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Walk-&-talk Therapy Policy

Terms, Conditions & Informed Participation

 

This policy outlines the terms and conditions associated with participation in Walk & Talk Therapy (WATT). It is intended to support informed decision-making, clarify expectations, and ensure a shared understanding of responsibilities.

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Walk & Talk Therapy involves counselling sessions conducted outdoors while walking at a gentle pace in public environments.

1. Nature of Service

Walk & Talk Therapy is an alternative mode of delivering individual counselling services in an outdoor setting.

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Sessions:

  • Are conducted in public spaces (e.g. parks and walking paths)

  • Involve light physical activity (walking at a gentle pace)

  • May include varied terrain such as footpaths, grass, or uneven surfaces

  • Are subject to environmental and external conditions beyond the therapist’s control

 

Participation in this service differs from traditional indoor or online counselling due to these environmental variables.

2. Voluntary Participation

Participation in Walk & Talk Therapy is voluntary.

Clients may, at any time:

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  • Request to transition to in-person (indoor) or online sessions

  • Pause, modify, or discontinue walking during a session

  • Withdraw consent to participate in Walk & Talk Therapy without penalty

 

Clients are responsible for informing the therapist of any physical or health conditions that may impact their ability to participate safely.

3. Assumption of Risk

By engaging in Walk & Talk Therapy, clients acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with outdoor activity.

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These risks may include, but are not limited to:

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  • Slips, trips, or falls

  • Physical injury, strain, or fatigue

  • Exposure to weather conditions (heat, cold, sun, wind, rain, hail)

  • Contact with insects, animals, or environmental elements

  • Interaction with members of the public, cyclists, or other park users

 

Clients acknowledge that such risks may arise despite reasonable care being taken.

4. Personal Responsibility

Clients agree to take reasonable responsibility for their own safety and well-being during sessions.

 

This includes:

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  • Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing

  • Monitoring their physical condition throughout the session

  • Advising the therapist if they feel unwell, unsafe, or unable to continue

  • Following reasonable directions provided to support safety

5. Limitation of Liability & Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of Western Australia, participation in Walk & Talk Therapy constitutes acceptance of the following:

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  • The client agrees to release and hold harmless the therapist and associated business from any liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in Walk & Talk sessions.

  • This includes, but is not limited to, incidents resulting from environmental conditions, terrain, third-party interactions, or unforeseen circumstances

  • The client agrees to indemnify the therapist against any claims arising from their participation

 

This clause does not exclude any rights or remedies that cannot be lawfully excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or relevant Western Australian legislation.

6. Confidentiality & Privacy

Confidentiality remains a core component of the therapeutic relationship. However, due to the public nature of outdoor sessions:

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  • There is a possibility of being seen or overheard by others

  • Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed

 

Reasonable steps will be taken to support privacy, including selecting appropriate locations and managing proximity to others.

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On occasion, there may be a possibility of encountering individuals known to the client and/or therapist in public settings. In such instances, discretion will be maintained, and the approach to any interaction (if any) can be discussed and agreed upon in advance to support client comfort and confidentiality.

 

By participating in Walk & Talk Therapy, clients acknowledge and accept these limitations.

7. Environmental & External Conditions

Walk & Talk Therapy is subject to environmental and situational factors outside of the therapist’s control.

 

Sessions may be modified, relocated, or rescheduled in circumstances including, but not limited to:

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  • Adverse weather (rain, storms, extreme heat or cold)

  • Strong winds or unsafe walking conditions

  • Poor air quality (e.g. smoke)

  • Park maintenance (e.g. mowing, pesticide spraying, closures)

  • Safety concerns or environmental hazards

 

Where Walk & Talk Therapy cannot proceed, sessions will be transitioned to:

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  • An indoor in-person session (subject to availability), or

  • An online session

8. Consent Requirement

Prior to commencing Walk & Talk Therapy, clients are required to review and sign a Walk & Talk Therapy Consent and Waiver Form.

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This confirms that the client:

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  • Has read and understood the nature of the service

  • Is aware of and accepts the associated risks

  • Agrees to participate voluntarily

 

Clients will have the opportunity to ask questions prior to providing consent.

9. Acknowledgement

Engagement in Walk & Talk Therapy indicates that the client has read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this policy.

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Questions or clarification

Clients are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns prior to or during participation in Walk & Talk Therapy.

This policy is designed to support transparency, safety, and informed choice while offering an alternative and flexible approach to counselling.

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