Therapy Outside in Castle Rock, CO
Therapy Outside in Castle Rock, CO
What is Trail Therapy?
Trail therapy is Authentic Connections Counseling Center’s way of taking therapy outside! It is a unique form of therapy that combines traditional psychotherapy with the physical exercise of walking.
This form of therapy combines walking and counseling to strengthen the connection between the mind and the body.
The emphasis in Trail Therapy is on the therapy, as walking would be the secondary benefit. This is not going to be a strenuous workout or any sort of personal training. You will meet your therapist at an agreed-upon trailhead or walking path and you get to set the pace for the walk or hike.
Our office location is conveniently near Plum Creek Trail (Festival Park entryway/trailhead) and also The Rock in Castle Rock, Colorado, for us to take therapy outside and enjoy the connection with nature.
Start Trail Therapy in Castle Rock
Got any questions or doubts? Just go ahead and schedule a free 15-minute call with our intake coordinator, Lauren. We want you to feel safe and heard!
What are the benefits of trail therapy?
Trail therapy offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the traditional confines of indoor counseling. By taking our therapy sessions outside and stepping into nature, we experience several positive outcomes, including:
- Unplugging from your daily demands in a natural setting can boost clarity and positivity.
- Practicing mindfulness by getting in tune with your physical body, thoughts and feelings.
- Being in the outdoors can be inspiring and calming.
- Increasing endorphins while getting your body moving.
- Enjoying the literal and figurative change of pace and perspective, especially when you feel “stuck” with something in your life.
- Walking is a form of bilateral stimulation (stimulating both sides of the brain) which promotes increased mental and emotional health.
- Exercise (in this case walking/hiking) can reduce tension and stress, improve mood, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, and increase energy.
- For moms with new babies, it could be a convenient time saver as you may bring the baby along in a stroller and get your post-partum body moving.
- Some people find being out of the office setting more comfortable and less intimidating.
How to Take a Mindful Walk or Hike
As you walk outside, take a moment to first clear your mind. Notice what thoughts, feelings, and body sensations are coming up. Allow the first few minutes to let them flow without judgment and without letting them “stick”, Just notice and observe what types of thoughts and feelings are coming up.
Next, imagine allowing your thoughts to leave on a cloud. Take a little bit of time to watch each thought float away.
Give yourself permission to be fully present to what is happening around you in nature.
Take a deep breath and a 360 turn around. What do you see? Name 5 things you are seeing. Begin walking.
Next, notice 4 things you can hear. Just be present with the sounds.
Take a moment to touch and really feel the texture of 3 things outside on your walk.
Next notice 2 things you can can. Finally, taste something. Notice it. What is it like?
Let’s not forget that walking is a form of bilateral stimulation. When both sides of the brain hemispheres are stimulated, this can promote increased mental, emotional, and spiritual health — similar to what happens in EMDR Therapy.
Integrating a posture of inviting the Divine while walking or hiking can be a powerful form of change and soul care.
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How We Can Help
Schedule your appointment
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Our intake coordinator will connect you with the best match on our team and go over the first appointment details.
Meet with your new therapist
Step into a warm and welcoming experience. Our therapists are dedicated to walking alongside you, offering hope, compassion, and healing.
Embark on a therapeutic journey
Find a safe place to heal and grow while connecting with nature and your true self. Let’s take therapy outside and walk on this journey together!
Other Services at Authentic Connections Counseling Center
One of the most popular services at our South Denver-area counseling practice is online therapy in Colorado. This allows our clients to meet with us from anywhere in the state! So, clients can access anxiety treatment, depression counseling, and trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment from the comfort of their homes. Further, we specialize in treating individuals during specific times of their lives, like our child therapy, teen counseling, and marriage counseling. If you’d like to learn more, check out our blog posts or contact us!
Ready to take the first step?
Taking the first step is the hardest part, but our team is here to help.