Whether you are a law enforcement officer, firefighter/paramedic or dispatcher, you have shown up during the worst moments of people’s lives to help and make a difference. You save lives, protect the community, and run towards the danger. No matter how rewarding you find your career, it can be devastating when you aren’t able to help as much as you would like. It’s those moments of feeling helpless that tend to be replayed in your memory, even years later. Here at Brevard Family Wellness Center, we are ready to show up for you!
First responders are often hesitant to seek out help for many reasons. One reason is that there is a fear of stigma and being judged by others on the job. Although this used to be a realistic fear, the culture is slowly changing and the need to care for your mental health is more accepted. Others worry about being deemed unfit for duty and being pulled off the job. In reality, getting help can make you more effective at your job and reduce the chances of discipline. Since counseling is confidential, your department will never know you went to counseling unless you tell them. The exception to that is when first responders are not proactive in seeking treatment, it can lead to them being mandated by their employer to go. In this case, therapists can then be required to discuss issues of fitness for duty with the employer. Therefore it is more advantageous and confidential to seek help on your own.
Another reason for delaying getting help is the belief that as a first responder you should be able to just stuff or turn off your emotions. Although first responders do have a great ability to do so, it is not always possible. It is completely unrealistic to believe that you will not be effected by some of the scenes that you walk on during your career. Last, many first responders don’t believe a therapist will understand them or the coping skills they have picked up on the job. They may fear judgement from the therapist. Being married to a firefighter/EMT for over 15 years and having other first responders in her family has given Jessica a unique understading of the first responder culture, sense of humor, and challenges.
Treatment Options
Treatment options depend on the reason for seeking therapy. Common treatment modalities offered at Brevard Family Wellness Center that may be appropriate for first responders include:
Jessica is a certified EMDR therapist and has helped first responders process and desensitize to their most distressing calls.
We have you covered
Brevard Family Wellness Center accepts the insurance and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) of many of the departments in Brevard County. Don’t want to use either of these? Jessica is also contracted with 911 At Ease, an organization that will pay for counseling sessions for first responders as well as Camaraderie Foundation (for those who are past military).