What to Wear for Walk and Talk Therapy in Worcestershire and Shropshire: A Practical Guide
One of the most common questions I get from new walk and talk therapy clients in Worcestershire and Shropshire is "What should I wear for an outdoor therapy session?" The worry about wearing the wrong thing, or whether you need to buy special equipment, can be a real barrier to booking that first walk and talk session.
Here's the truth: you don't need expensive gear or specialist clothing for walk and talk therapy. Think about what you'd wear for a walk in Worcestershire woodlands or Shropshire countryside - that's probably a perfect start. This isn't a fashion show; we just aim to be comfortable and safe while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of nature.
The Essentials
Minimum requirements:
Grippy footwear (old trainers, walking boots, or wellies)
Some sort of waterproof jacket
Layers for temperature changes
That's it. You likely already own everything you need.
Seasonal Guide
Spring & Summer
Footwear: Enclosed toes only (no flip flops for safety reasons)
Clothing: Layers you can remove as it warms up
Sun protection: Hat and sun cream highly recommended
Weather backup: Light waterproof jacket
If you're wearing shorts or skirts, just let me know - we can avoid long grass and brambles as much as possible.
Autumn & Winter
Footwear: Waterproof boots or wellies (probably the cheapest and most practical option)
Warmth: In Britain, being warm matters in every season! Gloves and scarves for those icy mornings
Layers: Essential for staying comfortable as temperatures change
Weather protection: Waterproof jacket and maybe a warm hat
About Footwear for Outdoor Therapy (This Really Matters!)
Old trainers, boots, walking shoes or wellies - as long as it has grip it’s perfect for an outdoor session!
Footwear is probably the most important thing to get right for walk and talk therapy sessions in Worcestershire and Shropshire. Some nature locations have sandy, slippy paths, others have woodland terrain with long grass and uneven ground. Without suitable shoes for outdoor therapy, we might not be able to explore the therapeutic routes we'd planned, or you could slip.
Your shoes don't need to be smart or new - old trainers work brilliantly, especially if you don't mind getting them dirty. Just make sure the grip hasn't worn smooth. Wellies are perfect for most conditions from autumn through spring.
Avoid: Slippy trainers like Sketchers, sandals, or anything without good grip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not layering: You want options to be cooler or warmer
Forgetting waterproofs: Though I often carry a spare pack-a-mac
Wrong footwear: This is the main safety issue I see
What to Bring (Spoiler: Not Much!)
Don't bring anything that's not essential or will weigh you down. I carry a first aid kit and tissues at all times.
Bring:
Your phone (on silent) and car keys
Any medication you need
A drink or snack if you'd like one
Don't bring:
A backpack unless necessary
Anything heavy or cumbersome
Weather Contingencies for Outdoor Therapy
British weather is unpredictable, but walk and talk therapy sessions in Worcestershire and Shropshire nature locations have options:
Sudden rain: We can return to shelter or find tree cover in the woodland areas
Too slippy: I'll adjust our therapeutic walking route - just let me know if you're struggling
Too hot/sunny: We'll stick to shaded woodland paths or find a cool spot in nature to sit
Emergency: I carry spare waterproof jackets, a first aid kit and a portable charger for all outdoor therapy sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don't own outdoor therapy clothing? A: You probably own more suitable items than you think for walk and talk therapy. Old trainers and any waterproof jacket will get you started for outdoor therapy sessions in nature.
Q: What if I wear the wrong thing for my walk and talk session? A: There's no "wrong" thing as long as you're safe and comfortable during our outdoor therapy. We'll work it out together.
Q: Do I need expensive equipment for walk and talk therapy? A: Absolutely not. Practicality matters more than price for outdoor therapy sessions. A £5 waterproof from the supermarket works just as well as expensive gear, or my personal favourite - a charity shop find.
Q: What about my hair/makeup for outdoor therapy? A: Come as you are, you are welcome to show up however makes you comfortable. We're in nature, so expect some woodland breezes!
Remember
It's not as scary as it perhaps first feels. What you'd wear for any woodland walk in Worcestershire or Shropshire countryside is perfect for walk and talk therapy. The most important things are staying safe, comfortable, and being able to focus on our therapeutic conversation rather than being too hot, cold, or worried about slipping during your outdoor therapy session.
If you have any concerns or questions about what to wear for walk and talk therapy, please reach out via email. No question is silly - we want you to feel prepared and confident for your nature-based therapy session.
Ready to give walk and talk therapy a try? I offer outdoor therapy sessions at beautiful nature locations across Worcestershire and Shropshire, with free consultations available to discuss any practical concerns about walk and talk therapy.
