Upcoming Narrative Walks

Details are:

When:    Saturday, 5 July
Time:      9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where:  Toohey Forest Picnic Area, Brisbane
What to Expect: A guided (approximate) 10-12 km return walk to Mt Gravatt Lookout, with breaks, reflections, and lunch provided!

🌿 Special Introductory Price: $150 (normally $250)
🌿 Funding Options: MHCPs and NDIS funding may be applicable depending on group numbers. Please reach out for details.
🌿 This six-hour immersive experience helps you slow down, reconnect with yourself and gain fresh perspectives while walking through nature.

Bookings close on Wednesday, 2 July, due to the requirement for pre-session paperwork to be completed.

Book Now!
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What is Narrative Walks?

Narrative Walks, created by Clinical Psychologist Chris Darmody of Embark Psychology, is a creative and therapeutic approach that combines the benefits of walking and storytelling to facilitate self-expression, reflection, and personal growth.

Narrative Walks is an outdoor, guided therapeutic program that integrates walking with storytelling to encourage self-reflection, personal growth and emotional well-being. Designed for individuals who may not engage with traditional therapy, it provides a structured yet flexible space to explore personal challenges and reframe life narratives in a supportive group setting.

Participants walk approximately 10-12 kilometres through Toohey Forest, engaging with 15 narrative therapy questions and guided discussions facilitated by a trained therapist. The walk is divided into two phases: exploring personal challenges and then reflecting on strengths and preferred future storylines. Using techniques like externalising problems, mindfulness, and re-authoring, participants gain new perspectives, self-awareness, and a sense of empowerment.

This experience is inclusive and welcoming for adolescents and adults facing a range of life challenges, from stress and anxiety to life transitions and self-discovery. It fosters connection, insight, and personal transformation in a natural, calming environment.

We Know Trying Something New Can Feel Unfamiliar

We acknowledge that stepping into something new can feel challenging, so we’re offering a special one-time discount to introduce you to this powerful and unique approach to therapy.

Whether you are a parent wanting to better support a young person or someone looking to develop new skills and work through personal challenges in a safe, guided space, this experience is for you.

Enquire now
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FAQ

How do Narrative Walks Work?

Narrative Walks operate on the principle that combining walking and storytelling can facilitate introspection, self-expression, and personal growth. The process of Narrative Walks typically involves the following steps:

Setting: The natural surroundings can create a calming and conducive environment for storytelling.

Intention Setting: Before beginning the walk, participants set an intention or a focus for their narrative. This could involve a specific problem, topic, emotion, or experience they wish to explore through storytelling.

Guided: Narrative Walks are guided by a trained facilitator and certified bushwalking guide. In guided sessions, a facilitator offers prompts, questions, or themes to prompt storytelling. 

Walking and Storytelling: As participants walk at a comfortable pace, they take turns sharing their narratives. The act of walking can create a rhythm that enhances the storytelling process, making it easier to open up and express thoughts and emotions.

Active Listening: Participants engage in active listening, allowing others to share their stories without interruption. This promotes a sense of support and validation within the group.

Reflection and Discussion: After each participant shares their narrative, there may be opportunities for reflection and discussion. This can involve exploring the emotions, insights, and connections that arise from the stories shared.

Themes and Patterns: Throughout the walk, participants may notice common themes, patterns, or connections among the narratives. This can lead to meaningful insights and deeper understanding.

Closure: At the end of the walk, participants gather to reflect on the overall experience, share any additional thoughts, and express gratitude for the opportunity to share and listen.

What are the benefits of Narrative Walks?

Narrative Walks offer a variety of benefits that contribute to personal growth, emotional well-being, and self-discovery. Some of the key advantages of engaging in Narrative Walks include:

Enhanced Self-Expression: The combination of walking and storytelling provides a unique outlet for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences creatively and engagingly.

Reflection and Introspection: The act of walking promotes introspection, enabling participants to delve deeper into their narratives, explore their emotions, and gain insights into their own lives.

Stress Reduction: Being in a natural environment while engaging in storytelling can lead to relaxation, stress reduction, and improved mental well-being.

Increased Self-Awareness: Sharing personal stories and reflecting on experiences can lead to greater self-awareness, helping individuals better understand their motivations, behaviours, and thought patterns.

Empowerment: Narrative Walks empower participants by allowing them to take control of their narratives and explore their personal stories in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.

Emotional Release: Sharing stories can provide a healthy way to release pent-up emotions, allowing participants to process and let go of negative feelings.

Connection and Social Bonding: Engaging in Narrative Walks with others fosters a sense of connection, empathy, and social bonding as participants share their stories and actively listen to one another.

Catharsis and Healing: The act of storytelling can be cathartic, providing a release of emotional burdens and contributing to healing and personal transformation.

Creativity and Imagination: Storytelling encourages participants to tap into their creativity and imagination, leading to new perspectives and ways of thinking.

Positive Perspective Shifts: Engaging in Narrative Walks can lead to positive shifts in perspective, helping individuals reframe challenges, find meaning in their experiences, and develop a more optimistic outlook.

Mind-Body Connection: The physical movement of walking combined with storytelling promotes a holistic mind-body connection, enhancing overall well-being.

Personal Growth: Reflecting on personal narratives and sharing stories can inspire personal growth, goal setting, and a deeper understanding of one's values and aspirations.

Enhanced Communication Skills: Narrative Walks encourage active listening and effective communication, leading to improved interpersonal skills and stronger relationships.

Sense of Community: Participating in group Narrative Walks fosters a sense of community and belonging as individuals come together to share their stories and support one another.

Long-Lasting Insights: The insights gained from Narrative Walks can extend beyond the activity itself, leading to ongoing self-reflection and positive changes in participants' lives.

Who can benefit from Narrative Walks?

Who can benefit from Narrative Walks?

Narrative Walks can be highly beneficial for a wide range of individuals, particularly adolescents and adults, seeking a dynamic and creative approach to self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth. The following groups of people are likely to find Narrative Walks particularly advantageous:

Adolescents and Young Adults: Narrative Walks provide adolescents and young adults with a unique outlet to express themselves, explore their identity, and navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.

Individuals Seeking Self-Expression: Those who value creative self-expression, storytelling, and exploration of personal narratives can find Narrative Walks to be a fulfilling and engaging therapeutic tool.

Stress and Anxiety Management: Narrative Walks offer a holistic approach to stress and anxiety management, combining the benefits of physical activity, natural settings, and storytelling to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.

Depression and Low Mood: Engaging in Narrative Walks can contribute to mood enhancement, emotional processing, and a greater sense of connection, making it helpful for individuals dealing with depression or persistent low mood.

Self-Reflective Individuals: People who are introspective and enjoy self-reflection can benefit from the structured yet open-ended nature of Narrative Walks, which encourages deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings.

Enhancing Communication Skills: Narrative Walks can improve communication skills, making it particularly valuable for those who want to develop their ability to share and listen effectively.

Personal Growth Enthusiasts: Individuals who are motivated to pursue personal growth, gain insights into their lives, and set meaningful goals can find Narrative Walks to be an empowering and enriching experience.

Creativity Seekers: Narrative Walks appeal to individuals who appreciate creative outlets, storytelling, and imagination as a means of exploring emotions and experiences.

Coping with Life Transitions: Transition periods such as moving, changing careers, or entering a new life stage can be facilitated by Narrative Walks, offering a reflective space to process and adapt to change.

Cultivating Resilience: Engaging in Narrative Walks can contribute to building resilience by providing a safe and supportive environment for sharing challenges, setbacks, and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Group Participants: Individuals who enjoy group dynamics and sharing experiences with others can benefit from the sense of community and connection that Narrative Walks foster.

Creatively Blocked Individuals: For those experiencing creative blocks or seeking inspiration, Narrative Walks can catalyze new ideas and perspectives.

Improving Emotional Regulation: Narrative Walks promote emotional regulation and self-awareness, making them helpful for individuals working on managing their emotions.

Exploring Personal Narratives: Anyone interested in exploring their life story, memories, and experiences in a guided and supportive context can find value in Narrative Walks.

Individuals Seeking a Mind-Body Connection: Narrative Walks promote a holistic mind-body connection, making them suitable for those interested in wellness and integrative approaches to well-being.

While Narrative Walks can benefit many individuals, it's important to consider personal preferences and therapeutic goals. This approach may not be suitable for those who have physical limitations that prevent outdoor walking or who prefer more traditional therapy settings. Your therapist can help assess whether Narrative Walks align with an individual's needs and preferences.