Mental Health And Therapy Episodes

Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder.

In this engaging episode of Responder Resilience, Bonnie and David tackle the unspoken challenges faced by first responders dealing with perfectionism and relentless self-criticism.

In this episode, we hear from seven influential FDNY leaders who share their insights on effective leadership, resilience, and wellness.

Join us on this Clinician’s Guide masterclass as we speak with Dr. Nicole Navega, a pioneer in embedded EMS trauma care.

We talk with Lt. Tommy Bolin, a firefighter and paramedic from Central Ohio, about the hidden mental health struggles first responders face, and drawing from his book, “Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty in a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice.”

Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMTB, and Stacy Raymond, PsyD, share their expertise on building a practice tailored for clinicians working with First Responders in this engaging episode.

We sit down with Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux, the dynamic duo behind the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference. From raw, personal stories to powerful insights about mental health, these two are on a mission to help first responders navigate the often-overlooked challenges they face.

What if the key to mental wellness lies not just in the mind but in the bed? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's sleep expert helps to unravel the intricate relationship between sleep and resilience, exploring how addressing sleep issues can spark essential conversations about mental health within this high-stakes profession.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Doug Allen, the author of “An Operator's Guide to the Nervous System”. With a deep commitment to serving military personnel and the first responder community, Doug offers a fresh perspective on achieving peak performance through an innovative technique that recalibrates your nervous system for the challenges of the current environment.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Andrew Kane, a seasoned veteran of the FDNY with three decades of experience. Drew was on the front lines at Ground Zero during 9/11 and has committed his life to supporting firefighters and their families in navigating mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Retired Fire Chief Patrick J. Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief, and Loss.” We peel back the layers of leadership in emergency services and what it truly means to lead with strength and vulnerability.

Our guest Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the author of "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man."

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a first responder psychologist specializing in the unique challenges first responder families face. We explore the vital importance of family support in this demanding job.

We sit down with Rick Cheatham, a seasoned Life and Career Transformation Coach and retired Fire Captain. Rick shares his profound journey of resilience, navigating personal challenges including overcoming addiction, coping with the murder of his son, and enduring a life-changing injury.

In this Clinician’s Guide for mental health professionals and savvy first responders, we sit down with Wendy Hummell, a retired detective turned health and wellness manager. We’ll dive into the challenges of introducing wellness to Law enforcement culture, the need for supportive internship programs, and how first responders can transition into second careers as therapists.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by extreme stress or struggling with feelings of resentment? In this enlightening episode, we feature Dr. Frederic Luskin, the renowned director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.

In this encore episode, get ready to meet charismatic firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative force behind Fire Department Chronicles.

This episode explores the vital connection between mental health and law enforcement. Dr. Medina Baumgart shares insights on the critical role of embedded clinicians, the mental health challenges retired officers face, and the importance of peer support programs.

Join us for a compelling dialogue for clinicians and savvy first responders, with Captain Mike Fumiatti of the New Haven Police Department as we dig into the importance of police peer support in law enforcement.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Falisa Asberry, a retired law enforcement veteran and Peacock Training & Consulting Group CEO.

In this Clinician's Guide episode, we sit down with Patrick Fitzgibbons, retired police commander and Shatterproof Community Liaison Lead at FHE Health. We explore the essential topic of specialized addiction and mental health treatment programs designed for first responders.

In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty.

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges of establishing the CSU in the aftermath of the attacks, gaining buy-in for peer support programs, and the memorable successes showcasing mental health support's importance for first responders.

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she shares essential strategies and techniques for addressing the trauma and stress experienced by these responders.