If being in a group feels easier side by side, rather than face to face, this can offer a different way in

This is group therapy in an outdoor setting.

We walk alongside each other and talk as we go. For many people, that can feel more natural than sitting in a room, especially when being in a group feels unfamiliar or intense.

You might find it easier to join in, to listen, or to speak when you’re not the focus of attention in the same way.

Being outdoors can also create a different kind of space. There’s movement, pauses, and moments of reflection that can support the work without needing to fill every silence.

The focus is still on relationships.

That might include how you connect with others, what you notice about yourself in a group, or how you respond when you feel seen, heard, or unsure.

You don’t need to come with anything prepared. You can arrive as you are and take part in a way that feels manageable.

Walk and Talk Group

"Walking is [the] best medincine ."

- Hippocrates

What it’s like to be part of the group

I will guide the group so it feels safe, contained, and focused.

There may be a loose theme or starting point for each session, but there’s no pressure to speak more than you want to. Some people contribute more, others take time to find their place, both are part of the process.

We’ll pay attention to what’s happening in the moment, as well as what people bring from outside of the group.

For example, you might notice how you come into conversations, when you hold back, or how you respond to others. These moments can help make sense of patterns that also show up in other relationships.

At times, we may pause, gather as a group, or reflect together before continuing the walk.

The aim is to create a space where people can feel part of something, while also understanding themselves more clearly.

How we’ll start

Groups will be organised around a particular focus or theme.

Before joining, you’ll have clear information about what the group is for, how it will run, and whether it feels like the right fit for you.

We may also have a brief initial conversation to make sure the group is suitable and that you feel comfortable joining.

Practical details, including location, boundaries, and safety considerations, are outlined in the Walk and Talk Policy.

This might suit you if…

You might find this helpful if being in a room-based group feels too intense, or if you find it easier to connect when you’re moving rather than sitting still.

You might be curious about how you come across to others, or how you relate within a group, but want a setting that feels a bit more relaxed.

Or you might simply prefer being outdoors and want to combine that with meaningful connection.

A note before you reach out

You might find this way of working helpful if sitting face to face feels too intense, or if you think more clearly when you’re moving.

You might prefer being outdoors, or feel more comfortable talking side by side rather than across from someone.

You might want therapy to feel a bit less formal, while still doing meaningful work.

Or you might simply be curious about trying something different.

You don’t need to be particularly fit or used to walking. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

We’ll talk through whether it feels appropriate for you, including any physical or practical considerations.

This isn’t a crisis service, and if you need more immediate or specialist support, I’ll help guide you towards the right place.

We’ll also consider confidentiality in an outdoor setting, including the possibility of passing others, and agree how to manage that in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Get in touch

Possible Walk and Talk Options

We’ll agree a location together, but I tend to use a small number of places that feel suitable for this kind of work. These are spaces that offer enough privacy, a steady walking pace, and the option to pause when needed.

Longton Park (Stoke-on-Trent)

Longton Park
Queens Park Avenue
Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 4AU

A well-kept park with a mix of open space and quieter areas.

Parking: free on surrounding roads, some limited on-site parking
Toilets: available on site
Café: small cafe on site
Walk type: mostly flat paths, easy to manage, with places to sit if needed

Tunstall Park (Stoke-on-Trent)

Tunstall Park
Queen’s Avenue
Tunstall
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 6EE

Parking: Parking in the park by the Floral Hall and on-street parking nearby
Toilets: Within the park and the Floral Heall
Café: In the Floral Hall
Walk type: flat and compact, shorter walking routes

Westport Lake (Stoke-on-Trent)

Westport Lake
Waterloo Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 4RZ

Parking: (Paid on site)
Toilets: available
Café: cafe on site
Walk type: mostly flat, circular route around the lake

Victoria Park (Stafford)

Victoria Park
Tenterbanks
Stafford
ST16 2QP

Parking: nearby car parks (paid), some on-street options
Toilets: available
Café: cafe on site
Walk type: mostly flat with a mix of open and shaded paths

Ashbourne Park (Ashbourne)

Ashbourne Park
Cokayne Avenue
Ashbourne
DE6 1EJ

Parking: on-street parking outside the park
Toilets: available Tuesday to Sunday
Café: pavilion for refreshments
Walk type: mostly flat, smaller and more contained

Other possible locations

These tend to offer longer or more varied routes, and we can talk through what might suit you best.

I’m also open to suggestions if there’s somewhere you already feel comfortable. Any new location would need to be risk assessed beforehand to make sure it’s suitable for this kind of work.