Durango Walk and Talk Therapy and Coaching with Kasey Hall, MA, LPCC, Coach
Experiencing therapy or coaching outside provides perspective and calms the nervous systems simultaneously. In nature, there are so many metaphors to draw upon. Like the changing seasons, some light and bright, and others cold and severe, the seasons of our lives change too, each with their own challenges and joys.
About Somatic Mindfulness-Based Outdoor Psychotherapy:
Mindfulness Based Somatic Psychotherapy draws from the principle that “what the mind suppresses the body expresses.” Somaticizing (experiencing suppressed emotions in the form of physical symptoms) is behind many a seemingly physical complaint. Through sensations, the body is constantly giving us information about what is happening deep in the psyche. Somatic psychotherapy allows us to learn the language of the body and decode its messages in order to find our way into a greater sense of presence, well-being and health. This process could be described as coming back to oneself.
Nature has the capability to positively engage the imagination and open up fields of possibility in the mind, restoring perspective and reminding each of us who we really are. We can use the outer environment to go inward, to go beyond masks, personas, and self image, and touch the core of being. Most people find it easier to open up and talk about their innermost lives in what is, in reality, our most natural environment, our first home, nature. Our society is currently accelerating in technical advances, but in much need of coming back to its roots. We are not, in reality, separate from nature but a part of it. Coming back to this connection is intrinsically healing.
Whether to Choose Therapy or Coaching
A good rule of thumb when deciding whether to do therapy or coaching is whether you are looking for healing from past traumas (developmental or events) or looking to make certain improvements in your life and well-being. If you are struggling with anxiety and/or depression, or have received a specific mental health diagnosis that you are looking to heal, therapy will be more suited to your needs. If you are looking for improvement in relationship issues or simply have a desire for a greater level of well-being, coaching may be the right fit for you. Granted there is a lot of crossover between these two modalities and most of us will experience times where we are in need of healing and at other times are ready to fan the flames of enthusiasm and engage life more fully. I would welcome anyone who has an interest in healing themselves or developing greater well-being to schedule a free consultation with me. Note: Therapy is available to Colorado residents only. Coaching is available across state lines.