Melissa Petersen, a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist, joins us to discuss her experience as a Wildland Firefighter, along with her passion for supporting the mental health of first responders. She shares how she has seen the first responder culture change with regards to mental health over the course of her career, along with how she hopes to see mental health evolve in the future. In addition, we discuss one of her favorite treatment modalities. 

Key words: EMDR, first responders, critical incidents, stress, burnout, mental health, stigma

Resources:

Nevada Peer Support Network: https://www.nvpsn.org/licensed%20clinicians.html

National Volunteer Fire Council Directory of Clinicians: https://www.nvfc.org/phfd/

Psychology Today - Find A Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

EMDR International Association - Find an EMDR Therapist: https://www.emdria.org/

What is EMDR?: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

Melissa Petersen’s Website: https://www.sierrafamilywellness.com/