Flaxen D. L. Conway, Extension Community Outreach Specialist Maria J. Beals, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Practical ways of adapting to changes in commercial fishing
© 1997 by Oregon Sea Grant ORESU-G-97-005
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These days changes in the industry and in society are occurring so fast that it's hard to keep up with them, much less adjust to them. Change, in itself, is nothing new to fishing families and businesses in the Pacific Northwest. The industry's history is one of periods of prosperous seasons alternating with poor seasons. Fishing families and businesses traditionally have been very resilient, learning over time how to manage these cycles in addition to the day-to-day realities of family separations when the boat is at sea; erratic weather, markets, and seasons; and the need to plan for the business. But with more attention now being paid to the management and restoration of fishery resources, it has become harder for many people to bounce back when cycles are low. It's difficult to make good business and family decisions with so many unknowns. When fishing families confront economic, personal, and social stresses, it can be a scary and painful time for all family members. In American culture, asking for help isn't easy. Neighbors or fellow workers seem never to talk about their personal lives. And besides, most fishing families are hardworking, independent, and proud. These qualities can be useful, but they can also make it more difficult for a person to ask for help. It's easy to forget but important to remember that seeking help when you need it is a strength, not a weakness.
It helps to know where to go for help and who are the people or organizations that could lend additional support during times of transition. Across the nation, over and over, families who have sought financial, legal, emotional, or mental assistance during times of transition have expressed the feeling, "If only I had come earlier and not waited so long."
Since this is a partnership, the right match is important. If it doesn't feel right with one person, it doesn't mean support is not out there or that therapy can't work for you. Personality clashes can happen. It's like buying a car--you don't have to get stuck with a lemon. Test drive a few, and stick with the one that feels right. Most professionals have some type of introductory session for this very reason. Feel free to interview several people by telephone or in person before making a choice. Following the initial contact, you may want to meet two or three times before you decide to work together. Many people find out about therapists or ministers or mediators from people they know. Whether you are referred to someone from a friend, family member, or doctor, or you look someone up in the phone book, the following sample questions may be useful when considering a particular professional:
Getting help from a trained professional (a therapist, minister, counselor, psychologist, mediator, and so on) can be a practical step toward building a better life. In a sense, it's a partnership between you (the person with the concern) and a professional (the person trained to help people change how they feel, understand their problems, and solve those problems in a timely fashion). Support from a trained professional can help you to
Having realistic expectations is important. A professional is not going to solve your problems for you or give you solutions. Rather, he or she will help you come up with your own strategies and solutions.
Professional help is out there for people who need it: for those who can afford it and those who can't. Most therapists will work with you to come to some sort of financial arrangement (for example, a sliding-scale fee or monthly payments). Many professionals do some volunteer work. Some work through churches. Some do practicums at community organizations. There are three groups that might be helpful to you in making a connection with someone in your geographic area:
Remember, at some time in our lives, each of us may need help in dealing with a problem. Sometimes we can work through problems ourselves or with the support of family and friends. Other times we need outside assistance from a trained professional.
When you ask yourself the question, "Can I afford this?" make sure you also ask, "Can I afford not to do this?"
Share your needs regarding time for services. Most fishermen don't have "regular hours" and as a result, need some flexibility. Setting up appointments that work for both of you can be done. If there is a crisis, get help immediately. Letting things hang can be really painful for you or family members. Most therapists or other support professionals can be flexible when there is a crisis.
Reputable therapists (and other support professionals) operate in their professions under a strict code of ethics. In fact, this code should be discussed right up front. One example of professional ethics is confidentiality. What is said during the session, and the identity of you or others you discuss, is generally confidential. Have your therapist describe any limitations he or she might have to this confidentiality (for example, in cases of child abuse or danger to self or others).
The OSU Fishing Families Project was funded by, and was a partnership of, Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University Extension Service. It served fishing communities along the coast from northern California to southwest Washington.
Other publications from the OSU Fishing Families Project include:
For additional copies of this and other Oregon Sea Grant publications, contact
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E-mail: sea.grant.communications@edu or visit our World Wide Web site at: http:seagrant.oregonstate.edu
This work was partially supported by grant no. NA36RG0451 (projects no. R/FDF-1 and M/A-12) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Oregon State University Sea Grant College Program and by appropriations made by the Oregon State legislature. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its subagencies. Sea Grant combines basic research, education, and technology transfer to serve the public. This national network of universities works with others in the private and public sectors to meet the changing environmental, economic, and social needs of people in the coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. Oregon
Choosing a Therapist Who is Right for You, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC, 20036, 1-800-374- 2722
Group Therapy, Counseling and Psychological Services, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 503-725-4423
Marriage and Family Therapy: Who Needs It? Where to Find It? John Engel and Herbert Lingren, University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Research Extension Series Publication #127
Flaxen D. L. Conway, an Extension community outreach specialist for Oregon State University in the Department of Sociology, creates and delivers educational materials and programs to Oregonians related to working together, managing change, community economic development, and public issues education.
Maria J. Beals, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and member of the rural community division of the American Psychological Association, has a private practice in Corvallis, Oregon, where she works with individuals and families to find solutions to problems or otherwise better their lives. The authors would like to thank those fishing family members who provided a careful and realistic review of this publication.
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Contact us: sea.grant.web@oregonstate.eduLast updated: Jan. 31, 2007