E.196 Supporting First Responders: Effective Therapy Techniques & Approaches

Resilience Development in Action

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First responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency room personnel—face unique psychological stressors that extend far beyond trauma exposure. In this insightful Podcourse, I'm joined by Steve Bisson, LMHC, to explore the complexities of first responder mental health and how therapists can effectively support this population.

Purchase this Podcourse here!

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges first responders encounter, including PTSD, acute stress disorder (ASD), depression, and substance abuse. Steve shares real-world insights and practical strategies for overcoming the barriers first responders face when seeking mental health support.

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This episode will equip mental health professionals with evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and prolonged exposure techniques, tailored to address the specific needs of first responders. Additionally, listeners will learn how to develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention strategies, and referral resources to enhance the mental well-being of their clients.

If you're a clinician looking to deepen your expertise in working with first responders, this Podcourse is an essential resource.

Remember, while you can listen to the show for free, those seeking continuing education credits can purchase them here.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze and describe the unique psychological stressors and challenges faced by first responders, including but not limited to PTSD, acute stress disorder (ASD), depression, and substance abuse.
• Apply and demonstrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and prolonged exposure techniques, to address the specific needs of first responders.
• Develop and design comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention strategies, and referral resources to effectively support the mental health and well-being of first responders.

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YouTube Channel For The Podcast

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1. Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:00:00)

2. Meet Steve Bisson: First Responder Specialist (00:03:38)

3. Unique Challenges and Resistance in Treatment (00:07:17)

4. First Responder Mental Health Statistics (00:17:36)

5. Occupational Stressors and Sleep Disruption (00:23:00)

6. Stigma and Fear of Professional Consequences (00:31:30)

7. Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches (00:39:35)

8. EMDR and Trauma Treatment Strategies (00:48:43)

9. Cultural Competence and Building Trust (00:55:54)

10. Closing Thoughts and Course Conclusion (01:02:50)