Outdoor Therapy

In and around Portsmouth

A different setting for therapy

For some, it can feel easier to talk while walking side by side, rather than sitting face-to-face in a room. Being outdoors can create a little more space to reflect on what is happening in life, and at times a different relationship with what feels difficult, confusing, or stuck. Therapy offers the opportunity to meet outside and work together whilst walking. The therapy remains the same; the setting is simply different.

For some people, movement and being outdoors can make it easier to reflect, notice what is happening within them, and stay connected to what they are experiencing. Others appreciate having space around them, particularly if they spend much of their day indoors, sitting at a desk, or looking after other people's needs. For others, it simply feels like a more natural setting in which to do the work.

Sometimes moving through the world physically can make it easier to stay connected to what you are experiencing emotionally.

Who might find outdoor therapy helpful?

Outdoor Therapy may be worth considering if:

You find that moving seems to help thoughts and feelings emerge more clearly
You spend much of your time indoors and appreciate having space around you.
You notice that being outdoors helps you feel more present or connected
Sitting in a therapy room feels uncomfortable, intense, or difficult to settle into.
You often feel caught up in your thoughts and appreciate opportunities to reconnect with your immediate experience.

For some people, movement can create a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. What previously felt stuck may begin to feel easier to explore.

At the same time, outdoor therapy is not for everyone. Some people find that the privacy and containment of a therapy room helps them reflect more freely. Others may find the outdoor environment distracting or tiring. There is no right or wrong choice.

If you are unsure, we can discuss whether it might be a good fit and review how it feels after the first few sessions.

What is it like?

Outdoor Therapy is often less structured than people imagine. Sessions last 50 minutes, just as they would in the therapy room, and we walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

There is no expectation to keep moving, to talk continuously, or to make use of the environment in any particular way.

Some sessions may involve long stretches of conversation. Others may include moments of silence, pauses to reflect, or periods where it feels easier simply to notice what is happening.

At times we may walk throughout the session. At others, we might slow down, stop for a while, or sit on a bench if that feels helpful.

As with therapy in a room, there is no right way to do it.

Arranging Outdoor Sessions

I will usually meet with you initially online or in my therapy room before arranging outdoor sessions. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what you are looking for, consider whether outdoor therapy feels appropriate, and talk through the practical aspects of working outside. Sessions begin and end at an agreed meeting point, with routes planned in advance.

The fee is the same as for room-based or online therapy.

Confidentiality

Working outdoors brings some additional considerations around privacy and confidentiality. It is possible that we may encounter other people whilst walking. Before beginning outdoor therapy, we will discuss how to manage these situations and agree an approach that feels comfortable for you.

I will always aim to protect your privacy as much as possible and to minimise interruptions to our work together.

Weather

Sessions generally take place throughout the year and in most weather conditions.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the conditions and bring any items you may need, such as a waterproof coat, umbrella, water bottle, or medication.

If weather conditions make it difficult for us to hear one another or walk comfortably and safely, we will arrange to meet online or in the therapy room instead.

Do I need to be fit?

No. The pace will be guided by what feels manageable and comfortable for you. Outdoor therapy is not about exercise or physical performance.

If you have any health concerns that may affect your ability to walk, we will discuss these together before arranging sessions.

A flexible approach

Some clients know from the outset that they would prefer to work outdoors. Others are unsure.

If outdoor therapy seems like it may be helpful, we can agree to try it for a number of sessions and then review together how it feels.

Once we have settled on a way of working, I generally encourage consistency rather than regularly moving between different formats, as this helps create a steady foundation for the work.

Why some people choose to work outdoors?

Therapy is ultimately about creating the conditions in which you can pay attention to yourself, explore your experience, and think about your life differently.

For some people, being outdoors supports that process. For others, a therapy room feels more appropriate.

There is also a growing body of research suggesting that spending time outdoors supports psychological wellbeing, attention, and emotional regulation.

While these findings are interesting, the most important question is not whether Outdoor Therapy is better, but whether it feels like a setting that allows you to reflect, explore, and pay attention to what matters.