First responders experience unique stresses through the course of their duties that few other professions do. Consistent exposure to dangerous situations, traumatic incidents, and negative calls for service takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit. The expectation to make the “perfect” call under far from perfect conditions can be overwhelming. While not all first responders do the same task (e.g., law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel), all who do the job begin to notice that the job is doing something to them. What begins for most as a desire to serve their community, can end up merely as a means to paying the bills with many leaving these critical professions in worse shape than they entered.
More now than ever, we need good first responders serving in our communities. While working as a law enforcement officer myself, I saw firsthand all that goes into being a first responder in today’s world, and I developed a passion for the specific needs of that community. Whether working through trauma exposure, relationship issues, compassion fatigue, or burnout, I am passionate about coming alongside those serving in these professions in their pursuit of personal wellness.
In the first responder community, there is often a stigma attached to reaching out for help. Know that I take the principle of confidentiality seriously–what you say in counseling stays in counseling. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with me, please call our office at (253) 893-4943 for an appointment request.
