Walk and Talk Therapy in Calgary
Space to talk, at a different pace
You spend much of your day at a desk or moving from one responsibility to the next. Having time to talk about how you’re doing can be difficult to make room for.
Walk and talk therapy takes your appointment outdoors. You and your psychologist walk together while discussing the concerns you would otherwise bring into the therapy room.
At Inner Balance Psychological Services, this offers another way to access individual therapy, with space to explore what’s been on your mind.
What is walk and talk therapy?
Walk and talk therapy combines a psychotherapy appointment with gentle walking. The focus remains on your needs and the work you’re doing with your psychologist. There’s no fitness goal or expectation to keep a particular pace.
You might prefer talking side by side, or find an outdoor setting more comfortable. You also don’t need to know whether it will suit you before asking about it.
Who can book a walk and talk session?
Walk and talk therapy is available in Calgary and surrounding areas only, for Dr. Kristin Calverley’s established clients. It isn’t suitable for an initial intake appointment.
If you’re already working with Dr. Calverley, you can discuss whether an outdoor session would be a good fit for your needs.
What can we talk about?
The conversation can include the same concerns you’d bring to an indoor appointment. Perhaps you’re replaying decisions long after you’ve made them, feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities, or finding that your expectations of yourself leave very little room to rest.
Your psychologist can help you explore whether what feels like everyday stress also involves anxiety or perfectionism, and discuss an approach that fits your needs.
Walk and talk appointments can also offer space to discuss changes in motherhood, including mental load, identity shifts and relationship strain.
Practical therapy, in an outdoor setting
A change of setting can make an appointment feel different. The work still involves understanding what’s happening for you and deciding together what you’d like to address.
Your psychologist may help you notice patterns in your thinking, work through difficult feelings or plan a different response to something that keeps coming up. You won’t be expected to feel calm simply because you’re outside.
Read about our therapy approaches
Privacy and comfort matter
Outdoor appointments come with different privacy considerations. Other people may be nearby, and there’s a possibility of encountering someone you know.
Before arranging a walk and talk appointment, we’ll discuss these considerations and whether the format feels appropriate for you. Your comfort, mobility needs and the topics you want to discuss are part of that decision.
Questions about walk and talk therapy
Do I need to be physically fit?
This is a therapy appointment, so exercise performance isn’t the focus. Let us know about any mobility, pain or fatigue concerns so we can discuss whether the available walking arrangements would suit you.
Is outdoor therapy right for everyone?
Preferences and needs vary. Some people prefer the privacy and predictability of an indoor or virtual appointment. We can discuss the options with you.
What happens if the weather is poor?
We’ll explain weather arrangements and any alternative appointment options before your first outdoor session.
Where do appointments take place?
Contact us for current walking locations in Calgary and surrounding areas, and availability. We’ll confirm the meeting point and practical details before an appointment is arranged.
Interested in taking a session outdoors?
If you’re an established client of Dr. Kristin Calverley, ask about walk and talk therapy at your next appointment or contact us for details.
New to the practice? Contact us to ask about an initial appointment.