A CQR Study of the Fishing for Wellness Nature-Based Group Intervention for Adults Facing Adversity

ABSTRACT

We examined participant experiences of the 7-week Fishing for Wellness (FFW) nature-based group counseling protocol. Eleven white adult male and female clients aged 27–73 years (M = 47.8, SD = 14.3) completed semi-structured interviews in exploring contextual factors impacting participation, self-reported change, and possible elements within FFW contributing to that change. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research. Participants reported expanded self-awareness, self-efficacy, connection with self and others, and nature relatedness two to three months following the group’s termination. Findings lend initial support for applying the FFW protocol when working with clients presenting with adverse life experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Adults
• consensual qualitative research
• ecowellness
• group counseling
• nature-based counseling

Acknowledgments

We want to thank the participants of this study, both in their courageous participation in the fishing for wellness program, and for vulnerably sharing their experiences so we can better understand the intervention’s possible impacts. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Megan Delaney for serving as our CQR auditor. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback and expertise. Lastly, thank you to Dr. Laura Jones in reviewing and providing a thoughtful critique on an early draft of this article.

Disclosure Statement

Ryan Reese is the founder and owner of EcoWellness Counseling and Consulting LLC, a company that integrates the natural environment into counseling and therapy.

Additional information

Funding

This project received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Ryan F. Reese

Ryan F. Reese is an assistant professor of counseling at Oregon State University-Cascades.

Melisa DeMeyer

Melisa DeMeyer is an assistant clinical professor of counseling at Oregon State University-Cascades.

Amy Hoag

Amy Hoag is a licensed professional counselor associate and critical liberation consultant at Emergent Collective Counseling.

Lauren Glass

Lauren Glass works in the Four Corners region near Durango, CO as a mental health clinician and consultant.

Chris Madigan

Chris Madigan is a mental health counselor currently working in private practice with an emphasis on helping people who have experienced spiritual/cultic abuse.

Janeé Avent Harris

Janeé Avent Harris is an associate professor and program director in the Counselor Education program at East Carolina University.