This Is My Happy Pace: Therapeutic Running Services, PLLC, is a psychotherapy practice in Hampton, NH, offering running or walking therapy sessions. Dr. Beth Connolly is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health disorders. She is eager to help you move through your struggles.
“I have never heard of running therapy”… Not to worry… Let us explain!
What is RUNNING THERAPY?
Most people have an image of a stereotypical therapy session during which an individual lies on the couch of their therapist and discloses their deepest secrets or relives childhood memories. These ideas are probably the result of Hollywood portrayals and residual associations to Sigmund Freud and his early theories. Over time, the field of psychology has discovered the importance of developing interventions that address the needs of clients as individuals. Creativity and incorporation of innovative approaches to healing have resulted in new forms of therapy that dispel the aforementioned stereotype. Running therapy is among the many interventions transcending the hypothetical box.
Running/ walking sessions provide individuals with access to new ways of processing emotions, connecting with their bodies, altering their thinking, and engaging in treatment. Sessions are consistent with traditional talk therapy insofar as mindfulness, cognitive, and behavioral interventions are concerned. Action within sessions permits for rehearsal and in vivo access to the habits and patterns that an individual experiences in everyday life. Movement provides a unique opportunity to develop awareness and coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
HOW RUNNING HELPS YOUR BRAIN
Scott Douglas’ Running Is My Therapy highlights the many mental health benefits of running. Among those cited by Douglas (2018) are improved cognitive performance, enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities, longevity of brain health, stress relief, reduced depression, and improved sense of well-being.
The following points highlight the value of running/ walking as a lifestyle boost and mental health intervention for the treatment of depression and anxiety:
Depression/ Anxiety Management-
Recent studies have demonstrated that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants at treating depression;
“Running produces neurogenesis and neuroplasticity (improvements in the brain’s internal communications network)” (Douglas, 2018, p.61)
Running results in increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which has been implicated in stress resilience;
Running is a form of activation, which has historically been used a front-line defense in depression management;
Self-esteem and self-efficacy are improved with goal-setting and achievement associated with running!