“Hook, Line, and Thinker”
In Manitoba, Canada, a unique program is addressing the often-overlooked mental health needs of corrections officers by unconventional means: fishing therapy. Dr. Jason Ediger, a Winnipeg-based psychologist, has developed “Hook, Line, and Thinker” with a routine of combining group therapy sessions with fishing excursions on a pontoon boat. This innovative and nontraditional approach aims to provide early intervention mental health support to a population that faces high stress levels, significant exposure to adverse events, and cultural norms that impede the pursuit of supportive resources.
Corrections officers operate in high-stress environments that can take a severe toll on their mental health. Because these officers work literally behind locked doors in high security environments like the prison system, the full extent of what they deal with (both good and bad) is often unrecognized. This frequently leaves officers feeling unrecognized, unappreciated and unsupported by both the public institutions that employ them and the general population as well. Corrections officers fulfill most of the same responsibilities as other first responders, but they are not typically listed amongst those professions we are so grateful for like police, firefighters or paramedics. The result is that the mental burdens that often come with the occupation are also frequently under-resourced. In lieu of these challenges, many officers are reluctant to seek traditional therapy due to stigma and professional concerns. Dr. Jason Ediger’s program aims to “reel people into taking care of themselves” by blending a mindful activity like fishing with conventional psychological support.
This article will explore how the program seeks to combine fishing and psychology to create a unique therapeutic experience. It will examine the program’s structure, its potential benefits, and the broader context of mental health challenges faced by corrections officers.
Baiting the Hook for Wellness
The program, with the apt tagline “Hook, Line and Thinker,” offers corrections officers a chance to engage in early intervention group sessions while enjoying a day of fishing on a pontoon boat. This is not designed as an intensive treatment program, but rather a preventative approach aimed at providing support before mental health issues become critical. Dr. Ediger explains the reasoning behind this unconventional setting: “Fishing creates a relaxed environment where people can feel comfortable opening up. It’s an activity that allows for natural pauses in conversation, giving participants time to reflect and process their thoughts.” Many corrections officers are reluctant to seek traditional therapy, viewing it as a sign of weakness in a profession that encourages control, authority and vigilance. These cultural norms may be useful on the job, but frequently interfere in the longer term goals of healthy coping and psychological wellness. In participating in an activity where those involved can lower their guard and reduce some of those traditional inhibitions, Ediger seeks to create an approach that lets people identify their own needs and seek help in a safe environment.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Fishing
Dr. Ediger’s approach aligns with the principles of ecotherapy, which posits that healthy interaction with nature can promote healing and growth. Research has shown that fishing can have positive effects on mental health. Herbert Benson, MD, from Harvard Medical School, suggests that fly-fishing, with its repetitive motions, can help “break the train of everyday thinking” and induce a relaxation response that counteracts stress (Harvard Medical School, 2015). Another study conducted by Troy State University on a similar program for veterans found significant reductions in symptoms related to stress, re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance, and hyper-vigilance after participating in kayak fishing experiences (Heroes on the Water, n.d.). While Dr. Ediger’s program doesn’t specifically use fly-fishing or targeting veterans, the general act of fishing on a boat suggests similar benefits.
Interestingly, the boat setting itself provides a unique sense of security for participants. The isolated nature of being on the water offers a rare opportunity for corrections officers to feel fully at ease. Unlike their typical work environment that is usually riddled with peril or trouble, there are no unexpected interruptions, no possibility of sudden emergencies requiring their attention, and no concerns about maintaining constant vigilance. To quote one individual who participated “it’s hard for someone to sneak up on you when you’re in the middle of a lake.” This sense of safety and separation from their usual stressors allows officers to temporarily lay their guard down, and relax into themselves in order to facilitate a deeper connection with their personal matters that have previously gone unattended.
Addressing an Underserved Population
As stated above, corrections officers operate in a high-stress environment that can take a severe toll on their mental health. A study by Fusco et al. (2021) found that correctional officers self-reported higher rates of symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression, compared to other correctional staff. The same study noted that correctional officers reported statistically significantly more exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events than other correctional employees.
The 2023 National Institute of Justice Research Conference found that about 25% of correctional officers self-reported symptoms consistent with at least one psychological distress outcome. The study also revealed an alarmingly high suicide rate among corrections officers in Massachusetts, approximately 105 per 100,000 – at least seven times higher than the national suicide rate.
Dr. Jason Ediger attributes the lack of attention to correctional officers’ mental health to an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality: “Just like inmates go into the prison system and can be forgotten, the people who work there can be forgotten at the same time.” People who work in prisons often feel poorly understood, poorly appreciated, and trapped in their own circumstance. The job may pay fairly well, and shift work can offer some significant flexibility in scheduling. It can be difficult to leave, however, as the skills sets required for the job don’t always translate directly to other types of work environments. This is particularly true for individuals struggling with trauma who may not be able to consider another law-enforcement type career.
A Three-Pronged Approach
The program offers three semi-structured group sessions, each focusing on a critical area of concern within the corrections environment:
1. Anger Management: Introducing healthy strategies to address the challenges of maintaining control in a high-stress environment without letting it negatively impact personal life.
2. Maladaptive vs. Adaptive Coping: Exploring healthier and long-term alternatives to common coping mechanisms like avoidance and substance abuse.
3. Understanding PTSD: Providing information about PTSD, its impacts, and how to seek help if needed.
Dr. Ediger selected the three semi-structured group topics based on his observations of common issues faced by corrections officers. “These topics – anger management, maladaptive versus adaptive coping, and understanding PTSD – emerged as recurring themes in my work with correctional staff,” he explains. “Anger management is crucial given the high-stress environment. The coping strategies session aims to address unhealthy coping mechanisms like avoidance and substance abuse. And understanding PTSD is vital because many officers experience traumatic events but may not recognize the symptoms or know how to seek help.” By focusing on these areas, the program aims to address key challenges specific to the corrections environment and help people make changes before they grow out of control.
Each session is designed as a one-time, four-hour group, striking a balance between providing valuable information and maintaining an approachable format. Dr. Ediger works to consider group dynamics, explaining, “We try and keep the groups small, typically five to six participants, to ensure everyone has a chance to engage. Groups can also benefit from a mix of experience levels and people from different institutions which allows for valuable peer support and knowledge sharing.” This approach can make the activity even more therapeutic than one on one therapy. By including more than one perspective, varied experiences come to light; people feel understood, less alone, and safer expressing themselves.
Casting Forward
As the project develops, Dr. Ediger of Winnipeg plans to work with health and wellness committees at local prisons in order to spread awareness. This early intervention program aims to help correction officers seek support before mental health issues become of overwhelming severity.
By combining fishing outings with targeted discussions among a common group, the program offers a unique approach for this often-overlooked population. Dr. Ediger hopes to convey a message of acceptance and hope, encouraging officers to address potential issues proactively and unashamedly.
As research on preventative mental health strategies for high-stress professions continues, early intervention programs like this will play an increasingly important role in supporting corrections officers’ well-being.
