1. Fishing for Feelings
Source: Robin Whisnant
Recommended Age Range: Four to Ten
Treatment Modality: Individual, Group, Family
Goals
• Verbally express feelings
• Increase open communication
• Provide opportunities to practice pro-social behavior such as adhering to rules
of the game, turn taking, etc.
Materials
• Fishing pole with fishing line, or stick with string tied to end
• Round Magnet (approximately 5/16” diameter)
• Cap from a bubble bottle or any round plastic recessed cap that the
magnet would fit inside of
• Gorilla Glue or super glue
• Paper clips
• Therapeutic deck of cards such as the UNGAME or Bright Spots
(available at www.childtherapytoys.com)
Advance Preparation
Make fishing pole:
1. Use a cap from a bubble bottle or any round recessed cap that the magnet
would fit inside of. The plastic also has to have a loop on the outside to
attach the fishing line such as a bubble wand. Take scissors and cut off
stem of bubble wand and attach string or fishing line to loop.
2. Glue the magnet to the cap. (You can find the round 5/16” magnets in craft
stores.)
3. Place the paper clips on the cards.
4. Place the cards with paperclips attached face down on the floor.
Description
Allow children time to practice with the fishing pole. Explain to clients they are
going fishing and whoever catches the most fish wins. Explain that we do not
have actual fish but cards that will represent each fish. Each person takes a turn
trying to catch the fish (the card) using the pole. The goal is to pick up as many
cards as they can within thirty seconds. After the thirty seconds are up they
count how many fish (cards) they caught. Each person then talks about the
feeling/scenario depicted on each card they caught.
In family sessions the parent can be coached to model appropriate behavior for
the children. For instance, the parents can act frustrated that they do not know

2. how to fish with the pole and then model deep breathing to calm themselves
before trying again.
At the end of the game, facilitate further discussion through process questions
such as:
1. What did you like best about this game?
2. How does it feel to win or lose?
3. Did you see anyone showing good behavior during the game?
4. Did anyone get frustrated or upset when they could not catch a fish
(card)? What can you do when you feel this way?
Discussion
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) website reports, “In play therapy, toys
are like the child's words and play is the child's language” (Landreth, 2002).
Fishing is an engaging and playful activity that young children usually enjoy. The
activity encourages open communication and the development of appropriate
social skills.
Fishing is an activity found in countries throughout the world and therefore this
intervention is appropriate for many settings and cultural groups.
About the Author
Robin Whisnant, LAPC, CAMS, is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
and Certified Anger Management Specialist. She is the co-director of Women
and Children services at The Mustard Seed Counseling Services in Demorest,
Georgia. She has specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior
Therapy (TF-CBT).
© 2012 Robin Whisnant. All rights reserved.