5 Signs You’re Ready to See a Walk and Talk Therapist

There are many reasons people reach a point where support feels helpful. Everyday life, and simply being human with all our complexity, can bring experiences that are rewarding at times and painful at others.

While physical pain is often visible and easier to explain, emotional and mental distress can be harder to recognise and manage. When thoughts, feelings, or experiences begin to feel overwhelming or stuck, working with a walk and talk therapist can provide valuable support in a more natural and grounded way.

Below are five signs you may be ready to see a walk and talk therapist.

1. You are going through major life changes

Periods of change often place extra pressure on our mental and emotional wellbeing. New parenthood, changes at work, moving house, shifts in relationships, or caring for others can all quietly increase stress.

If you find yourself feeling low, overwhelmed, anxious, or unlike yourself during a time of transition, and coping feels harder than usual, this can be a sign that extra support would be helpful. Walking while talking can support both mental processing and physical regulation during times of change.

2. Your mood has shifted and is not improving

Everyone experiences ups and downs, but if low mood, anxiety, irritability, numbness, or reduced confidence has become ongoing rather than temporary, it may be time to reach out.

If you have tried managing things on your own and nothing seems to shift, a walk and talk therapist can help you understand what is going on beneath the surface and explore ways forward. Many people find that movement makes it easier to talk and think clearly.

3. Your relationships feel difficult or stuck

Relationships naturally have their challenges. Whether with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, difficulties around communication, boundaries, or unmet needs can take a toll.

If the same issues keep repeating or you feel unsure how to respond differently, working with a walk and talk therapist can help you reflect on patterns and develop healthier ways of relating. Side by side walking often makes these conversations feel less intense and more manageable.

4. You have experienced trauma, past or recent

Traumatic experiences can affect the body and mind long after the event itself. Trauma can show up through anxiety, emotional shutdown, sleep difficulties, physical tension, or relationship challenges.

If you have tried other approaches and they have not felt helpful, walk and talk therapy may offer a gentler and more regulating option. Being outdoors and moving can support the nervous system while working through difficult experiences at a pace that feels safe.

5. You are relying on unhealthy habits to cope

Occasional distraction or comfort is part of being human. However, if habits such as excessive screen time, alcohol use, overworking, or other forms of avoidance have become your main way of coping, it may be a sign that something deeper needs attention.

A walk and talk therapist can help you build healthier coping strategies without judgement, in a way that feels practical and grounded in everyday life.

Taking the first step

Seeking support does not mean something is wrong with you. Often it means you are listening to yourself.

If traditional indoor therapy does not feel like the right fit, walk and talk therapy can be a more comfortable place to start.

You can explore our directory to find a walk and talk therapist and take that first step forward, one walk at a time.