About MEND
/mend/: to improve, repair and grow back together; to adjust one's fly line and leader to enhance or re-establish a drag free drift
MEND is a fly fishing partners therapy retreat for couples looking to unplug and proactively tend to their growth and transformation without the distractions of everyday life.
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During the retreat couples will be given time to have meaningful, private dialogues as well as group support focused on strengthening intimacy and friendship, understanding healthy conflict, and creating shared meaning as a couple.
After learning these new strategies, couples will have the chance to immediately integrate these skills during the next day's fly fishing program!
MEND is excited to announce our 2024 retreats will be held in the beautiful mountains of
Taos, New Mexico at the Taos Goji Eco Lodge!
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Join us, and escape the ordinary to embark on a journey of healing and rejuvenation where the beauty of nature merges seamlessly with the art of relationship building.
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Our exclusive retreats are intentionally small, limited to six people (three couples) each retreat, to ensure personalized experiences and 1:1 attention from our facilitators.
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Reserve your spot today!
Why Fly Fishing?
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Personal Growth and Reflection
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Fly fishing goes beyond catching fish. It requires patience, awareness, and presence, enhancing your connection to nature and yourself. The challenges of mastering technique, understanding the environment, and adapting to conditions mirror life's challenges, teaching resilience, patience, and adaptability.
Therapeutic Benefits
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There are numerous programs and studies on how being in nature, such as fly fishing in a river, reduces anxiety, PTSD symptoms and stress - and regulates the nervous system by promoting mindfulness and engagement. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, tends to be lower when individuals are in natural environments.​
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Mindfulness and Nervous System Benefits
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The repetitive, calming motions of fly fishing have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Being present in the moment, fully engaged with the task at hand promotes a sense of calm. This mindfulness practice helps regulate stress responses, encouraging a state of relaxation and mental clarity. The natural environment amplifies these benefits, with its inherent beauty and tranquility providing a grounding and restorative experience. This backdrop allows couples to connect on a deeper level, away from the distractions of daily life.
Enhanced Connection and Communication
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Fly fishing as a couple encourages teamwork and communication. The shared experience of learning and engaging in this activity fosters mutual support, collaboration and co-regulation. This shared challenge can strengthen your bond and enhance your ability to communicate effectively, both on and off the water. The peaceful setting and mindful practice create a safe space for reflection and meaningful conversation and creating special shared memories together.
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Cultivating Gratitude
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As Terry Gunn beautifully puts it, "The true essence of fly fishing, as in life, is to savor every moment on the water and treat every fish as a gift." Cultivating a spirit of gratitude is critical to both relationships and fly fishing. This mindset nurtures gratitude and perspective, enriching your life and relationships. Fly fishing teaches you to value each moment and see every success, no matter how small, as a precious gift.
In essence, fly fishing offers more than just a recreational activity; it provides a holistic experience that nurtures your mind, body, and relationships.
Testimonials
"Working with Liz has been a wonderful and eye-opening experience. She has taught us both to be curious and dig deeper about our own and each other's experiences which has made us so much stronger as a couple, as parents and as individuals. Her experience and knowledge combined with her genuine kindness, interest and no-judgement approach creates a comforting environment to open up and work through any issues. We have both thought and said multiple times, if anyone was meant to be anything on this earth, Liz was meant to be a therapist and we are truly so grateful to have found her"
J & Z
"I initially hired Emily seeking an adventure with my 14-year-old daughter. Our trip lead to a family passion for fly fishing! Emily has guided our family on many memorable fishing trips, patiently teaching us to tie flies and laugh through every challenge. We've created beautiful family memories, too many to count, on our fishing expeditions with Emily, which has furthered deepened our connection to each other and our love for standing in rivers and immersing ourselves in nature"
MM
"Liz applies a warm conversationalist approach to help identify relationship challenges. Applying the principles of Imago relationship therapy, Liz provides communication and self-reflection strategies to better navigate the relationship and strengthen the martial bond. The strategies have not only repaired and invigorated our marriage but have helped us better manage family and workplace relationships!”
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S & C
"I have fished with Emily many times over the years in Northern NM and Southern Colorado, and I always end a day with her feeling like a better angler and a better person. She has a deep and fundamental passion for fly fishing: it is an essential part of her being. But what sets her apart is that she is able to read people as well as she reads water. She can see how to help you become a better angler – and she is able to make it happen because she is focused, a patient observer, and a skilled communicator. Her love of and enthusiasm for the sport, for being in nature, for making connections and for having fun make Emily a truly exceptional person to spend the day with."
LJ
Phone
734.359.6565