Talking cure meets walking cure in eastern suburbs

Friday, February 1st, 2008

Kath O’Sullivan, program founder and facilitator says Walk and Talk helps participants to develop and practise interpersonal and communication skills that create healing conversations.

“People who join the program practise these skills within the group sessions and apply them while walking with their Walk and Talk buddies,” O’Sullivan said.

The group meets weekly for six or eight weeks and members are encouraged to Walk and Talk with each other between sessions, applying the skills of healing conversation.

“The idea is to build up new habits in both exercise and communication styles, and create a network of buddies who know the program and are supporting each other.”

There is a huge body of research that links regular physical exercise with general wellbeing. Studies suggest that people who are more physically active are less likely to be depressed and have lower levels of anxiety. Exercise is also connected with increases in vigour, energy, tranquillity and feelings of revitalisation.

“Walking is probably the most accessible exercise option for most people,” O’Sullivan said.

“It requires little more than a pair of shoes and some friendly weather. There’s no gym membership or fancy equipment involved. Of course, motivation is the not-so-secret ingredient and that’s where the support of a group comes in.”

The positive impact of mutual support through groups, like the benefits of exercise, has also been the subject of much research. However, it is probably less understood by the community who perhaps associate joining a group with having a particular problem or disorder. O’Sullivan says you don’t need a label or an issue to reap the rewards of a group experience; you don’t even need to be a “joiner”.

“I’ve never been much of a joiner myself. And I know lots of people who find the small talk of sporting or social groups hard work. The group experience offered through Walk and Talk is different. It’s about building authentic connection through shared learning and listening – and being with others in the natural environment.”

The group process provides a safe environment to try out new skills. It also builds self-awareness and relationship skills. Along the way, witnessing the success of others instils hope.

“Going through the program with others in the same boat drives home the message that you’re not alone or unusual – other people have very similar feelings and experiences. Helping each other along is also great for self-esteem.”

The first Walk and Talk program begins on March 1 and runs for six Saturday afternoons, excluding Easter. The group meets at the Randwick Literary Centre at 60 Clovelly Road for the first hour, then walks in Centennial Park for the second hour. Participants must register by Wednesday February 27. Visit www.walkandtalk.net.au or call 0418 208 558 for more information.

Ends