As a former Police Officer, I know only too well the cost of being a first responder and the way this can sometimes invite emotional disconnection. I understand that, as a first responder, being disconnected from your emotions can be absolutely essential at times in order to do your job and keep yourself and others safe.  My years on the job have taught me that this is a critical self-protective strategy - it makes it possible to put on the uniform and be who society needs you to be.

 

At the same time, I know that the experiences don’t leave you when you take your uniform off at the end of a long shift and try to return to “normal” life.  It is my firm belief that first responders shouldn’t have to hold two separate and disconnected identities depending whether they are on or off duty.  I feel that it is not only possible, but essential, for first responders to have a space where they can be BOTH a first responder AND a parent, child, sibling, partner, friend and human.

 

I believe, and the research shows, that a strong and compassionate connection between a client and their counsellor is one of the most important factors in successful therapy.  Brené Brown describes connection as “the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement” and this is central to my counselling practice.  I feel that you shouldn’t have to be alone in this work – I believe in the power of human-to-human connection in validating and honouring your experiences.

 

I also believe in the importance of your connection to yourself, your mind, your body and nature.  It is my sense that when first responders are supported to connect deeply to themselves and to the world around them, it then becomes possible to connect to a greater sense of belonging and purpose both professionally and personally.

 

I understand that no two first responders are the same, so my utmost priority is to understand how you see the world. Through my collaborative and social constructionist approach, I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that my job is to facilitate conversations which support you to reconnect to your own wisdom and knowing. 

 

In the same way that you might go to the gym to maintain your physical fitness or you take your car for a service and oil change to keep your engine running smoothly, counselling can be a tune-up for your emotional and mental wellbeing.  I’m interested in what might be possible if we are supported to treat our mental fitness with the same value and importance as our physical fitness?  We know we have to lift weights to build strength, and run to build endurance, but can we give the same commitment to our mental fitness?

 

My practice framework includes the following approaches: 

• Social constructionist

• Collaborative

• Narrative

• Solution-focused

• Strengths-based

• Systemic

• Gottman

• Trauma-informed

• Emotion-focused