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The people you protect need you steady, and there's a way to get there that respects what the job has asked of you.

What does trauma look like for first responders specifically?

  • You dread going to work or work is the most comfortable place for you

  • You can't sleep

  • You resent people asking you for little things

  • You're angry all the time and don't know why

  • You feel accountable for everything, and it scares you

  • A small slip-up sends you into a tailspin of panic

What's the difference between primary and secondary trauma?

Primary trauma is when something happens directly to you. Secondary trauma is when you're hearing about or working with people who've been through trauma, day after day. Compassion fatigue is a related risk on that same spectrum, when all the “little events” add up until you start seeing symptoms like the ones above.

Why does this happen even if nothing “bad enough” happened to me directly?

Because the exposure adds up. You see people at their worst, their most frightened, and their most vulnerable, and you take care of the emergency every time. That accumulates whether or not any single incident feels like “enough” to justify how you're feeling.

What kind of support actually helps?

I specialize not just in trauma, but your kind of trauma. My clients are heroes whether they feel like it or not, and you don't have to keep going like this.

FAQ

Do I need a single traumatic incident, or does cumulative stress count? Cumulative stress and secondary trauma both count. No single incident is required.

Have you worked with dispatch, animal control, EMS, or corrections too? Yes, in addition to police, fire, and ER staff.

Can I keep this confidential from my department? Yes, standard confidentiality protections apply, and private pay is available for extra privacy.

Is telehealth available for shift workers? Yes, scheduling works around irregular shifts.

You don’t have to continue like this.  I specialize, not only in trauma, but your kind of trauma.  My clients are heroes whether they feel like it or not.  Give me a call today at 406-272-4545 and let’s see what we can do to help you so you can continue helping others.