Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company (EWECIC)

Walk & Talk Therapy Agreement

This agreement outlines the framework for participating in Walk & Talk Therapy with Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC. It supports clarity, safety, informed consent, and mutual respect for working therapeutically outdoors.

1. What is Walk & Talk Therapy?

Walk & Talk Therapy takes place outdoors, integrating movement, nature, and therapeutic dialogue. Sessions may involve walking, pausing, or sitting - depending on your comfort and the natural setting.

2. Environmental and Practical Considerations

Nature-based therapy involves added environmental risks. While care is taken to choose safe routes, the following risks are noted, and mitigation actions are in place:

Dogs/Animals

• Fear, allergy, injury, unpredictability

We will agree how to respond to dogs or animals.

Open Spaces

• Confidentiality, potential emotional triggers

Routes will be chosen with this in mind. Indoor or remote options can be offered if needed.

Limited Lighting

• Tripping, reduced visibility, safety, confidentiality

No outdoor sessions within 30 minutes of sunset. Session times will be adjusted seasonally.

No Public Toilets

• Access needs

Toilet availability will be noted (e.g. nearest toilets: Therapy Rooms Painswick).

Public Presence

• Compromised confidentiality

We will contract in advance how to manage seeing others during a session.

Limited Seating

• Difficulty resting or regulating

Route information will include rest points. Your needs will be considered when planning.

Stiles

• Injury, difficulty with accessibility

Physical needs will be taken into account; alternate routes can be used if needed.

Ice

• Slipping, falling (seasonal)

We will monitor conditions. We may avoid or cancel sessions in icy conditions.

Brooks/Streams

• Risk of slipping, falling

Water levels and terrain will be assessed. Alternative routes will be chosen if needed.

Remote Areas

• Difficult for emergency services to reach

Location shared via What3Words; emergency contacts and session details recorded in advance.

3. Health, Safety, and Access

• You are responsible for wearing suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions.

• If you have any health conditions, allergies, or are on medication, please let us know.

• Bring any medication you may need (e.g. inhaler, antihistamine).

• We carry a mobile phone, a basic first aid kit, and use the what3words app.

• If you feel unwell or unsafe at any point, we will pause or stop the session.

• Sessions will not take place during storms, extreme weather, or if routes are deemed unsafe.

• Emergency contact details will be kept securely and only used if needed.

4. Confidentiality in Public Settings

While we will always uphold your confidentiality, please be aware that we may be seen or overheard in public places.
We will contract around how we manage these encounters. Options might include:

• Switching to a quieter path

• Ending the conversation until we are in a private area

• Agreeing in advance how we respond if someone approaches

5. Ending or Changing the Session

You can choose to stop a Walk & Talk session at any time. If you’d prefer to meet indoors or online, we can adapt. Your comfort and safety always come first.

6. Consent to Participate

By submitting, you confirm that:

• You understand the nature of Walk & Talk Therapy.

• You have had the chance to ask questions and raise concerns.

• You are aware of the potential risks and agree to the terms of this agreement.

• You understand that you can withdraw consent or request a change in setting at any time.