Fishing Therapy Group

Drop-In Outdoor Counseling Group for Caregivers and Helping Professionals

When: Tuesdays, 5:30–7:00 PM
Where: Coot Lake ADA Dock, Boulder, CO
Cost: $35 per session (private pay only)
Season: Weekly from June through September
Facilitated by: Andrew Koch, MA, LPC
Ages: 13+

What to Expect

Fishing Therapy Group is a weekly, nature-based therapy group designed for adults experiencing grief, caregiver stress, burnout, or compassion fatigue. We meet at Coot Lake’s ADA-accessible dock—a peaceful and scenic space that offers fresh air, open skies, and a chance to slow down.

Each session includes:

  • A short grounding or mindfulness practice
  • Optional fishing or quiet reflection by the water
  • Group conversation focused on shared experience and emotional support
  • Nature that supports nervous system regulation, grief processing, or inner reflection

You do not need to fish to participate. This is a therapeutic group, not a class or guided activity.

What You Need to Bring

  • Your own fishing rod, bait, and tackle (none are provided)
  • A valid Colorado fishing license if you plan to fish (purchase here)
  • Comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate layers
  • Water, snacks, sun protection, and anything else you need to feel grounded
  • A willingness to sit with yourself and others in an open, supportive environment

What This Group Is—and Is Not

  • This is a therapy group, not a support group or meetup. It is led by a licensed professional counselor and structured to support emotional healing and insight.
  • This is not a fishing lesson. Andrew is not a licensed fishing guide and will not provide instruction or coordinate fishing logistics.
  • This is a public, outdoor gathering. While we do our best to maintain emotional safety, we are not in a private office. Nature and community are co-participants.

Benefits of Being in Public, Natural Spaces

  • Grounding and Regulation: Natural light, fresh air, and water movement offer real-time calming for your body and nervous system.
  • Metaphor and Meaning: Fishing, like therapy, involves waiting, patience, disappointment, and surprise. Nature becomes a mirror for our internal world.
  • Reduced Pressure: Being outside can make therapy feel more approachable, especially for those who find traditional office settings uncomfortable.
  • Peer Connection: A shared space invites quiet companionship, creating a low-pressure sense of belonging and visibility without demands.

Limitations of a Public Outdoor Setting

  • Lack of Privacy: Other park visitors may be nearby. Conversations are held in a semi-public space, and complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
  • Environmental Variables: Weather, wildlife, noise, and other unpredictable elements may impact the session. Flexibility is essential.
  • Accessibility Variability: While the dock is ADA-accessible, access beyond the dock (e.g., trail paths or shoreline) may not meet all mobility needs.
  • Emotional Containment: Without the privacy of walls or a controlled space, some participants may prefer to share less openly. That’s okay—presence is enough.

We take these realities seriously and acknowledge that public outdoor therapy is not a fit for everyone. However, for many, the openness, simplicity, and symbolism of the setting offer exactly what’s needed.

How to Join

This group is LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in values of respect, humility, and non-judgment. You don’t have to be a caregiver “in crisis” or have any therapy experience to attend. All emotional states and stories are welcome.

To ensure the group is a safe and appropriate fit, all new participants are required to complete a brief intake screening before attending their first session. This process helps us confirm that the group environment, therapeutic approach, and outdoor setting align with your needs and expectations.

You can fill out your Intake form here

This intake process helps create a safe, supportive, and accessible group experience for all participants.

See you on the waters!~~~