What patients can expect during the first session with me is as follows: the first step is for us to gain better insight into the “What needs to be healed?” and the “How to heal?” roadmap. We will discover what we need to work towards and how we can work towards these goals. We will then create the foundations of our therapeutic relationship by gaining a sense of the therapeutic journey and the directions we need to go towards the patient’s healing journey.

Trauma in first responders is often caused by repeated exposure to high-stress and critical incidents such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, or death. These experiences can be emotionally overwhelming, especially when the outcomes are distressing or personal connections to the event exist.

Common signs include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, irritability, depression, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and hypervigilance. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues may also occur.

Treatment often involves evidence-based therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and group counseling. Supportive interventions such as peer support groups, stress management techniques, and wellness programs also play a vital role.

Many first responders face barriers like the stigma around mental health, fear of being perceived as weak or incapable, concerns about job security, or a strong sense of duty to "push through" difficulties. This cultural resistance often delays seeking help.