Therapy in Motion

Feeling blue? A better mood may be a vigorous walk away. In fact, the well-documented effects of physical exercise in lifting depression and anxiety have prompted a growing number of therapists to take their practice outdoors. These health professionals are holding sessions that combine traditional talk therapy with activities such as walking, hiking, and cycling. Not to be confused with conventional sports psychology, which usually addresses mental preparedness for competition, this type of therapy is directed to the average patient, not competitive athletes, and is centered on physical activities appropriate to, or of special interest to, each individual client. Keith Johnsgard, Ph.D., and professor emeritus at San Jose State University in California, is generally credited with bringing this type of therapy into mainstream practice. Johnsgard is also the author of Conquering Depression and Anxiety Through Exercise (Prometheus Books, 2004).