Nicola Taylor
07802286386
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy in Abergavenny and the surrounding area
Walks Far Woman
Walking Therapy in Abergavenny and the surrounding areas
Helping you to take positive steps using solution focused therapy in natural surroundings
Now, more than ever, the outdoors is being recognised for the important role it plays in our health and wellbeing, both physical and mental. These are also times when indoor therapy may come with added risks and the barriers of PPE. In an outdoor environment it is easier to maintain social distance and harder to transmit the virus, COVID-19. Walks Far Woman is part of Eclipse Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and is therefore just as secure and confidential as the therapy offered in my consulting rooms. I am fully insured to offer outdoor therapy and I insist on an online or telephone consultation before we begin to ensure that the therapy is right for you.
What is Walking Therapy?
Walking therapy is more than just 'walk and talk.' When you walk with me, I will be using all my training as a therapist to listen carefully to what you are saying and observe the pace, speed and dynamics of your walking to know the most effective questions to ask you to help you to arrive at solutions. Just as in my work as a hypnotherapist I am committed to supporting my clients in being the best that they can be, helping them to change and to achieve their goals.
What can walking therapy help with?
People experiencing anxiety, symptoms of depression, grief and loss respond well to solution focused walking therapy. It can also boost self-esteem and confidence, motivation and positive thinking. If you have a problem or tricky situation that you need to resolve taking time out to discuss the issue as you walk allows your mind to focus fully on solutions.
Is Walking Therapy Safe?
All clients must undergo an initial consultation for 1 hour prior to beginning walking therapy (by phone, Zoom or in person). During this consultation we explore the issue that you need help with and consider whether walking therapy is right for you. The consultation involves gathering information on your health and wellbeing. During the therapy sessions social distance is maintained and routes are risk assessed for suitability. A strict working agreement and privacy policy are adhered to at all times.
How do I know if Walking Therapy is right for me?
The initial consultation gives us the opportunity to explore the issue you would like help with and to assess your general health and wellbeing to ensure that the therapy is right for you. You are under no obligation to continue with further sessions. Generally, if you are able to walk on flat and even ground at a gentle or steady pace then you should be able to access walking therapy.
How many sessions of Walking Therapy will I need?
The number of sessions needed will vary from client to client and may depend upon the issue that is being helped. I work in a solution focused way so results should be relatively quick in comparison with other therapies. This means that from the start we are working towards how you would like things to be and not dwelling on the past. You should leave each session feeling positive and having taken steps forward towards achieving your goals and feeling happier.
About WalksFar Woman – Nicola Taylor
I have enjoyed walking from a very young age but first became aware of the therapeutic benefits of walking 15 years ago after my mum died. I can honestly say that in the difficult months to follow, walking was the only thing that gave me any sense of joy in what had become a very dark world. Spending time each week physically putting one foot in front of another in beautiful surroundings seemed to be a reminder that I could move forward and that I was allowed to feel happy again. Since then when I have experienced trauma or loss I have been able to help myself by getting out into nature, being mindful and walking my way towards happier days. Going through early menopause was an unexpected and difficult time when walking also helped with my anxiety and low self-esteem. This was when I decided that a dog would be another perfect antidote and Jonesy came into my life. Now, sadly no longer with us I have my handsome whippet Stanley who has recently been joined by a little sister, Olive. Dogs live in the moment and when out walking, are a constant reminder that all we have is the here and now so let’s make the most of it!
How did I become a Walking Therapist?
Since qualifying as a clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist in 2017 I have been considering how I might combine my love of the outdoors with my passion for therapy. Researching courses and qualifications lead me to the pioneer walking therapist Jonathan Hoban (author of the acclaimed book 'Walk With Your Wolf') who spent time with me helping me to see how I could use solution focused techniques from hypnotherapy with my clients in outdoor environments. Being with Jonathan and reading his book convinced me that I should open up the joy of walking therapy to my clients and help them to experience how nature can heal.
Why ‘Walks Far Woman?’
For years now my partner Rob has called me ‘Walks Far Woman’ as he sees me putting on my walking boots most days and heading up into the hills for hours on end. During the days when he accompanies me it is a bit of a standing joke that I can usually accurately guess the time and distance without looking at a watch or map, thus apparently confirming my sense of connection with nature and the moniker ‘Walks Far Woman'!