The Surprising Reason Run Walk Talk® Therapy Works
There are so many reasons walking and running outdoors with a therapy patient or coaching client just makes sense. When I train therapists and other wellness professionals to become certified in Run Walk Talk®, we spend a good amount of time breaking down the various benefits of the practice. I will also often educate patients about how what we are doing is supporting them.
One of the reasons that Run Walk Talk® works and which surprises trainees and patients the most is a concept called self-generated optic flow.
Optic flow happens when we move our bodies forward in space and the scenery is changing (so it doesn’t work on a treadmill, sorry - but it does work if you’re on a non-stationary bicycle or in a wheelchair). That flow reduces activity in our amygdala, the part of the brain that’s responsible for fear and anxiety, and in turn helps us to feel more calm. This is why going for a walk when you’re upset can feel so therapeutic - it’s bringing down your anxiety and helping you to think more clearly.
When we work in the Run Walk Talk® model, we’re able to take advantage of this beautiful mechanism to help our clients be less anxious even as they might be talking about material that’s difficult for them. We also receive these benefits as practitioners, since we are moving forward with our clients at the same time. And a calm therapist or coach can be more present and more attuned to their client.
By being thoughtful and informed about what the human body needs, and how our movement impacts our chemistry and ability to think and change, we can help people to heal and grow more effectively.
If you’re looking for a Certified Run Walk Talk® Practitioner, check out our Directory. And if you’re a therapist, coach, or other professional who helps clients with behavior change and mental health, our next training opens soon. Get on the email list so you don’t miss it!
Sepideh
—-
Sepideh Saremi, LCSW is the founder of Run Walk Talk®. This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition.