Therapy for First Responders
Specialized Therapy for First Responders
We provide culturally competent First Responder therapy. In other words, we are experienced professionally and/or personally in working with First Responders on their worst and best days, on and off duty.
When life becomes overwhelming & you need the support.
You’re likely uniquely positioned to be a caregiver and protector. It can be incredibly draining to balance what you’re exposed to at work and remain soft and caring for your family at home. We’re here to help you with that.
The culture within the First Responder community places a lot of pressure on you to keep going, regardless of how tough it is. We’re here to help you gain resilience and mental and emotional strength and to support you through trauma reprocessing. We can help you so that you can continue to help others.
That’s where we come along.
We provide mental health support for first responders and spouses of first responders. We get the unique experiences and nuances that First Responders deal with in relation to stress and trauma exposure. This ongoing exposure can put you at a greater risk for symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD. Untreated /unsupported trauma can quickly accumulate and impact your mood and behaviours, especially if you’re trying to balance the emotional load of being a parent.
Our team members are supervised by a licensed Psychologist, allowing us to provide invoices under either Psychotherapy or Psychological Services, depending on your insurance coverage.
Acceptance
We accept you as you are; no judgments here.
Our Support Pillars
Training & Experience
We are highly trained in trauma therapy approaches to support you as you support others.
Passion
We are passionate about working with first responders and breaking the mental health stigma- one session at a time.
Confidentiality
We respect your privacy needs-from the real world to your employer. Everything we talk about stays within our session and is never shared without your permission (Unless we are mandated to report – please see limitations to confidentiality)
Signs you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of First Responder Trauma
Symptoms can include but are not limited to;
Sleep disturbances
Social isolation
Loss of interest in loved activities
Reluctance to seek help
Blaming self or others for behaviour
Substance misuse
Aggressive, reckless, or self-destructive behaviour
Depressed or Anxious mood
Dissociation, including reduced awareness
Inability to recall all or some aspects of a traumatic event
Nightmares or flashbacks
Rumination of the traumatic event
Suicidal ideation
What We Specialize With
Being the first on the scene and under-supported can affect your mental well-being. Let us help you heal and gain the resilience you need.
Emotional Load of Being a Parent
Compassion Fatigue
Stress and Lifestyle Management
Self Care and Adaptive Coping
Being a partner to a First Responder
Critical Incident Support
Balance of Work/Life Demands
Workplace harassment and violence
Trauma & PTSD
Adjustment Disorder
Grief and Bereavement
Occupational Stress
How We Support First Responders
Who We Work With:
Law Enforcement Officers
Police Officers
Paramedics
Fire Fighters
Nurses & ER Doctors
Veterans
Correctional Officers
-
Unlock your mental potential and resilience. NeurOptimal Neurofeedback enhances your brain’s performance, helping you stay focused and emotionally balanced during high-pressure situations.
-
Exposure to traumatic incidents is an occupational hazard for first responders. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a clinically-proven method for processing traumatic memories and reducing stress-related symptoms, promoting emotional well-being.
-
Brainspotting offers targeted therapy to manage and reduce the psychological challenges that first responders often encounter. Whether it’s anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional difficulties, this approach can help you regain control.
-
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is focused on empowering you with the skills to identify and modify unproductive thought patterns and behaviours. This is crucial for first responders, where quick and effective decision-making can be a matter of life and death.
-
As a first responder, you don’t have the luxury to dwell on problems. Solution-Focused Therapy offers a goal-oriented framework to develop practical solutions quickly, capitalizing on your strengths and skills.
-
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical skill for first responders. Engaging with the present moment without judgment can help you better manage stress and make more effective decisions under pressure.
Our Therapists Supporting First Responders
-
![A woman smiling, with her hair styled in an updo, wearing a pink zip-up top and gold earrings, standing in front of a neutral background.]()
Emily Collins
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders
-
![A woman with brown hair, wearing a black blazer and white blouse, sitting at a wooden desk with a laptop, smartphone, stack of books, and a mug, smiling at the camera.]()
Michelle Farrow
CLINIC OWNER & DIRECTOR, REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health
-
![A woman smiling at a desk with a laptop, stack of books, a white mug, and a wooden sign that reads 'MindShift']()
Vanessa Robertson
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders
-
![A woman with light brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a white blouse and dark pants, standing in front of a cream-colored curtain.]()
Alex Telford
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health
-
![A woman with long, dark brown hair wearing a light pink button-up shirt and hoop earrings, smiling at the camera with a white background.]()
Tara Smith
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health
-
![A smiling woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a beige button-up shirt and a smartwatch, standing against a plain light-colored wall.]()
Courtney Toner
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health
-
![A woman with long, wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing a burgundy long-sleeve shirt, standing outdoors in front of a textured white stone wall.]()
Elyse Schweighofer
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Couples
We’re Here to Help.
Get matched with a therapist suited for your needs, by reaching out below.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your free 15 minute consultation below.