Outdoor therapy in Fayetteville, AR

Walk-Talk sessions with MoonPath Counseling are currently held at Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The park hosts a paved walking trail as part of the Razorback Greenway, a gravel path that winds up Kessler Mountain, and several hiking/biking trails that wind out into the woods around the park and cross through open fields.

Our first session will be done as a regular telehealth session so that we can cover the basics and talk more about what you hope to address in counseling. We’ll talk in detail about how Walk-Talk Therapy works and set up when our first outdoor session will take place.

Sessions will begin with us meeting at one of the parking lots at Kessler Mountain Regional Park. We will check in with what path sounds appealing to you based on the day, your energy level, and desires for the session. Some days may be a slow walk through the woods or along the paved greenway trail while others are a brisk hike up the gravel road or along one of the natural paths.  It’s all up to you.

As we walk, I will keep track of time so that your mind is free to roam while we talk. Depending on the session and terrain, I will let you know when it’s about halfway through the session so we can decide whether to backtrack or loop around. Either way, the session will end back at the parking lot so you can get on with your day.

You will need to dress appropriately for the terrain, depending on the path you want to take. While we will make every effort to stay safe, Walk-Talk Therapy presents the same general hazards as any outdoor walk on paved trails or through the woods. We will discuss these in detail during your intake session.

Bring what you would typically bring on a walk or hike that is appropriate for the path you choose. The paved trail can be better with comfortable walking shoes. Hiking boots/shoes with good ankle support and sturdy soles are best for the unpaved paths. No open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed.

Other suggested items include water, insect repellant, sunblock or other sun protection, a hat, and clothing appropriate to the weather.

Please come prepared for the weather and terrain. Sessions may be canceled by the clinician if you are not adequately prepared for the terrain and weather, unless an alternate path can be safely used based on your level of preparation.

Sessions that are canceled by the clinician due to lack of preparedness by the client are subject to late cancellation fees.

While Walk-Talk Therapy offers many advantages not found in the traditional therapy office, it does not have the same assurances of confidentiality as a typical session at an office. We will make every effort to preserve your confidentiality, including pausing the conversation if others pass by and adjusting as needed. It all depends on your comfort with the unique limitations presented by Walk-Talk Therapy.

I will let you take the lead if we come across someone you know so that you may disclose only what you are comfortable sharing and not disclose anything you prefer to not share with the person you know. I will not identify you as my client to anyone we encounter without prior consent.

Cancellations vary depending on the nature of the factors leading to the cancellation.

Clients not prepared for the weather or terrain.

As stated above, Walk-Talk sessions may be canceled if you show up unprepared for the weather or terrain. This may include, but is not limited to, improper footwear (sandals, flip-flops, other open-toed shoes) and improper clothing for heat or cold. These cancellations are out of concern for your safety. Late cancellation fees will apply since clients are expected to prepare for the potentially rugged nature of the weather and terrain during a session.

Client cancellation due to comfort.

Please monitor the weather in the days leading up to a Walk-Talk session to determine if you need to cancel, reschedule, or adjust the nature of the appointment.  If you doubt the weather, you may cancel the appointment without penalty as long as it is more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations after the 24-hour deadline are subject to late cancellation fees.

Counselor cancellation due to weather.

Occasionally, I may make the judgment call to cancel a Walk-Talk session based on concerns about the weather and safety. This may include, but is not limited to, canceling a Walk-Talk session due to changes in the weather that involve extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, storms, snow, or ice.

You will not be charged for any session I cancel due to concerns about the weather. If we agree to switch to a telehealth session, you will be charged the standard rate for telehealth sessions.

Alternative to canceling your Walk-Talk Therapy session.

In the event that either one of us decides to cancel the Walk-Talk session, we can plan to have the session at the same time by video. Your charge for the session will be changed to reflect the rate for standard telehealth sessions.

Additionally, you may wish to switch to a telehealth session if your energy level or overall readiness for Walk-Walk Therapy is not what you expected for the day regardless of the weather.

Not at all. The first session is always a telehealth session to cover the basics in a completely confidential setting and to ensure you are prepared for the requirements of Walk-Talk Therapy and understand the policies.

Walk-Talk sessions are by request. Most sessions are assumed to be standard telehealth sessions unless otherwise specified by you. Some Walk-Talk sessions may also be changed to telehealth sessions if circumstances change due to time, weather, or your readiness for that day’s session.

Walk-Talk therapy involves physical activity. You should be in reasonable health that allows you to walk for about an hour at a pace of your choosing. The unpaved trails may include physical hazards such as loose soil or gravel, mud, slippery areas, things to step over, and more as you would expect on a hiking trail. It is possible we may encounter wildlife, insects, or people's pets.

Please consult with a physician to determine if you are in adequate health for extended walking or hiking.