FAQS

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

For walk and run therapy, the healing benefits of movement and exercise are well-established and continue to grow. However, sometimes it can be difficult to prioritize your own self-care and take part in regular movement and exercise. Off the Beaten Path is an out of the ordinary approach to talk therapy that is complimented by running or walking in unison with each other. It is not a get-fit, get-thin, or exercise scheme. Walking or running alongside each other can be less intimidating than sitting across from someone in a typical counselling office. Walking and running has also been associated with greater mental clarity and creativity, so why not combine the two? For those who are not quite ready to take it outdoors, are seeking EMDR or a psychoeducational assessment, or those who would like the option of outside or inside, office appointments are also available.

HOW DO WE DECIDE WHETHER TO WALK OR RUN AND AT WHAT PACE?

Therapy is about building a trusting relationship where communication provides a solid foundation. Together we determine whether we walk or run, and how fast or slow, but we will always aim for being able to run or walk at a conversational pace. This is also known as running or walking at an aerobic level where you are not going into oxygen debt. You will also determine when we take breaks and rest, and may decide that meeting at the office is preferable on a particular day. Part of our role in our relationship is to notice and bring awareness to the mind-body connection, such as what might be going on when breath is laboured, or if legs seem tired. How you walk or run is often a metaphor for our lives that we can discuss during our sessions together. Are you the person who tries to do too much all at once- an overachiever? Do you have a hard time asserting your needs in a relationship- assertiveness? Do you have a hard time listening to your body and being present in the moment- mindfulness? Pacing is an important tool that we will consider in movement and in our therapeutic relationship.

I'M INTERESTED IN EMDR. WHAT NOW?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a treatment method intended to help relieve the distress connected to past memories that are stuck. These memories might be past traumas, such as bullying, early attachment wounds, or First Responder workplace stressors. EMDR helps by accessing the brain's adaptive information processing system. If this sounds like something that might help, we can discuss what treatment would look like and what to consider.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

OKAY, WHAT'S NEXT?