Walk and Talk Therapy in North Vancouver
Walk and Talk Therapy brings individual counselling outdoors to the North Vancouver waterfront, where you and your counsellor walk side-by-side on a flat, paved path while connecting, reflecting, and exploring together.
For some, gently moving outdoors can be a more comfortable, freeing, and grounding way to access counselling than sitting in an office. Walk and Talk Therapy expands the traditional therapeutic space, and create another pathway into meaningful therapeutic work, one that incorporates movement and nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Walk and Talk can be a highly effective way to engage in therapy for neurodivergent clients, though it really depends on the individual.
For those who process thoughts better while moving, stepping outside can make counselling conversations more accessible. Walking side-by-side naturally removes the need to navigate eye contact and other typical social expectations, letting you focus fully on your session. The steady rhythm of walking provides a naturally regulating outlet, which can also make untangling thoughts and expressing emotions feel easier and more fluid.
A little more on this subject:
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We always use a pre-selected route that is shared with you in advance so there are no surprises.
Currently, sessions take place along the North Shore Spirit Trail in North Vancouver BC, which is flat and paved.
For more information about the trail:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/things-to-do/listings/north-shore-spirit-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/spirit-trail-park-royal-to-lonsdale-quay
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No, but you should be able to comfortably walk outdoors on flat, paved ground for up to 60 minutes.
Walk and Talk Therapy is focused on emotional processing, not physical fitness. The pace is set by you, and you are always welcome to slow down, speed up, take breaks, and sit as you need.
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Sessions run rain or shine, so please dress comfortably for the weather and your sensory needs. In cases of severe or unsafe weather, we will either move the session indoors to our office or reschedule it for another time.
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Confidentiality and safety come first. Before your very first walk, you and your counsellor will set a clear and comfortable plan for handling unexpected situations, like running into someone you know or feeling overwhelmed in public spaces.
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In most cases, yes, if your insurance plan covers clinical counselling sessions, Walk and Talk therapy is also included. Though we recommend confirming your coverage details with your insurance provider.
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To ensure Walk and Talk Therapy is a safe and effective fit for you, we start with a minimum of two indoor sessions (in-office or via Telehealth video call) before moving outdoors. This allows us to an opportunity to get to know your goals, discuss sensory considerations, and collaborate on a plan for your outdoor sessions.
Interested in Walk and Talk Therapy?
Fill out this form below to ask questions or request a free consultation.
Outdoor sessions are currently available on Saturday mornings, along the North Shore Spirit Trail in North Vancouver, offered by Jessica Sambolec, RCC, CCC.
If you are looking for different days or routes, let us know below. Your feedback will help us gather the information we need as we expand the program.
“I’ve always noticed the positive impact that movement and time outdoors have on my well-being.
Breathing in fresh air, taking in the natural world around me, and moving my body creates a sense of spaciousness that helps my thoughts and emotions flow more freely.
Combining movement, nature and therapy feels a little like opening the windows of a house - where fresh air and sunlight flow in, stagnant air shifts, and the room feels different.
I want to offer clients an opportunity to connect with their minds and bodies, notice what emerges through movement, and experience the benefits of being outdoors”
- Jessica Sambolec, on what inspires her to offer Walk & Talk Therapy
Photos Source: Destination Vancouver