Ecotherapy Walk-and-Talk

Healing power of nature

At Ecology of the Human, I offer guided walk & talk ecotherapy sessions—a simple but powerful way to work through stress, life transitions, anxiety, recover from depression, and stay regulated as you work through trauma while being held in the peace and beauty of natural environments.

I explore the relationship between mind, body, environment, story and meaning.

Nature becomes part of the process, not just a backdrop but an active co-regulator. Healing is not only psychological, it is ecological.

These sessions take place outdoors where the nervous system can settle, and as you build a connection with the environment, you are able to build a new relationship with yourself.

Sessions are held in accessible natural areas around Seattle, Washington, including parks, trails, and waterfront paths. Exact meeting locations are shared upon booking

Why it works

Humans evolved in relationship with the natural world. When we return to it—even briefly— the body recalibrates. Walking regulates the nervous system, lowers physical tension, and makes difficult conversations feel less intense.

Walk & Talk sessions can help:

  • Reduce stress and physiological tension

  • Support emotional regulation through rhythmic walking

  • Improve clarity and decision-making

  • Ease conversational pressure compared to face-to-face office settings

  • Increase feelings of groundedness and presence

  • Mentally and emotionally stuck or overwhelmed

  • Those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or grief

  • Disconnected from themselves or others

  • Burned out from work, caregiving, or over-functioning

  • Struggle with dependency or have trouble leaving the house

  • In a life transition or identity shift

  • Creative blocks or lack of direction, meaning, or purpose

  • More at ease thinking while moving than sitting still

  • People who struggle with traditional face-to-face office therapy or Telehealth

Who is this for?

Get Started

What are the benefits?

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Improved mood, anxiety, and stress

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Physical movement and outdoor exposure are both linked with improved mood and lower depressive symptoms. Movement helps generate clarity, insight, and creativity

Depression may improve more quickly

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Exercise can reduce depressive symptoms

Mind-Body Connection

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Clients may become more aware of physical sensations, emotions, and stress responses while moving

Emotional regulation

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Rhythmic movement helps emotional processing and can help shift thinking patterns and increase flexibility in problem-solving and reflection.

Improved therapeutic experience

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Emotionally regulating, walking beside a therapist can feel less intense than talking face-to-face.

Increased energy and alertness

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Some people think more clearly and stay more engaged during movement than during seated sessions.

Benefits of nature exposure

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Walking boosts motivation to reengage with activities and to follow through with positive routines.

Interrupts rumination cycles, dissociation, and shut down.

Therapists often report that clients generate new ideas, perspectives, or breakthroughs during walks.

Physical health benefits

Even light walking contributes to circulation, mobility, and general physical wellness. Increased serotonin and dopamine activity, and improved sleep.

Even relatively short walks (20 minutes) appear to improve mood and cognitive functioning.

Supports creativity, insight, brain activity

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Green spaces and fresh air can promote calm, attention restoration, and emotional regulation..

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Before we begin working together, we will start with a free 15-30 minute and see if we feel like a good fit. The next step is scheduling our first session! After a few meetings, we can reassess whether we feel like a good fit and go from there.

  • I am currently paneled with Premera, Blue Cross, and LifeWise

    If you are a private pay client, you are eligible to receive a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

    Here's how it works:

    Before you start, check your insurance coverage. Ask these key questions:

    • Does my plan cover out-of-network mental health services?

    • Do I have a deductible to meet before they start paying?

    • How many sessions per year does my plan cover?

    • What percentage of the fee will they reimburse me?

  • Feel free to send me an email to inquire about my rates.

    Limited number of sliding scale slots available for on going financial instability.

    I don’t want finances to limit anyone from receiving treatment. Please reach out and email me for more information.

  • All major credit cards accepted for payment.

  • To get the most out of our work together, consistency is key.

    Your scheduled appointment time is held exclusively for you, and payment is expected for all scheduled sessions. You are allowed up to three missed sessions with at least 48 hours' notice without being charged. After that, any additional missed sessions will be charged in full, as this time is reserved for you and cannot be filled without proper notice. Canceled or missed sessions with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged for the appointment. With advanced notice of an absence, I will do my best to reschedule within the same week at no extra cost.

    You will not be charged for any sessions missed by me due to sickness or emergencies.