First Responders

Providing psychological support for first responders is my career-life. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s essential to understand every aspect of the first responder world—the job itself, the unique culture, personalities, language, and even the intricate politics.

This work is truly a specialty, largely because the realities of first responders’ lives are so distinctly different from my own. I recognize how challenging it can be for a therapist who isn’t prepared; the experience can be intimidating, overwhelming, and even fraught with legal complexities in a profession where psychological support is often misunderstood or undervalued.

Therapy in this context can be met with skepticism or fears, sometimes dismissed outright, and other times seen as a threat to one’s career. When I began, I was brave but admittedly naive. I made mistakes and faced tough lessons, but I remained committed to learning and growing. Today, I consider myself both a professional student and an expert in this field. While there will always be those who come after me and elevate the profession even further, I am proud to be a pioneer and deeply honored to support first responders who need help.

Whether it’s providing counseling, educating people in psychology, advocating for mental health, or offering insight where we are legally deprived in the world of first responder psychological support, I am dedicated to these efforts every single day. I have counseled thousands of first responders, guiding many through recovery from some of the most bizarre, shocking and difficult human tragedies imaginable. Even if you choose not to work with me—or are unable to—I am always willing to help connect you to the resources you need. Simply reach out and ask.

After obtaining licensure, I attended a training course entitled “A Firefighter’s Life” alongside a colleague. As a civilian therapist, I initially questioned the specific needs of first responders; however, upon completion of the workshop, I emerged with a strong commitment to supporting their mental health. At the time, first responders lacked access to counseling or psychological support services.

To address this gap, I undertook self-directed training, participated in ride-alongs, conducted interviews with first responders, and began teaching psychology courses at departments across Illinois. Subsequently, I developed a 140-hour curriculum for licensed counselors, delivering instruction in classrooms, during ride-alongs, and through clinical supervision. In addition, I authored a curriculum for peer support and trained the first 300 first responders in Illinois.

I have maintained full-time employment as a trauma-informed therapist dedicated to treating first responders. Since 2003, I have worked continuously in the mental health field, serving as a counselor since 2007 and as a licensed clinician since 2009. My practice has focused exclusively on first responder care since 2010.

Over an eight-year span, I taught at NIPSTA for the Fire Academy and Chief Fire Officer courses, served as an instructor for the Health and Safety Officer courses in Illinois, and educated college students at Lewis University on First Responder Psychological Support. I have also visited various police, dispatch, emergency, and fire departments throughout Illinois, providing presentations titled “First Responder Psychological Support: An Introduction to First Responder Behavioral Health.”

In 2022, I relocated to Florida to be closer to family and the coast. Despite this move, I continue to provide counseling services and professional presentations for first responders in both Illinois and Florida.  For clarification: YES! I can provide counseling services to former and new clients in Illinois and in Florida.