The First Responder Experience
First responders are dedicated to serving others and unknowingly carry around images of calls, incidents and tragedies often pushed so deeply in their unconscious mind, yet manifest in ways detrimental to their overall wellness. Over time, sleep is compromised, stress begins to affect daily routines, eating may become an emotional comfort and exhaustion and poor physical health takes hold. What about effect of the internal stress, the hours of boredom followed by a sudden critical call for service, the physical and emotional effects, and of course, the build up of unprocessed cortisol that directly influences the physiological responses? First responders now have the opportunity to use the modalities of performance coaching, hypnosis and Brainspotting to deactivate overpowering emotions, thoughts and feelings and increase their energy and passion for life with this unique integrated approach.
The first responder culture creates an environment where reaching out for help is viewed to some as a weakness, or perhaps there is a fear of being 'diagnosed' with something, or perhaps it is the pure fear of not knowing whats going to come up and having it effect the emotional control we have on the job. In fact, processing out what it is inside, increases personal safety and the feeling of being in control. With 25 years on the job, I can relate to the fear of being vulnerable to releasing what may be behind strong emotions and provide methods of processing and tools for clients who will leave feeling differently than when they arrived.
First responders injured on duty are sent home to heal and may experience detachment, struggles with healing and the emotions associated with the physical and psychological injury itself, as an injury to the body is an injury to mind. Injury recovery requires more than just physical healing, it entails healing the emotional, neurological and physiological responses as well. Our focus encompasses healing all areas of an injury, except the physical injury itself (we leave that for the physical therapists!) with a client guided session in a safe, confidential format. Incorporating a new and unique approach to healing injuries, we work with clients current energy level, both physically and mentally, to propel them forward for a stronger, faster, unified recovery, while minimizing future absences by using Performance Coaching, Brainspotting, Hypnosis, Critical Incident Stress Management, Crisis Intervention and resourcing. Returning the employee to duty faster and stronger with many other benefits as well.