Seeking support?
Sign up to receive our monthly newsletters with high quality content designed to nourish your mental health.
Are you struggling with the effects of first responder trauma?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to specific critical incidents or the cumulative weight of difficult calls
- Feeling emotionally numb, detached, or cynical as a way to cope with constant exposure to trauma and suffering
- Increased irritability, anger, or difficulty managing emotions, especially at home
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly on edge, or having an exaggerated startle response
- Difficulty sleeping, experiencing chronic fatigue, or relying on substances (alcohol, etc.) to unwind or cope.
- Strained relationships with family or friends who don’t understand the pressures of your job
- Avoidance of reminders of traumatic calls or situations, or withdrawing from social connections
- A sense of profound exhaustion or burnout, questioning your ability to continue in your profession
You’re realizing that your first responder trauma is getting in the way of your life:
- Your work stress is spilling over, negatively impacting your family life and personal relationships
- The emotional armor you wear on the job makes it hard to connect authentically with loved ones off-duty
- You’re struggling to find joy or meaning outside of work
- Your physical health might be suffering due to chronic stress and lack of restorative sleep
- You feel isolated, believing that only other first responders can truly understand what you go through
- Concerns about stigma or career repercussions prevent you from seeking help
You’re wondering…
- Is it possible to do this job without it completely consuming my life and well-being?
- How can I process the horrific things I’ve seen without falling apart?
- Will I ever be able to switch off from work mode and truly relax?
- Can therapy actually help someone who sees trauma regularly as part of their job?
- Is what I’m experiencing normal for a first responder, or is it PTSD?
- Could EMDR help me process specific calls that haunt me?
You’re longing for…
- Relief from intrusive memories and the constant feeling of being on high alert.
- The ability to feel emotionally present and connected with your family and friends.
- Restorative sleep and healthy ways to manage stress without relying on substances.
- A sense of balance between your demanding career and a fulfilling personal life.
- Tools to process traumatic experiences effectively without becoming overwhelmed or numb.
- Hope that you can continue serving your community without sacrificing your own mental health.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we have immense respect for the challenges faced by first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, corrections officers). We understand the unique nature of cumulative stress, critical incident trauma, and vicarious trauma inherent in your profession. Our EMDR therapists are experienced in working with first responders and recognize the cultural factors and potential barriers to seeking help.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing EMDR therapy for first responder trauma at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Before Therapy
After Therapy
Feeling burdened by traumatic memories.
Experiencing significant relief from intrusive memories.
Emotionally exhausted.
Developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Disconnected from loved ones.
Improving relationships.
Struggling to cope with job stress.
Finding greater balance and resilience in your life and career.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
