.png)
Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®
TF-EMDR® is the world’s first integration of evidence-based psychotherapy with therapeutic fly-fishing, created by Tony Parmenter in 2020 and published in the Journal of Military & Veterans’ Health (January 2022). Since its inception, TF-EMDR has evolved into an adaptive, holistic nature-based psychotherapy for complex and developmental trauma, blending EMDR protocols with ego-state work, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and adventure-based therapy.
What Is TF-EMDR®?
Healing becomes possible when the body reconnects with safety, movement, and presence. TF-EMDR turns fly-fishing into a powerful clinical intervention by pairing the inherent therapeutic benefits of angling with the EMDR Standard Protocol—allowing trauma reprocessing to occur within nature rather than separate from it.
With feet grounded, wind on the skin, and the rhythm of casting syncing with the nervous system, clients experience real-time resourcing, attunement, and release.
TF-EMDR is uniquely effective because:
-
Fly-fishing alone—while beneficial—is limited when not facilitated by a trained therapist.
-
Trauma healing requires an evidence-based modality like EMDR, grounded in the AIP model.
-
TF-EMDR is facilitated only by mental health professionals trained in EMDR, ensuring ethical and clinical integrity.
TF-EMDR completes the picture where traditional therapeutic fly-fishing stops.
Angling for integrity. Casting away the weight of trauma.
The Seiyu-zuri Method®
The Seiyu-zuri Method® is an adaptation of TF-EMDR that incorporates tenkara, a centuries-old Japanese fixed-line style of fly-fishing known for its simplicity, elegance, and accessibility.
Tenkara uses only:
-
A telescoping rod
-
A short fixed line
-
A fly
(No reel, no guides, minimal gear)
This simplified approach:
-
Reduces barriers to learning
-
Allows clients to fish sooner with less technical instruction
-
Enhances mindfulness and sensory engagement
-
Keeps focus on healing rather than equipment
By integrating tenkara with attachment-focused work, polyvagal exercises, ego-state interventions, and mindful casting, the Seiyu-zuri Method supports deep nervous system regulation and accelerates healing in natural settings.
“Seiyu” means integrity in Japanese; “zuri” means fishing.
Together, they reflect the heart of the practice:
authenticity, attunement, presence, and the freedom that comes from letting trauma flow like any other memory.
What Expect From the Training
Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®
An Introduction & Experiential Practicum
Instructor:
Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, ICAADC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Level:
Advanced EMDR Practice (EMDR Basic Training required)
Credential Awarded:
Apprentice in TF-EMDR, with ongoing consultation leading to TF-EMDR Therapist
CE Approval:
15 Continuing Education Hours (EMDRIA + Vermont OPR)
Course Overview
This retreat-style 21+ hour experiential training introduces mental health professionals to Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®. Built for EMDR-trained clinicians, this program integrates Adventure-Based Counseling with both Western and Japanese fixed-line fly-fishing models to enhance bilateral stimulation, resourcing, and attunement in natural settings.
Participants engage in:
-
Nature-based Resource Development & Installation
-
Somatic, polyvagal, and mindfulness approaches
-
Casting lessons & hands-on fly-fishing EMDR practice
-
On-the-water EMDR exercises using the Standard Protocol
-
Creative planning for integrating TF-EMDR into clinical practice
This training also addresses:
-
Ethical & legal considerations in nature-based psychotherapy
-
Appropriate client populations for TF-EMDR
-
Safety, risk assessment, and environmental awareness
-
How to build TF-EMDR into your agency, private practice, or programming
Completion of this course grants approval as an Apprentice in TF-EMDR with 6 months of included consultation.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to:
-
Understand the rationale for elevating traditional therapeutic fly-fishing by integrating EMDR and clinically trained professionals.
-
Integrate TF-EMDR principles across the 8 phases of EMDR therapy.
-
Utilize traditional and fixed-line fly-fishing equipment to support bilateral stimulation and resourcing.
-
Adapt RDI and interweave strategies for outdoor EMDR and somatic work.
-
Apply nature-based polyvagal, ego state, and mindfulness strategies.
-
Recognize legal, ethical, and safety considerations for nature-based psychotherapy.
