Walk & Talk Therapy

A non-traditional movement based talk therapy option for Maine residents with access to select trails in Portland and Windham, Maine

Outdoor Movement-Based Mental Health Counseling Appointments

  • Walk & Talk therapy for Maine residents local to Greater Portland area

  • An alternative for clients interested in the healing power of both talk therapy and movement in a natural outdoor setting

  • 1v1 Walking Sessions offered weekly or bi-weekly

    Walks take place on established walking trails in Portland and Windham, ME

  • Sessions are moved to online format if/when weather is too dangerous

  • $200 per session — 50 minute appointments

FAQs

What is walk and talk therapy?

Walk and talk therapy is an outdoor therapy practice that allows for a client and clinician to engage in both talk therapy and movement based therapy that involves bilateral stimulation. 

Walk and talk isn’t about going far or fast — it is not about the number of steps taken or calories burned. This is a therapy that includes movement and exercise, but our therapeutic treatment goals will not be centered on weight loss or body composition goals. Our focus will be on internal healing and finding ways to cope using nature as our classroom, healer, and guide. 

How safe can I feel about walk and talk therapy with you?

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maine who was trained as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts. For three years I worked in community mental health leading groups and working with clients 1v1 in English and Spanish using dynamic non-traditional talk therapy interventions for clients struggling with addictions and trauma. Additionally, I am a certified personal trainer through NASM and trained in CPR and First Aid. Prior to my graduate school training, I was involved with outdoor leadership training in extreme climates (in Alaska and Chile) and an outdoor educator for young girls in Maine at a summer camp. Feel free to reach out with additional questions about my training and qualifications in the mental health, physical health, or outdoor education fields! 

Where do you walk with clients?

I offer trail walks in Portland and Windham. I have specific walks and trails that I do on specific days for scheduling purposes.

What is your rate?

I charge $200 per session.

Do you take insurance?

I do not.  However, I can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance provider for an out of network claim.

How long do you walk for?

Each session is the length of a normal therapy session - about 50 minutes. The length of the walk will differ depending on the client’s pace. The client will set the pace for the walk each session, and breaks can be taken at any point. 

What is your weather contingency plan?

If the weather is unsafe for a session to take place outdoors, we can meet virtually and have an online session. 

Sometimes the weather is not unsafe - just uncomfortable. What a perfect metaphor for many of life’s challenges! While I do my best to allow the client to be in the driver’s seat regarding the weather conditions they feel safe/unsafe in, I want to encourage my clients to ask themselves “is this weather unsafe, or just uncomfortable?” Before moving the session to an online format. Most uncomfortable weather requires a little extra preparation and conscious clothing options — and I will always do my best to come prepared with additional layers for clients to borrow. 

Can I bring my dog?

I love dogs! And I would love to have a way that makes therapy more accessible to you as a pet owner. Let’s meet for a “consultation walk” with your dog and see how that goes first. If we can get through the session and you don’t feel too distracted by your caretaking responsibilities, I would love to include your animal in our therapy sessions. However, if the session feels distressing due to the dog, I may discourage bringing an animal to future sessions. Therapy is about you and making sure you get a moment of self-care in all that you do as a pet parent and busy human. But we truly won’t know what will work until we figure it out together in person! 

What days do you offer Walk & Talk appointments?

Tuesday & Wednesdays in the afternoons.

What should I wear for a walk and talk session?

It may be challenging to know what clothing is best for an hour long session outdoors. I would start by checking a weather app on your phone and looking at the hourly report for your scheduled therapy time. I personally wear lots of layers and bring extra just in case! Please always wear closed toed shoes (preferably sneakers, hiking boots, or walking shoes of any sort). 

How do you honor confidentiality?

We will be walking outside, and there is always the chance that we run into other people! This requires a unique set of rules and guidelines around confidentiality. First and foremost, this service is best fitted for clients who feel comfortable outside of a traditional office setting. While I will always do my best to protect your confidentiality by never disclosing to anyone my role in your life (and simply look like two people walking and talking), there are always risks outside of an office setting. Feel free to reach out and ask about how I collaborate with my clients regarding what feels best and safest for them when handling issues around confidentiality. Together we can create a plan that feels right for you and your needs. 

Let’s walk together!

Interested in walk and talk therapy?
Fill out the following form and I will be in touch as soon as possible.
Hope to see you on the trail real soon!