Walking Sessions
Holistic Approach to Counselling
We strive to offer holistic care for our clients. Incorporating physical exercise and movement is one way we work to help our clients effectively.
We offer sessions that you can go on a walk with your counsellor outside to get some fresh air, work your muscles (with a light walk), and discuss concerns you’re facing in your life. Sometimes we need a change of scenery and to experience the world around us.
If you’re interested in walking sessions please ask your counsellor!
What Does Research Say?
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Hope Molecules are Released in our Brains
New research is showing that when we contract our muscles that proteins called myokines are released into our bloodstream. These proteins travel to the brain, cross the blood-brain barrier, and act as a natural antidepressant and increase hope in our minds.
So let’s get outside, move our muscles, talk about your concerns and increase hope in our lives!
https://fherehab.com/learning/hope-molecules
https://www.smartwellness.eu/blog-en/hope-molecules-how-your-muscles-talk-to-your-brain
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Depression & Anxiety Alleviation
Exercise has been shown to contribute positively to our mental health. It works to alleviate depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, boost our mood and self esteem, improve our cognitive abilities, and more.
Light exercise (with walking sessions) can also distract the brain slightly to allow more connections and for us to process in a different way. We can be grounded in the moment and we can look around to the world around us.
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Being Outside & Mental Health
Time in the outdoors offers the benefit of mental rest and rejuvenation. Being outside has been shown to improve memory, attention, impulse control, and creativity. We can experience positivity and a shift in our experience. Being outside can ground us in the present moment, inspire a sense of awe, and help us to relax physically and mentally. In fact even hearing the sound of birds has positive affects on the brain!