First Responder Therapy
First Responders experience unique challenges in their professional lives, and we’re here to help.
At Trauma Resolution Center, our dedicated team has extensive experience in working with First Responder communities.
Our expertise equips us to offer highly effective trauma therapy services tailored to your unique needs.
We specialize in providing therapy for police, firefighters, veterans, dispatchers, correctional officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel.
We can provide assessment and treatment under the Workplace Safety Insurance Board
The majority of First Responders encounter an Operational Stress Injury during their career.
Repeated exposure to traumatic situations elevates the likelihood of mental health issues, both in your personal life and on the job.
First Responders frequently grapple with moral injury and sanctuary trauma, which can intensify their mental health struggles.
What is Moral Injury?
First Responders frequently encounter situations that may challenge their moral and ethical beliefs. They may be exposed to incidents where they witness or are directly involved in actions that conflict with their values or professional code of conduct.
For example, a paramedic may be faced with the difficult decision of prioritizing limited resources and deciding who receives medical attention first in a mass casualty event. These types of moral dilemmas can cause guilt, shame, and moral conflict, leading to moral injury.
Moreover, First Responders may also experience moral injury when they witness or are unable to prevent harm to others, such as the death of a child or the loss of innocent lives in a crisis situation.
These experiences can profoundly impact their well-being, resulting in psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and a loss of meaning or purpose in their work.
What is Sanctuary Trauma?
Sanctuary trauma occurs when an individual who suffered a severe stressor next encounters what was expected to be a supportive and protective environment, and discovers only more trauma.
For example, how an employer responds to disclosure of trauma symptoms—expecting that people will be there in a supportive way, and they aren’t.
Sanctuary trauma for First Responders can stem from a range of factors. These may include: witnessing repeated acts of violence or suffering; facing overwhelming workloads; experiencing inadequate resources or training; dealing with a lack of support from superiors or colleagues; or encountering systemic issues within their organizations.
Experiencing sanctuary trauma can erode trust, disrupt the sense of safety, and create a significant emotional burden for first responders.
Sanctuary trauma can lead to feelings of betrayal, helplessness, and a loss of faith in the organizations and institutions they work for, which can negatively impact their mental health and job performance.
When is it time for a First Responder to seek treatment for trauma?
If you’re experiencing burnout
If you’re wanting to engage in early intervention for potential psychological risks associated with being a First Responder
If you notice a change in your psychological well-being, such as sleep disturbances, irritability, anger, numbness, or impulsivity
If you notice changes in your home life
If you’ve received a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you’ve experienced a difficult call that’s causing you distress
If you’re currently off work on WSIB and want to return to work, but find it difficult due to symptoms