Walk and Talk – a New Approach to Psychology in Berkhamsted

by | Mar 6, 2015 | article, blog

Get your body moving while we sort out what’s on your mind!

As a qualified psychologist, yoga teacher and personal trainer, the idea of blending the three disciplines into a “walk and talk” format came about very organically. It seems that the rest of psychology is finally catching up! A flurry of research is now drawing attention to the important role the body plays in achieving wellbeing. What better way to revitalise, unwind and gain clarity than by harnessing the therapeutic benefits of nature, exercise and talk therapy!

Walk and Talk, what is it?

Very simply, we head out together somewhere beautiful, take a walk at a pace you feel comfortable with, and we talk about what’s on your mind. If you’re open to it, sometimes we stop and do a yoga pose or two that is connected with what we are talking about. The body plays an important role in how we feel, our energy levels and also in how we go about creating change. Specific exercises or yoga poses can help us with these goals. We achieve the same things you would normally do by sitting and talking things out, but with the added benefits of exercise and the uplifting effect of being in Nature – more bang for your buck. If you want to work on your fitness at the same time, we can push the intensity a little harder. It just comes down to what you want to achieve… (more…)

When to push, when to surrender: the concept of right effort

by | Feb 7, 2015 | article, blog

I haven’t had a night out in 166 days… It’s given me a lot of thinking time! Next week marks the one year anniversary of our return to the UK and the life lesson I’m reflecting on (yup, kicking and screaming again) is the concept of ‘right effort’.

There is much to be grateful for – baby Teddy’s safe arrival and blossoming (the reason for my evening house arrest), Charlotte’s happy adjustment to the UK and school life, beautiful new buddies, and precious time with Dave’s family… and yet there is also some serious unfinished business. It’s not for lack of trying and that’s where the lessons have come hard and fast.

There has been a lot of trying, a lot of what I call ‘efforting’. What I’m learning is that sometimes, regardless of great intent, preparation and diligence, the things we really need don’t come off when we want them to. It’s just life. The art is in learning when to push and when to surrender… (more…)