The reasoning for this combination therapy includes:
- Addressing the risk of more sedentary behaviors due to mental illnesses
- Efficiently reaping the benefits of psychotherapy and exercise at the same time
- Application for special groups (i.e. exposure therapy for those with PTSD)
- Cost-effective and easy to incorporate indoors & outdoors

Reasons for Walk Therapy

While it is still in clinical trials, researchers have used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) to monitor self-reported systems and a pedometer to track changes in walking behaviors.

Measuring Progress in Walking Psychotherapy Interventions

Limitations for implementing walking during therapy sessions include:
- Poor weather conditions
- Unsafe environments
- Personal injury
- Lack of mobility
- Conditions like social anxiety or agoraphobia 


Limitations for Implementing Walking in Therapy

Potential solutions include:
- Using nearby or building indoor tracks 
- Organizing walking groups sessions for safety and support
- Using appropriate approaches like exposure therapy to address apprehension about public sessions (depending on individual needs)

Solutions for Implementing Walking in Therapy

Pilot studies are being conducted on the feasibility and efficacy of psychotherapy sessions while walking. While it is currently being practiced, its outcomes have only recently gained research interest.

Grand Valley State University

Examples of mind body interventions include:
- Massage Therapy
- Meditation
- Tai Chi
- Qi Gong
- Walking Therapy
- Yoga


Types of Mind Body Interventions

Koziel, N., Vigod, S., Price, J., Leung, J., & Hensel, J. (2021). Walking psychotherapy as a health promotion strategy to improve mental and physical health for patients and therapists: Clinical open-label feasibility trial. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(2), 153–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437211039194

 Walking psychotherapy as a health promotion strategy to improve mental and physical health for patients and therapists: Clinical open-label feasibility trial

Walk Therapy: Assessing the Feasibility of Walking During Psychotherapy

Wang, C., Bannuru, R., Ramel, J., Kupelnick, B., Scott, T., &amp; Schmid, C. H. (2010). Tai Chi on psychological well-being: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-23 

Tai Chi on psychological well-being: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

It is a low-impact exercise that focuses on the mind-body connection. It originated from the East but has now become widespread, and many practice it in the West as a form of more interactive meditation.

Tai Chi

Pascoe, M. C., Thompson, D. R., &amp; Ski, C. F. (2020). Meditation and endocrine health and Wellbeing. Trends in Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism, 31(7), 469–477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.012 

Meditation and endocrine health and Wellbeing. 

Meditation has frequently been associated with improving mental health. It has been studied by researchers that changes related to the endocrine system after meditation are what improve mental health and stress. However, this link is still being studied even to this day. 

Meditation Improving Mental Health

Physical activity has positive effects on psychological health. Not only does exercise reduce risks of obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and hypertension, but physical activity also has been proven to boost confidence and reduce anxiety and stress.

Physical Activity and Improved Mental Health

Psychedelics such as shrooms has been used throughout history to aid in meditational practices. Could further research on benefits of psychedelics further improve future mental health practices? 

Shrooms and Meditation

Massage is the manipulation of soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissues, ligaments, and skin using pressure, kneading, and rubbing via hands or other equipment. Licensed massage therapists are trained in proper technique and the different types of massage.

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