Movement-Based Therapy Approaches: A Guide to Walk and Talk and Nature-Integrated Modalities
- Maz Miller
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Therapy doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For some people, sitting indoors and talking face-to-face works well. For others, movement, walking, or being outdoors creates a sense of ease, openness, and emotional regulation that feels more natural.
This guide introduces the main movement- and nature-integrated therapy approaches you’ll find in the Walk and Talk Therapy directory, helping you understand what they are and how they differ.
Why Movement and Nature Are Used in Therapy
Research and clinical experience suggest that movement and outdoor environments can:
support nervous system regulation
reduce the intensity of emotional overwhelm
increase cognitive flexibility and reflection
help people speak more freely about difficult topics
Different practitioners integrate movement in different ways, depending on their training, setting, and client needs.
The Main Therapy Modalities You’ll See in This Directory
1. Walk and Talk Therapy
Sessions take place while walking, often outdoors.Conversation unfolds alongside movement, rather than face-to-face in a room.
This approach may suit people who:
feel more comfortable talking while moving
experience anxiety in traditional therapy settings
value informality and natural pacing
2. Nature-Based Therapy / Ecotherapy
Therapy is intentionally conducted in natural environments such as parks, bushland, or coastal settings.
Nature itself is considered part of the therapeutic process, supporting reflection, grounding, and emotional regulation.
3. Outdoor Exposure-Based Therapy
This approach combines outdoor environments with exposure-based principles.
It may be used to gently and gradually support people working with anxiety, avoidance, or fear responses, under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
4. Somatic Therapy (Movement-Integrated)
Somatic approaches focus on the connection between body and mind.
Movement, posture, sensation, and physical awareness are used alongside talking to support emotional processing.
5. Mindfulness-Based Walks
Mindfulness principles are integrated into walking or gentle movement.
Sessions may focus on present-moment awareness, breath, sensory experience, and emotional observation while moving.
6. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Behavioural Activation
ACT principles are combined with walking or movement as a form of behavioural activation.
Movement supports values-based action, psychological flexibility, and engagement with life.
7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Movement Integration
CBT strategies are applied alongside movement rather than in a seated setting.
Walking may support cognitive processing, problem-solving, and emotional regulation during sessions.
8. Adventure or Bush Therapy
This approach incorporates structured outdoor activities and nature immersion.
It is often used in group or youth settings, but may also be offered individually depending on practitioner training.
9. Green Exercise-Based Therapy
Physical activity in green spaces is integrated intentionally into therapeutic work.
Movement is used as a therapeutic tool, not simply as exercise.
10. Trauma-Sensitive Movement Practices
Movement is introduced carefully and safely for individuals with trauma histories.
The focus is on choice, pacing, bodily awareness, and nervous system safety.
11. Embodied Experiential Therapy
This approach emphasises lived, bodily experience as part of therapy.
Movement, sensation, and awareness are used alongside reflection and dialogue.
12. Animal-Assisted Outdoor Therapy
Animals may be included in outdoor therapy settings, where appropriate and ethical.
This approach is always practitioner-led and follows specific training and safety considerations.
Choosing the Right Approach
Not every modality suits every person.
The best approach depends on:
what feels safe and comfortable for you
your goals and preferences
the practitioner’s training and experience
Many practitioners integrate more than one approach, adapting their work to each client.
Explore Practitioners by Therapy Approach
You can explore practitioners in this directory by therapy approach, session format, and location to find a style of therapy that aligns with you.
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