Walking Together is Special

Walking encourages a sense of togetherness. It breaks down barriers that might exist in more formal settings. In nature, we can feel more relaxed and present, making it the perfect environment for deepening our relationships. The fresh air and natural surroundings inspire us to be more open and creative in our conversations.

This realization sparked my journey as a walk-and-talk therapist. Many years ago, while working in various settings—be it inpatient facilities, community behavioral health centers, or autism support services—I learned that sometimes the best way to redirect and reconnect was simply to take a walk.

I had the pleasure of walking with my co-therapist intern, Genna, a wonderful dance-movement therapist, every day during our internship at a community behavioral health center in Philadelphia. Those walks became sacred spaces for us. We started with light, surface-level discussions—talking about the weather, upcoming assignments for our master’s program, or even what vegan meal we were hoping to share for lunch.

As we strolled, our conversations naturally deepened. We shared how our families were doing, what it felt like to be away from home, and what we were exploring in our own therapy sessions. Those walks not only strengthened our professional relationship but also fostered a profound personal connection.

The Power of Shared Experiences

Walking together can be a transformative experience, enriching various types of relationships. Here’s how this simple activity fosters connection and strengthens bonds:

Breaks Down Barriers Walking in a relaxed setting helps dissolve the formalities that can sometimes create distance between people. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, partner, or client, being outdoors allows for a more genuine interaction, where both parties can feel at ease.

Encourages Open Communication: The natural rhythm of walking promotes a free-flowing conversation. As you move side by side, it becomes easier to express thoughts and feelings, leading to deeper and more meaningful exchanges.

Creates Shared Experiences: Every walk creates a shared memory, whether it’s exploring a new trail or revisiting familiar paths. These experiences become touchstones in your relationship, enriching the connection and providing opportunities to reminisce.

Fosters Mindfulness and Presence: Being outdoors encourages mindfulness. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature draw us into the present moment, allowing for more engaged and focused conversations.

Boosts Physical and Emotional Well-Being: Physical activity releases endorphins, enhancing mood and well-being. When both individuals feel good, they are more likely to interact positively, making for a more enjoyable and productive conversation.

Facilitates Reflection: Walking can provide a calming backdrop for reflection. This environment encourages individuals to share personal thoughts and emotions, deepening the understanding between them.

Strengthens Trust and Vulnerability: The act of walking side by side creates a sense of equality and partnership. This setting can foster vulnerability, allowing both individuals to open up and build trust more easily.

Ignites Creativity: Walking can ignite creative thinking, leading to fresh ideas and perspectives during discussions. This added layer of creativity can enrich conversations and enhance problem-solving.

Encourages Routine and Tradition: Establishing a regular walking routine can become a cherished tradition (for you and your friends, your family, your children, and your co-workers). Whether it’s a weekly catch-up or a daily stroll, these moments create a sense of stability and continuity in the relationship.

Enhancing the Therapeutic Relationship

Walk-and-talk therapy can enrich and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

The act of moving together in nature can create a sense of equality between therapist and client. This shared experience can lead to more honest and meaningful exchanges, ultimately deepening trust and rapport.

As the Outdoor Art Therapist, the practice of the walk-and-talk therapy modality ignites my spirit! There’s a unique joy in witnessing the transformations that occur during these walks: clients discovering new insights, expressing emotions, and embracing the beauty of their surroundings. Ah, the beauty between nature and shared connection.

So, whether you’re walking with a loved one, a friend, or a client, I encourage you to embrace the journey. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air (especially with fall right around the corner for us Maryland folks), and see where the conversation takes you. Each step has the potential to enhance your relationships and nurture your own spirit!

Happy walking!

Learn more about Walk-and-Talk Therapy

Are you curious about how art therapy and walk-and-talk therapy can help you heal and grow? Whether you’re navigating childhood traumas, seeking to reconnect with your playful spirit, or addressing lingering fears and insecurities, art therapy offers a unique approach to self-discovery and healing. Through creative expression, you’ll explore complex emotions and memories in a non-verbal and deeply therapeutic way. Together, we’ll uncover the strengths and resilience within you as we integrate your past experiences into a more empowered present.

Want more free resources?

Check out more blog posts here or head on over to my free resources page! I love sharing free resources that I find and creating my own worksheets for clients and supervision students to use in their journey of wellness!

If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey toward inner healing, I invite you to take the next step and reach out.

Let’s walk this path together toward a more vibrant and fulfilling life—for you and your inner child!

Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC is an art therapist and mental health counselor that specializes in therapy for children and therapy for inner child healing in Baltimore County, Maryland at Labyrinth Art and Wellness.