by Psychotherapist Stephen Hall, Walk & Talk, Trauma & Addiction, Mentor
Is Walk and Talk Therapy A Powerful Alternative for Men’s Mental Health?
Despite growing awareness around men’s mental health, many of us still find it tough to express our feelings and seek the support we need. Traditional therapy settings can sometimes feel intimidating, which can put men off from engaging. This is where Walk and Talk Therapy comes in, offering a more relaxed, natural environment to open up - away from the confines of an office.
Supported by research from the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) 2022 Briefing Paper 'Psychological Interventions to Help Male Adults', Walk and Talk Therapy harnesses the power of forward movement. It provides a space where men can talk more freely, build resilience, and experience the mental health benefits of both physical activity and connection.
Breaking Down Barriers to Men's Mental Health
Men often face societal pressures to appear strong and stoic, making it harder to open up about struggles. Research shows that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often waiting until things reach a crisis point. This hesitation contributes to the stark statistics around male suicide, highlighting a need for more approachable therapeutic options.
The BPS 2022 Briefing Paper emphasises the importance of accessible, male-friendly psychological interventions. Walk and Talk Therapy is exactly that - a non-traditional, approachable method that doesn’t rely on clinical settings. Instead, it shifts the conversation into the fresh air, breaking down barriers and making it easier for men to engage without the stigma of ‘therapy’ hanging over them.
What Makes Walk and Talk Therapy Effective?
Walk and Talk Therapy is exactly what it sounds like - a therapeutic session conducted while walking outdoors. This approach combines the benefits of movement with the therapeutic process, encouraging natural conversation and deeper emotional processing.
Research into PTSD and CPTSD highlights the value of physical exercise in managing symptoms. Walking side by side in nature removes the pressure of eye contact and the formality of an office, which can make it easier to discuss tough topics. Men I work with often find it more comfortable to share their experiences when there’s a shared activity - walking creates that sense of collaboration and ease.
The Science Behind Walking and Talking
Walking is more than just movement - it’s a form of bilateral stimulation, similar to the principles used in EMDR therapy. The natural rhythm of walking activates both sides of the brain, helping to process and reframe difficult memories. This physical movement encourages emotional regulation, making it easier to work through trauma.
On a practical level, walking can help men feel grounded, balanced, and more in control of their emotions. Many men struggle to articulate their feelings in a clinical setting, but the act of moving through nature unlocks those barriers, allowing them to express themselves more freely.
Why Men Choose Walk and Talk Therapy Over Traditional Counselling
Walk and Talk Therapy isn’t just about feeling more comfortable - it actively supports emotional release and cognitive processing. Research shows that exercise boosts neurotrophic factors that enhance brain health and memory, which can be particularly beneficial for trauma recovery.
Key benefits include:
Reduced Anxiety: Movement and nature reduce anxiety levels, making it easier to confront challenging thoughts.
Increased Openness: Walking side by side creates a sense of equality, reducing vulnerability and encouraging honest dialogue.
Natural Setting: Being in nature helps alleviate the pressure often associated with clinical therapy settings.
Physical Movement as a Catalyst: Walking helps "unstick" thoughts, allowing for clearer reflection and deeper emotional processing.
How Walk and Talk Therapy Makes a Difference
I’ve seen firsthand how this approach can transform lives. I've witness people who once struggled to open up in a traditional therapy room, find it easier to express themselves while walking in nature. The simple act of moving side by side—rather than sitting face to face—can lower defences and create a more relaxed, open atmosphere.
Walking outdoors not only reduces the feeling of being trapped but also seems to make overwhelming thoughts feel more manageable. The rhythm of movement can help access memories and emotions that may have felt buried or out of reach. Time and again, I’ve witnessed how taking steps forward physically can mirror the emotional progress unfolding during our sessions.
Walk and Talk Therapy: A Different Way Forward for Men’s Mental Health
Walk and Talk Therapy is more than just a change of scenery - it’s a shift in how we approach men’s mental health. It breaks down barriers, removes the clinical feel, and makes space for men to speak freely, supported by the calming influence of nature. If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or simply feel stuck, consider Walk and Talk Therapy as an alternative way to heal. It’s a powerful step forward - both literally and emotionally - towards reclaiming your mental well-being.
Written by Stephen Hall, to find out more about Psychotherapist,Walk & Talk, Trauma & Addiction, Mentor Stephen Hall and the services he offers click here, or the button below.
