COMMENT... As a total newcomer to the sport of fishing (let alone fly-fishing), I decided to challenge myself by engaging the services of Dr. Berry. However, even after making the commitment to spend one day with Dr. Berry, I still had a couple of nagging reservations: 1) Was I really up to this? Fly-fishing appeared to be a rather tedious and difficult sport. Fly fishermen appeared to be rather stuffy people, constantly fiddling around with mysterious minutiae stored in their vests. 2) Did I really want to spend a whole day with just one guy? Couldn't this get a little claustrophobic after a while?

Both reservations were quickly laid to rest. Dr. Berry turned out to be a highly gifted coach & teacher, with a talent for taking mundane subjects such as flies, the behavior of fish, river flows etc. and making them interesting and challenging.

Dr. Berry demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding in catering to my particular idiosyncrasies. Initially I had zero interest in learning how to assemble equipment or tie flies. I just wanted to get out there and fish. Dr. Berry graciously worked around these limitations and pampered me with a new fully assembled rod every time I lost a fly (which was far too often).

Regarding reservation number 2, there was absolutely no need for concern. Dr. Berry has the sensitivity to be there when you need him, and pull back when you want to be alone, which, frankly, in my case, wasn't that often. I quickly discovered that fishing at one of Dr. Berry's spectacular locations is not only relaxing, but also highly conducive to discussing non-fishing topics, which was of course the real reason we were even on the water. Dr. Berry proved to be an excellent listener and confidant, who competently flowed with any topic that I cared to discuss. He then was able to help me draw lessons from the fishing experience into my day-to-day leadership concerns.

This rare combination of a state qualified fishing guide, successful consulting psychologist, and leadership coach all wrapped in one person, makes for a highly unique and meaningful experience - for a privileged few.

– Anders Karlman, President, Karlman & Associates

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