Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)℠

"Freedom in sincerity, freedom on the fly."

The world's first integration of an evidence-based psychotherapy with Therapeutic Fly-fishing, developed in the spring of 2020 by Tony Parmenter and published in the January 2022 edition of Journal of Military & Veterans' Health (JMVH).

This mode of therapy has been continuously offered and developed since it's beginning, and now exists as a holistic and adaptive format for offering nature-based therapy for complex and developmental trauma. 

TF-EMDR Therapist Directory

The following list includes therapists who have completed a minimum of a full training in TF-EMDR. All individuals have completed EMDRIA-approved Basic Training or higher in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). 

Please note: The members listed in this directory are not employees of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training and have their own individual practices. We do not know the status of their availability. You will need to contact them directly via the information provided in their profile listing. Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C does not warrant or otherwise assume responsibility for the clinical services provided by the clinicians in our directory, nor their competency to provide such services beyond the qualifications for which they have obtained.

Victoria Kelm-Foy, LCSW, EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist

Location: Evanston, Wyoming, USA

Contact: freedommountainemdr@gmail.com

Web: click here

Status: Apprentice in TF-EMDR

Daniel Pierce, LCPC-C, EMDRIA Trained EMDR Therapist 

Location: Benton, Maine, USA

Contact: mainetenkaraguide@gmail.com

Web: click here

Status: Apprentice in TF-EMDR

Alex Danilowicz, LCSW, EMDRIA Trained EMDR Therapist

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Contact: alex@alexdanilowicz.com

Web: click here 

Status: Apprentice in TF-EMDR

Tony Parmenter, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont, USA

Contact: tony@seiyuinstitute.com

Web: click here

Status: TF-EMDR Therapist / Senior TF-EMDR Instructor

What is TF-EMDR?

Recovery is possible and wholeness is within you. With your feet on the ground, the wind on your skin, and feeling the current with your body - experience the freedom of catch and release while letting go of your pain. 
Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)℠ turns fly-fishing into psychotherapy for trauma. It provides a way to link fly-fishing's well known benefits to an evidence-based psychotherapy without each being done separately from one another. In addition to simply fly-fishing, specifically developed advanced techniques rooted in polyvagal therapy, ego state/inner child work, mindfulness, and others are used to broaden the practice and allow for authentic healing within nature.
Why: Standard therapeutic fly-fishing has become a common adjunct activity for helping people who are in treatment for trauma-related issues. In most cases, it is done as a peer support activity or recreation therapy in the context of PTSD recovery. While useful for many reasons, fly-fishing done in this way can only complete part of the picture when done by non-mental health professionals and without being attached to a trauma treatment framework. This is why TF-EMDR exists.
In order to effectively treat trauma, fly-fishing should be linked to an evidence based therapy for PTSD, and facilitated by trained mental health professionals. TF-EMDR was the first mental health treatment model to accomplish this, and it is incredibly effective!

THE SEIYU-ZURI METHOD℠

Seiyu-zuri is an adaptation of TF-EMDR which uses a simplified low barrier, portable, and elegant form of Japanese fly-fishing called tenkara.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Fish & Game:
Fis 401.01 Chapter Definitions.(u) “Tenkara” means a style of fly fishing that uses flies, a telescoping rod of bamboo, fiberglass, or composite material, and a short length of line without backing. This line is attached to the tip of the rod. The rod does not have guides or a reel seat.
While TF-EMDR as usual can be done using traditional/western fly-fishing equipment, The Seiyu-zuri Method℠  purposely simplifies the practice of casting in order to enhance a person's connection to nature. Integrating a whole person perspective with specifically designed attachment-focused, nervous system (polyvagal), mindfulness based activities, we have found that this method allows a person to more effectively and quickly heal from complex and developmental trauma.
A simpler approach also allows for people to begin fishing sooner, while focusing less on gear, mechanics, and technique when they should be healing or simply enjoying the process. It frees a person in a way which lets them connect more with the environment around, and within them.
Seiyu is a Japanese word which means "to have integrity", and zuri simply means "fishing". Angling for integrity. Authenticity. To be our truest selves. Casting away the weight of trauma. We actualize these truths when the barriers created by suffering begin to flow as if the trauma wounds are just any other memories - because they are. The body learns that it is right now, this moment, and not when the trauma happened. We find freedom in sincerity, on the fly, and rediscover the ability to live our life to the fullest - meaningfully connecting to who and what we care for the most.

Training in TF-EMDR

Scroll down to learn about credentialing.

Are you an EMDRIA-trained EMDR Therapist (or international equivalent)? Expand your horizons with this model!

Trainings are approved for EMDRIA Continuing Education Credit and are done for low-to-no cost. Any cost applied to the training covers the purchasing of equipment (each attendee may receive brand new fishing equipment via an affordable discount), site rental, travel, food or snacks, and lodging. A small processing fee is applied for EMDRIA CEs, and donations (dāna) are accepted to help the trainer pay their bills at home.

When appropriate, TF-EMDR trainings are done communally, as camp style, and are designed to be accessible to therapists regardless of financial ability.

Upcoming trainings:

We are currently planning 2024 trainings. Contact us to inquire about, or schedule an upcoming training.

Name E-mail Message Submit

Credentialing in TF-EMDR

Visit Canvas to learn more about the credentials Apprentice in TF-EMDRTF-EMDR Therapist, and TF-EMDR Instructor (pending).

Are you ready to take your EMDR profession into nature? Stand out as a TF-EMDR Therapist. Trainings are completed in small groups, and apprentices receive personal consultation from developer and Senior TF-EMDR Instructor Tony Parmenter along the way. Trainees and apprentices are guided to creatively integrate TF-EMDR and The Seiyu-zuri Method℠ into their personal style, to form a unique way of practicing nature-based therapy.
We know the deep and transformational power of nature-based therapy, and that we are the best at our job when the work is fun, and when it feeds us. A credential as a TF-EMDR Therapist represents that a person values innovation and creativity in trauma therapy. Those with credentials in good standing are allowed to use the trade-marked terms Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR) and The Seiyu-zuri Method℠ on personal and official marketing materials. 
Does this interest you? Check out the pathway below.
TF-EMDR Therapist - steps to credentialing:
  1. Complete an EMDRIA-approved (or equivalent) Basic Training in EMDR.

  2. Attend and complete a two-day Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR) Training with a TF-EMDR Instructor, approved by Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C.

  3. While maintaining status as an Apprentice in TF-EMDR, complete a minimum of 6 post-training consultation hours specific to TF-EMDR with a TF-EMDR Instructor or Instructor-in-Training. TF-EMDR Instructors and Instructors-in-Training are EMDRIA Approved Consultants or EMDRIA Consultants in Training (CIT) supervised by a Seiyu I.H.T. approved Senior TF-EMDR Instructor.

  4. Submit a written case study demonstrating the use and understanding of Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)℠, including the use of nature-based ego-state methods, EMDR Resource Development & Installation (RDI) techniques in nature, and personal innovative practices.

  5. To maintain certification, complete one of the following in a two-year period: a 6-hour TF-EMDR training, attend a TF-EMDR Refreshment Day, or 6 hours of individual consultation with a TF-EMDR Instructor.

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