Startling trend: therapy sessions outdoors are gaining traction as more clinicians experiment with moving conversations outside four walls.
Jennifer Udler has practiced therapy for 25 years. A bit over ten years ago, she began training for a marathon, joining a running group near her home in Montgomery County, Maryland.
“I noticed that people were more comfortable, less inhibited, opening up and talking during our group training runs,” Udler said. “And I started to wonder if there was a way to do a therapeutic practice where people are moving.”
This idea isn’t just a quirky experiment. Moving therapy—whether during brisk walks, jogs, or other outdoor activities—aims to tap into the natural calm of open air and the social energy of group movement. Advocates argue that physical motion can help reduce tension, foster a sense of safety, and encourage more spontaneous sharing. Critics, however, question whether the outdoors adds new variables like weather, distractions, or safety concerns that could complicate therapy.
If you’re curious about whether outdoor therapy might work for you or your community, consider these factors: the client’s comfort with movement, the therapy goals, and the logistics of a safe, accessible outdoor space.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Do you think moving sessions truly unlocks deeper insight, or could it distract from core therapeutic work? And this is the part most people miss: some clients thrive in motion, while others may prefer a quiet, stationary setting. Share your perspective in the comments: would you give outdoor therapy a try, or do you favor traditional indoor sessions?
