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How can therapy help First Responders

Updated: Jul 31, 2023

First responders are twice as likely to suffer with post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues than the general population


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First responders often experience high levels of stress and trauma as a result of their work.


They may witness traumatic events and deal with life-or-death situations on a regular basis. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.


Additionally, the culture within first responder population can sometimes discourage seeking help for mental health issues, which can exacerbate the problem. Some first responders may also struggle with substance abuse as a means of coping with their mental health issues. It is important for first responder organizations to provide access to mental health resources and support for their employees to help them cope with the stress and trauma of their work.


What makes working with first responders in therapy different from other roles/populations?


First responders have a unique and demanding job that often exposes them to high levels of stress and trauma. Some of the ways that the stress of the job differs from other jobs include:

  1. Exposure to trauma: First responders are often the first on the scene of traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters, and violent crimes. This repeated exposure to trauma can have a significant impact on their mental health.

  2. Life-or-death situations: First responders are often responsible for making critical decisions in life-or-death situations. This added pressure and responsibility can lead to increased stress.

  3. High-stress environment: First responders work in high-stress environments, such as fires, natural disasters, and crime scenes. This can be physically and mentally demanding.

  4. Shift work: Many first responders work long and irregular shifts, which can disrupt their sleep and lead to fatigue and burnout.

  5. Lack of control: First responders are often faced with situations that are beyond their control, such as natural disasters or mass shootings. This can be stressful and can be difficult to process.

  6. Stigma: There may be a culture of stigma and reluctance to seek help for mental health issues within some first responder organizations, which can prevent them from getting the support they need.

All of these factors can contribute to a unique and intense level of stress for first responders, which is why it is important for their organizations to provide them with access to mental health resources and support.


How can first responders get help for their work-related stress?


There are several ways that first responders can get support for work-related stress:

  1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many first responder organizations have EAPs that provide confidential counseling and support for employees dealing with stress and other mental health issues.

  2. Peer Support: Many organizations have peer support programs that connect first responders with other first responders who have gone through similar experiences and can provide emotional support and guidance.

  3. Therapy: First responders can seek therapy from licensed professionals who can provide individual or group counseling to help them cope with work-related stress.

  4. Self-care: It is important for first responders to take care of their physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise.

  5. Support groups: Joining support groups of others who are going through similar experiences can provide a sense of community and understanding, which can be very helpful for first responders.

  6. Time off: Taking time off work can also be beneficial for first responders to recharge, relax and process their experiences before returning to work.

It is important for first responder organizations to provide access to these resources and support, and also to create a culture that encourages seeking help when needed.


How can counselling help first responders?


Counseling can help first responders in several ways:

  1. Processing traumatic experiences: Counseling can provide a safe and confidential space for first responders to process and talk about traumatic experiences they have encountered on the job.

  2. Coping with stress: Counseling can teach first responders coping mechanisms to manage work-related stress, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness.

  3. Addressing mental health issues: Counseling can help first responders address mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety that may develop as a result of their work.

  4. Improving emotional regulation: Counseling can help first responders learn to manage their emotions and reactions to stress, which can improve their overall well-being.

  5. Improving relationships: counseling can help first responders improve relationships with their colleagues, family and loved ones.

  6. Gaining insight: Counseling can provide first responders with insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can help them understand how to handle different situations in a healthier way.

It's important to note that counseling is not a one-time fix, it's a process that may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Also, it's important for first responders to find a therapist with experience working with individuals who have been exposed to trauma.


Want to learn more?

Trauma therapy: Click here

First Responders Therapy: Click here

Substance Misuse Therapy: Click here

Anger Therapy: Click here


Check out our blog post on how depression impacts men's mental health: Click here




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