Therapy Doesn't Have to Happen on a Couch

For some people, sitting across from another person in a quiet room makes it harder to talk. Walking side-by-side can change the experience.

Movement gives your body something to do while your brain works. Silence can feel less awkward. Eye contact isn't constant. Difficult conversations can sometimes feel less intense when you're moving through an environment rather than sitting directly across from someone. And sometimes getting outside simply helps you feel a little more like yourself.

Walking therapy isn't inherently “better” than sitting or online therapy. It's another option for people whose brains and bodies work better with movement.

You Don't Have to Be a Hiker

Let's make this very clear. Walking therapy doesn't need to be a workout. You don't need hiking boots, impressive cardiovascular endurance, or the ability to casually summit a fourteener before breakfast. Sessions can involve an easy walk at a conversational pace. We can slow down, stop, sit, or adjust based on what you need.

However, for clients who genuinely enjoy hiking and want a more trail-based experience, limited hiking sessions may also be an option.

The movement serves the therapy.

Walking Can Help a Busy Brain

For some people struggling with things like ADHD or anxiety, movement can make conversation and attention easier.

You may find that thoughts come more naturally when part of your body is occupied (hence fidget toys), or that you feel less pressure without constant eye contact, or maybe movement helps expel some of the energy that's otherwise turning into a negative thought spiral. It's simply another way to structure the environment around how you function best.

If executive functioning, emotional regulation, overwhelm, or shame around neurodivergence are part of what you're working on, you can also learn more about my ADHD and neurodivergent therapy.

What Do We Actually Talk About

While Walking?

The same things we could talk about online:

Relationships. Identity. ADHD. Anxiety. Grief. Divorce. Body image. Boundaries. Work. Family. Sex. The decision you've been avoiding. The thing you said you weren't going to talk about and then somehow spent the entire session talking about.

Walking therapy is a format, not a separate type of psychotherapy. We still identify patterns, process emotions, build skills, challenge assumptions, and work toward the goals that brought you to therapy. We're just doing it side-by-side.

What About Privacy?

This is an important difference between outdoor and traditional therapy.

Because sessions happen in public or semi-public outdoor spaces, complete privacy from other people in the environment can't be guaranteed in the same way it can during a private telehealth session. Before beginning walking or hiking therapy, we'll discuss confidentiality, the environment, what we'll do if we encounter someone either of us knows, and whether outdoor therapy feels appropriate for the things you want to work on.

You always have the option to choose online therapy instead.

What If the Weather Is Terrible?

Weather, trail conditions, air quality, temperature, and other environmental factors can affect whether an outdoor session is appropriate. When conditions don't cooperate, we'll determine whether the session should move online or be otherwise adjusted based on the circumstances and our established plan.

You don't have to prove your commitment to therapy by processing your childhood in a hailstorm

FAQs

Where does walking therapy take place?

Walking and hiking therapy is available on a limited basis in the Denver area. We'll discuss location options and logistics before scheduling an outdoor session.

Do I have to exercise during the session?

No. Walking therapy isn't fitness training. Pace, distance, and terrain should support the therapeutic work rather than become the focus of it.

Can I switch between online and walking therapy?

When clinically and logistically appropriate, yes. Walking therapy doesn't mean every session happens outdoors.

Is walking therapy appropriate for everyone?

Not necessarily. Mobility, weather, privacy, clinical needs, accessibility, and personal preference all matter. We can talk about whether outdoor sessions make sense for you and use online therapy when they don't.

everybody processes differently

If being in your own space helps you focus and feel safe, great.

If you process better while walking or out in nature, we can work with that too.

Therapy doesn't have to look a particular way to count.

Curious whether walking or hiking therapy would be a good fit? Email me.

© 2026. All rights reserved.

Michelle Hansen, MSW, LSW
Colorado Licensed Social Worker
Clinical supervision: Becky Zal-Sanchez, LCSW (CSW.09923198)
Specialized training in Discernment Counseling and divorce recovery