Pathways of activation of psycho-physical well-being for all is" a new European initiative co-funded by the European Union. The project aims to promote psycho-physical well-being and social inclusion through an innovative methodology based on three core actions: walking, thinking, and talking. Walking Talking Therapy (WATT): Body and Mind in Motion
The WATT methodology—short for Walk – Think – Ta
lk—was developed from the experience of the Italian association VI.VA. – Partecipazione e Solidarietà ETS. It is an integrated practice that combines Nordic Walking, guided psychological reflection, and relational sharing in small outdoor group settings. Its goal is to offer a holistic well-being experience where body and mind work together to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy interpersonal relationships. During WATT sessions, participants:
- learn to perceive and respect their own bodies,
- explore emotional and relational experiences,
- develop empathy and listening skills,
- strengthen personal boundaries in a safe, welcoming environment. Physical movement merges with psychological movement: walking becomes a metaphor for life, a symbolic act of moving forward, overcoming obstacles, and giving direction to one's actions. The concept originated in 2019 with the event “L’identità in cammino” ("Identity in Motion")—a mobile Nordic Walking lesson enriched with a guided psychological reflection. Its success confirmed the transformative power of combining physical activity, connection with nature, and emotional-relational care. ETS, the project’s official partner is OTI Slovakia, an organization committed to promoting sports and youth participation through innovative educational approaches. Together, the partners aim to promote a culture of well-being that unites body and mind, movement and dialogue, individual care and collective responsibility. General Objectives of the WATT Project
The WATT project is designed to:
- Promote social inclusion for individuals with fewer opportunities (mental fragility, disabilities, migrants, at-risk youth, and people living in rural areas);
- Support healthy and active lifestyles, with a focus on mental health and psychosocial well-being;
- Foster transnational cooperation between grassroots organizations working in sport and the social sector;
- Develop a replicable, accessible, and adaptable method for educational, preventive, and rehabilitative purposes. The first output of the project is the "Walk Think Talk Toolkit", a practical guide designed for facilitators, Nordic Walking instructors, psychologists, and educators. It supports the design and delivery of WATT-based group sessions in educational, social, or health settings. The Toolkit is structured in thematic modules that include:
- mindful walking exercises,
- sensory and mindfulness-based activities,
- techniques for guided dialogue and active listening,
- tools for emotional expression and affective regulation. Each module comes with practical worksheets, educational notes, and adaptation guidelines, with a particular focus on working with youth, migrants, and individuals experiencing psychological or relational vulnerabilities. The toolkit is available at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ksUb38jtxq2RiKcAjj_aW7HNkoZ5qZF-/view
WATT PROJECT RESULTS
-WATT Toolkit – A practical guide bringing together a structured set of activities that combine Nordic Walking, psychological reflection, and group dialogue.
-International Training (BootCamp) in Assisi, Italy – An intensive training programme aimed at Nordic Walking instructors and facilitators, combining theory and experiential learning.
-WATT Pilot Events – Implemented in Slovakia and Italy to test the applicability of the method in different territorial and cultural contexts, involving people with fewer opportunities, young people, older adults, and members of the local community.
-WATT Report – Lessons Learned Report – An analytical report collecting the outcomes of the pilot phase, including test evaluations, participant feedback, qualitative observations, and practical recommendations.
-WATT Protocol – The main project output. An advanced methodological document that systematises the experience gained and provides clear guidelines for the implementation and transfer of the WATT methodology to other contexts, particularly sports clubs and organisations working in the health and social sectors. The Protocol is structured around:
* definition of objectives;
* explanation of the methodology;
* guidelines for transferability and adaptation.
-WATT Promotional Video – An audiovisual product presenting the project through images from training sessions, the BootCamp, and pilot events, supporting the dissemination and visibility of the methodology.
-Dissemination Events – Public events organised in the partner countries to present the project, share results, and raise awareness among citizens, professionals, and stakeholders about sport, psychophysical well-being, and social inclusion. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.