Psychological Services for EMS
Treatment for EMS professionals who encounter violence on the job, have a slide deck of faces stuck on repeat in their minds’ eye, who want to learn healthier ways of coping with these memories.
EMS isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle.
When you started in this profession, you wanted every certificate and took every class offered. Some of your colleagues were pre-med students, and maybe you considered that path too.
You make some decisions at the brink of life and death. The demands of perfectionism seem reasonable to you, and you can’t consider lowering your standards. Some find the high call volume unrealistic, but you enjoy the rush.
Between caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks, and shift work, sleep becomes elusive.
While posting, you start to wonder about the big questions. Why do we let some people die, and pull out all the stops to save others? Is some suffering preventable? A wise colleague reminds you, “We can’t fix a decade of eating fast food, smoking, and a family history of heart disease in 30 seconds.” Yet, somehow that seems like giving up.
Vicarious trauma. Moral medicine. Burnout. Compassion fatigue. Boredom.
You start to get annoyed with friends and family who panic about stupid stuff. Your girlfriend’s problem seems so insignificant compared to what you see at work.
I help EMS professionals see their families as people who deserve attention, even if they are not bleeding. You can go more than one day without a headache. You can enjoy time off without feeling guilty.
I help EMS professionals look in the mirror and not be ashamed of how they have treated people. With therapy, the past doesn’t have to haunt you anymore. Give me a call 510.797.4911 .
Helpful Videos
Never Let Go-EMS Tribute
With Help Life Gets Better
Reducing the Stigma of Psychiatric Medications
Helpful Books
After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful
By Janis Abrahms Spring, PhD with Michael Spring
Publisher HarperCollins, 292 pages, Copyright 1996
Damaged: A First Responder’s Experiences Handling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
By James Meuer
Publisher WestBow Press, 64 pages, Copyright 2013
Death Notification: A Practical Guide to the Process
By R. Moroni Leash
Publisher Upper Access Books, Hinesburg VT, 277 pages, Copyright 1994
Deceived: Facing the Trauma of Sexual Betrayal
By Claudia Black, PhD
Publisher Central Recovery Press, 272 pages, Copyright 2019
Establishing and Maintaining Peer Support Programs in the Workplace (Third Edition)
By Robyn Robinson & Patricia Murdoch
Publisher Chevron, 87 pages, Copyright 2003
Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness
By Dr. Fred Luskin
Publisher HarperOne, 220 pages, Copyright 2002
Scenes of Compassion: A Responder’s Guide for Dealing with Emergency Scene Emotional Crisis, Second Edition
By Timothy W. Dietz, MA
Publisher Behavioral Health Resources, 110 pages, Copyright 2009
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
By Gary Chapman
Publisher Northfield Publishing, 203 pages, Copyright 2004
The Gift of Fear: and other Survival Signals that protect us from Violence
By Gavin De Becker
Publisher Dell, 384 pages, Copyright 2021
The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms
By Mary Beth Williams, PhD, LCSW, CTS., and Soili Poijula, PhD
Publisher New Harbinger Publications Inc., 237 pages, Copyright 2002
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good for You, and How to Get Good at it
By Kelly McGonical, PhD
Publisher Avery, 279 pages, Copyright 2016
Traumatic Stress in Critical Occupations: Recognition, Consequences, and Treatment
By Douglas Paton and John M. Violanti
Publisher Charles C Thomas, 245 pages, Copyright 1996
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
By Matthew Walker, PhD
Publisher Scribner, 360 pages, Copyright 2017
Helpful Links
- West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat
- There is an alternative to choir practice: Peace Officers Fellowship Meetings
- First Responder Support Group
- San Mateo County CISM Team
- When a Child Dies
- How to find the right mental health trauma specialist