First Responders

Let me guess…

You hold it all in until you can’t anymore. The culture doesn’t openly talk about feelings or trauma. You’re tough; you can handle it. How’s that working out for you? Maybe your spouse has said something. Maybe it’s you who knows something has to change. If you are exhausted; feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or numb; have difficulty sleeping; are coping with excessive alcohol or substance use; have nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive images; you are not alone. These are not uncommon symptoms when you are a first responder who gives everything to others and don’t have much left for yourself. But you can’t keep going down this same path.

I come from a first responder and military family. Growing up with a father as a lieutenant and then a fire chief, I saw firsthand the effects of longterm traumatic stress. The culture of first responders is unique. You have to be a first responder, or be a family member, to understand it. I don’t claim to understand every single aspect, but I have spent many years, both personally and professionally, walking alongside firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and military members/veterans. First responders hold a special place in my heart and it’s always an honor to help. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma processing and trained in CISM/CISD. You don’t have to keep surviving like this. If you’re ready to find healing so you can LIVE the way you want to live, reach out today for a free phone consultation.