What is Walk and talk therapy?



Walk and talk therapy is like traditional talk therapy, except, instead of sitting in an office or sitting at home via Zoom talking about your issues, you are walking outdoors. It is a way to integrate both the benefits of exercise and movement with traditional psychotherapy/talk therapy.



Benefits of walk and talk therapy



I introduced Walk and Talk therapy to my practice during the pandemic when clients were "Zoomed" out and wanted to meet in person but did not feel comfortable meeting indoors in my office. This approach gave us a way to connect in person while enjoying some exercise, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. In addition, my clients with anxiety seem better able to focus on our conversation as they are able to release some of their nervous energy through movement.



Limitations of walk and talk therapy



There are some limitations to this approach. As we will be walking outside in a public place, I cannot provide the same level of confidentiality as I do in my office. You may see people you know and people may hear what we are discussing. In addition, while our weather in LA is mild and dry most of the year, it can get too hot, too cold or even occasionally too wet for the walk to be pleasant and conducive to therapy. In these cases, we can opt for a zoom or office visit instead. Finally, there is the possibility of slips, falls, cuts, bruises, animal bites and stings.



is Walk and talk therapy right for me?



While walk and talk therapy offers many benefits, and has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of mental and emotional issues, it may not be right for you. There is no guarantee that Walk and Talk is effective for all individuals. If I believe it is not clinically appropriate physically or mentally and that you would be better served by in office or zoom therapy, I will discuss this with you. In some cases, I may refer you to your Medical Doctor for clearance. If such services with me are not possible, referrals can be provided to another therapist if necessary. In addition, you may decide after one or a few sessions, that this is not right for you, in which case we can always change to in office or zoom therapy.



Silver lake reservoir



I conduct the Walk and Talk therapy sessions around the Silver Lake Reservoir. It is a convenient location with beautiful vistas and it takes roughly 45-50 minutes to walk around it.


Please reach out to me to see if Walk and Talk therapy is right for you.



Jeffrey Bornstein, MS, LPCC





4620 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90027
323-362-6555
jeff@jeffreybornstein.com