First Responder, Military, and Veteran Therapy

First responders including law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel and healthcare workers endure unique on-duty and personal stresses. Critical incidents at work can cause Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) lasting 2 to 30 days and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) lasting more than 30 days. When first responders experience, witness, or are confronted with events on the job that involve death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others a person responds with intense fear, helplessness, and horror. This can cause ASD and PTSD. First responders may constantly re-experience the traumatic memory and want to avoid situations associated with the event. They respond when triggered with a flight, fight, freeze response. First responders with ASD or PTSD can experience greater difficulty doing their jobs effectively. These symptoms can make it not only difficult for first responders to do their work or be on active duty but it can also impact their lives at home with family, friends and in the community.

EMDR is the most researched and widely accepted psychotherapeutic method for the treatment of PTSD.

EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective and efficient method of treatment by numerous government agencies and professional associations including the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NICE guidelines), the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many others.

 
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Signs that you may need help:

  • Difficulty communicating thoughts

  • Difficulty remembering instructions

  • Difficulty maintaining balance

  • Loosing your temper frequently

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Limited attention span

  • Unnecessary risk-taking

  • Disorientation or confusion

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Loss of objectivity

  • Easily frustrated

  • Unable to engage in problem-solving

  • Unable to let down when off duty

  • Refusal to follow orders

  • Refusal to leave the scene

  • Increased use of drugs/alcohol

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Nightmares & flashbacks