First Responders

Welcome

If you're here, I anticipate that you've experienced or witnessed a traumatic event at work or are under review from your professional standards, code of conduct or regulatory body. I can offer you support in both of these difficult circumstances.

Some occupations carry a higher risk of experiencing a traumatic event than others. There's the risk of witnessing and being part of a traumatic event, which may lead you to experience signs and symptoms of a trauma response, such as hypervigilance, flashbacks and rumination. Thankfully, these experiences don't necessarily arise from witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event.   

The prevalence of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for emergency service personnel is around 20%, which is approximately double that of the general population. You're not alone, but more support is needed. 

Following a Traumatic Experience

I can offer you a range of support or therapy options following a traumatic experience.

1. You can download the free Psychological First Aid (PFA) guide from the website.
2. I can offer you a one-off session to support you in implementing PFA and understand where you're struggling most. From there, we can create a brief, bespoke plan to help you feel safer.
3. I can offer you a 4-session brief intervention, to support you in engaging in PFA strategies. This would entail collaboratively formulating specific areas that you're finding difficult, how the trauma is impacting you and how that's maintained, so that we can unpick this. With hope, you'll feel safe and be able to reclaim your life.
4. I can also provide longer-term therapy for complex difficulties, multiple trauma memories and/or when PTSD has developed. We would develop a shared understanding of the difficulties you're experiencing and how to alleviate your symptoms.

During Professional Investigation

I can support you during a professional standards review or investigation. Being under investigation for professional misconduct is traumatic. It can be terrifying to feel that your job, livelihood and your family’s safety may be taken away. An investigation is often a lengthy process and carries a great deal of uncertainty. The fear of this is difficult to manage. 

I can support you, from a place of lived experience, to help you reflect on what has happened, and if there's anything you need to take ownership of in a supportive and validating way.

1. Psychological first aid can be very helpful in this situation. Download the PFA guide from the website.
2. Meet with me for one or four bespoke sessions to support you in managing uncertainty, reducing shame and managing worry and rumination.
3. Ad hoc support when needed during the process. It can be a lonely experience. 

Moral Injury

Finally, and importantly, experiencing a workplace trauma or being under professional investigation can lead to feeling very let down by the organisation you work in. This can lead to moral injury. This refers to an event or experience that has violated your core morality, leading to feelings of betrayal and anger.

It may be helpful to understand and process these feelings, have them validated and then work on how to let go of the distress and reclaim your values within the workplace.