As a veteran and retired state trooper, I have experienced the impact of the accumulation of stress from multiple critical incidents in addition to the need for confidentiality. You may feel like no one in your organization values or respects your dedication and that hurts the core of who you are. You loved your job, but now it feels like you don't recognize who you used to be and hide your suffering from those who know you best. You are afraid that a therapist can not relate to what you have been through, and fear your teammates will think you're weak.My experience provides me with a cultural understanding of the first responder journey resulting from the trauma being witnessed daily. I practice an integrated, person-centered approach to counseling (based on each person’s unique needs) that combines cognitive and behavioral methods, brief solution-focused therapies, and EMDR.I believe in the inherent strength of people to learn, grow, and overcome life’s difficulties especially when that traumatic experience occurred on the job. A first responder is used to being the fixer and not asking for help after an overwhelming critical incident. Therapy assists with finding relief from anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and other issues.