Trail Therapy in Utah and Idaho

Nature-Based Counseling for Trauma, Anxiety, and Women’s Mental Health

Trail therapy, sometimes called walk and talk therapy, blends the benefits of traditional talk therapy with the calming and restorative effects of movement and time in nature. Instead of sitting in an office, sessions take place outdoors on a local trail, open space, or park. Your natural rhythm helps guide the session as you walk, pause, reflect, and connect with the environment around you.

This approach can be especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or resistant in a typical indoor therapy setting. Walking naturally supports gentle bilateral stimulation, which can help emotional processing, reduce stress, increase clarity, and regulate the nervous system.

As a therapist and mountain athlete licensed in Utah and Idaho, I provide nature-based counseling for clients who want a grounded and accessible way to work through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and women’s mental health concerns. Sessions can include sitting, walking, or maintaining a slow and comfortable jogging pace depending on what feels best for your body.

Session lengths typically range from 60 to 90 minutes. We choose a trail or outdoor space that fits your comfort level and mobility needs. Dog-friendly options are available if you would like your companion to join. Because weather in Utah and Idaho can change quickly, sessions can easily shift to telehealth or be rescheduled when conditions are not ideal.

Trail therapy can also be combined with virtual or indoor counseling, giving you a flexible and client-centered therapeutic experience. This approach is designed to help you process difficult emotions, release built-up tension, and reconnect with yourself in a natural and supportive environment.

Why Clients Choose Trail Therapy

  • A calming and grounding alternative to a traditional office setting

  • Gentle movement that supports nervous system regulation

  • Space for deeper emotional processing and clarity

  • A supportive approach for trauma, anxiety, and overwhelm

  • Options for women seeking an empowering and accessible healing environment

  • Flexibility to shift between outdoor sessions and telehealth

What to Expect in a Trail Therapy Session

  • We meet at a local trail, park, or open space that matches your comfort and mobility levels

  • You set the pace, whether that involves walking, sitting, or light movement

  • The natural environment supports grounding and emotional regulation

  • Sessions may involve mindfulness work, somatic awareness, or reflective conversation

  • Weather and conditions are monitored to ensure your safety and comfort

This approach helps many clients feel more open, connected, and able to process in a way that feels natural and supportive.

Who Trail Therapy Is Designed For

Trail therapy may be a good fit if you:

  • Feel overwhelmed or stuck in indoor therapeutic settings

  • Want a more embodied and grounded healing process

  • Experience trauma symptoms, anxiety, burnout, or grief

  • Prefer movement and nature as part of your mental health care

  • Want therapy that follows a pace your body feels comfortable with

  • Enjoy walking or being outdoors but need guided emotional support

Many clients find that walking alongside a therapist, rather than sitting face-to-face, creates a more comfortable and natural space for expression.

Can Trail Therapy Be Combined with Telehealth

Yes. Many clients shift between outdoor sessions and online sessions depending on weather, scheduling, or energy levels. Both options are equally effective and can support consistent progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer trail therapy in multiple locations?
Yes. I provide trail therapy in accessible areas across Utah . Locations are chosen based on your preferences and comfort.

What if the weather is bad?
We can either reschedule or switch to a secure telehealth session for that day.

How long are trail therapy sessions?
Sessions typically range from 60 to 90 minutes depending on your needs.

Do I need to be physically fit?
No. We tailor the pace to meet your comfort and abilities. Movement can be minimal.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Many outdoor locations allow dogs. If this is important to you, we can choose a dog-friendly trail.

Take the next step toward feeling grounded again
Reach out to schedule a consultation. We will talk through your goals, your questions, and what you want from therapy so you can move forward with clarity and support.

Schedule an Appointment