Embracing therapy in new spaces
Embracing therapy,
in new spaces
Services available outdoors & online
with Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Atara Vogelstein
The world is in flux, and so are we.
TherapyWalks was born of the human needs for connection, air, and movement. In this time of global pandemic, when virtually everything is happening online, we miss in-person connection. We might miss social gatherings, walking freely outdoors, being in spaces and places with others. We might just want a break from the computer screen and to replenish our eyes, our rhythms, and our senses.
​
The circumstances of Covid-19 might leave us feeling isolated within our homes or living spaces and anxious in all the uncertainty. The lack of sensory stimulation can have profound effects on our physical and emotional health. We might experience lethargy from sleeping and working all in one place, stress from sharing this space or feeling overcrowded, and drained after prolonged hours facing and using technology. Our minds and bodies need change in our daily routines and environments for regulation of physiological and psychological cycles, such as sleep, appetites, moods, focus, and energies. And in this unprecedented time, we need support, perhaps more than ever.
​​
Finding movement, fresh air, and expression are vital to our wellbeing. TherapyWalks seeks to respond to these needs by inviting you to take a walk, sit in the park, or connect in shared space with a therapist across from you or by your side. TherapyWalks prioritizes your health and safety by exploring this process with you and inviting you to choose your path with your therapist as guide.
We can walk, move, play, create, meditate, outdoors, or online. Bring your water, coffee, or tea - let’s walk, or sit, and talk. The choices are yours. Are you ready to take these steps?
How It Works
While therapy is traditionally pictured between a therapist and client in a closed office space, non-traditional forms of therapy have taken the stage, classrooms, sports fields, hiking trails, and virtual spaces for some time. When you contact us to schedule a consultation, questions can be discussed surrounding what you seek in therapy, your preference for outdoor vs. online sessions, and pricing and payment options. You will be provided informed consent guidelines to this process outlining health, safety, and confidentiality concerns and liabilities to determine if TherapyWalks is a good fit for you.
​
It is important to note that TherapyWalks affirms people of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities, and can work with you to meet your needs. TherapyWalks can happen while walking, sitting, standing, dancing, playing, or meditating, and in case of a rainy day or inclement weather, virtual therapy options remain. How the session looks and takes place can be a discussion between you and your therapist as TherapyWalks is here to make therapy accessible and beneficial for you.
​
TherapyWalks incorporates health benefits of being outdoors and inviting walking or movement into sessions, however, is not intended to be a cardio or exercise class. The pace at which you move physically and emotionally is led by you and supported by your therapist, as you and your therapist explore your internal and external environment together.
Locations
In an effort to protect your privacy and ensure accessibility, the exact meeting location of your session will be discussed between you and your therapist prior to your initial session. As TherapyWalks takes its first steps in NYC, sessions can be expected at this time in the Upper West Side area, in or around Central Park and Riverside Park. As TherapyWalks grows, sessions may be available in-person or online in other neighborhoods or states. Virtual meetings can be arranged as well via teletherapy. TherapyWalks is not offering services indoors in-person at this time due to the health risks of Covid-19.
Taking therapy outdoors,Â
if you want to.
Covid-19
TherapyWalks is committed to abiding by state regulatory requirements to protect yours and your therapist's health and minimize risk of exposure to Covid-19. TherapyWalks will encourage the wearing of masks and maintaining appropriate social distancing measures within session. TherapyWalks will limit the sharing of any materials used within session and require clients to bring their own personal items as desired, such as food, beverage, journal, umbrella, lawn chair, yoga mat, or outerwear. TherapyWalks hopes to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by inviting you to access therapy in open air or through the use of teletherapy.