FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect from Outside In Therapy?
I offer a free 20 min. virtual or phone consultation to learn more about you and what you are looking for. I offer telehealth across the state of Colorado as well as walk-and-talk sessions that take place outdoors. After the consultation, our first session will be focused on intake and history. We also will talk about your focus for therapy and goals.
What can I expect from Walk-and-Talk therapy?
Sessions are held year-round in Leadville and Lake County . The healing properties of being outdoors, combined with movement and talking, can enhance the therapeutic experience. Your therapist will match your pace of walking and sessions can even be conducted at a picnic table or sitting in a park. You may bring your dog to sessions if that helps you to feel more comfortable. For some clients that can be a distraction, so choose what will be best for you therapeutically.
What are the typical locations for sessions for walk-and-talk therapy?
During our initial consultation we can explore appropriate trails, paths, outdoor tracks, and parks that will be suitable for our sessions together. Location selection is based upon safety, terrain, and therapeutic ambiance. Intake and treatment planning sessions can take longer and cover multiple topics so an office setting is most appropriate.
What do I wear to walk-and-talk sessions?
Whatever is most comfortable to you. Please make sure to wear appropriate shoes for walking, a water bottle, and weather-specific clothing. Colorado can have many weather systems in one day, so layers are always best!
What about the weather?
Depending upon how severe the weather is, my suggestion is to hold our session outside, since being outside often times can leave us feeling more energized and inspired, even with the discomfort of the weather (unless it is a safety issue). I find that the weather is useful to discuss what it is like to have to adjust to the unexpected or undesirable elements that show up in our lives. Ultimately, it is your decision if you would feel more comfortable rescheduling.
Can anyone participate in this type of therapy?
People who feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and emotions in open spaces may benefit the most from this type of therapy. Sessions are most effective when you can be open and honest about your experiences.
Outside In Therapy is individual therapy with an added benefit of movement and casual physical activity. You get to set the pace that works for you. The focus of the session is to provide you the time and space to process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The physical aspect of moving outdoors is for mental health benefits, not a workout program. This will not be a strenuous workout or a personal training session. Some people need the safety and comfort of the indoors; I am more than happy to provide referrals if this is your preference. Telehealth is also available as an option.
How in shape do I need to be?
Outside In Therapy is for people of all levels of fitness, shapes, and sizes, as long as there are no medical reasons to prevent someone from walking. You can take as many breaks as you need. Parents and caregivers with infants can participate by bringing their infant in a stroller while they are in session. We also can find places to sit outdoors if that feels better for you.
What if someone sees or hears us?
Because sessions are outdoors, I cannot guarantee that someone will not overhear us due to the nature of being in public. People are accustomed to seeing people walk and talk together, so it will not necessarily be obvious to others that we are engaged in a therapy session. If we happen to run into someone we know, we have many options of how to approach the situation such as waving and continuing on, going in another direction, etc. We will discuss this and come up with a plan for how you want to handle these situations in our intake session.
What if I don’t like it?
I am more than happy to provide you with referrals for different therapists.
Is there an additional cost for this type of therapy?
My fee is based upon average office-based therapy rates in this area.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance. A benefit of not working with insurance is that you do not need to be diagnosed to receive services and the number of sessions you want to participate is dictated by you, not by your insurance.
When are appointments offered?
I offer appointments in the afternoons and early evenings to correspond with school and work schedules.