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Therapy for First/Second Responders & High-Stress Professionals

First responders and professionals in high-stress roles routinely face situations that place extraordinary demands on the nervous system, decision-making capacity, and emotional regulation. Exposure to critical incidents, cumulative operational stress, and the expectation to remain composed under pressure can take a toll over time—often without clear space to process or recover.

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I provide trauma-informed psychotherapy for first responders and other high-stress professionals, including law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare workers, and helping professionals. My work is grounded in an understanding of the realities of these roles and the unique challenges that accompany them.

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A Trauma-Informed, Professionally Informed Approach

My clinical approach integrates evidence-based trauma treatment with an appreciation for the culture, structure, and stressors inherent in emergency and high-responsibility professions. I am CIT-trained and bring specialized training in:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Flash Technique (a gentle, non-overwhelming trauma intervention)

  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

 

In addition to my private practice, I am an active member of the Sierra Nevada CISM Team, which informs my clinical perspective on crisis response, peer support, and post-incident recovery. This involvement allows me to approach therapy with both clinical rigor and real-world awareness of critical incident impact.

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Areas of Focus

First responders and high-stress professionals may seek therapy for a variety of concerns, including:

  • Exposure to critical incidents or cumulative trauma

  • Operational stress and emotional exhaustion

  • Sleep disruption, hypervigilance, or irritability

  • Anxiety, depression, or moral distress

  • Relationship strain and difficulty transitioning off duty

  • Substance use as a coping strategy

  • Career transitions or return-to-work support

Treatment is individualized and paced to support safety, stabilization, and meaningful progress.

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Confidential, Respectful Care

Therapy is provided in a confidential and professional setting, with attention to privacy, trust, and respect for professional identity. Sessions are collaborative and structured, with a focus on restoring balance, strengthening coping capacity, and supporting long-term resilience.

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Services are not limited to any specific profession and are available to individuals from the broader community. Specialized experience with first responders enhances care but does not restrict access.

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Getting Started

If you are a first responder or work in a high-stress role and are seeking trauma-informed support, I welcome the opportunity to connect. A consultation can help determine fit, discuss treatment options, and identify next steps.

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Thrivewell

​Professional EMDR Solutions

2022

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