Trauma's Toll on First Responders & Trauma Therapists with Colleen Clark

08/22/23 • 74 min

Calling all first responders and trauma therapists! Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive into the world of trauma therapy, mental wellness and valuable insights that can transform how you navigate the challenges of your vital roles.

In this episode with Colleen Clark, a seasoned trauma therapist, the conversation delved deep into the challenges faced by first responders and trauma therapists, exploring techniques for building resilience, recognizing burnout, and promoting mental wellness. Thank you so much for listening - be sure to like/review/rate/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - any support is super helpful!

Colleen's wealth of experience in the field of trauma therapy, as well as her specialization in working with first responders, illuminated the complexities of managing the toll of trauma and provided insightful strategies for coping and healing. We began by addressing the common misconceptions surrounding mental health and disabilities, with Colleen emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift from "mental health" to "mental wellness." She advocates for a holistic approach that sees individuals as raw human beings who possess the capacity for healing. She stressed the importance of trauma-informed practices and evidence-based therapies to support those dealing with trauma, asserting that embracing a trauma-informed lens can foster genuine healing.

Colleen underscored the criticality of recognizing signs of burnout and compassion fatigue among first responders and trauma therapists. She highlighted behaviors such as avoidance, negative thought patterns, irritability, and a lack of motivation as indicators of potential burnout. To prevent burnout, she emphasized the need for a balanced work-life dynamic and the practice of mindfulness and self-compassion. We talked about the need for cultivation of gratitude and the engagement of all senses to promote overall mental wellness.

Colleen's expert insight sheds light on the challenges specific to first responders, who often grapple with traumatic experiences on a regular basis. She stressed the significance of processing events quickly and seeking professional support to prevent the development of more serious conditions like PTSD. In addition to evidence-based therapies, it is recommended that first responders do a debriefing with trusted colleagues as a means of addressing trauma and fostering resilience.

The interview also touched on the role of loved ones in supporting first responders and trauma therapists. Colleen urged friends and family to create safe spaces for open communication, allowing individuals to express their feelings and experiences without judgment. She highlighted the importance of asking how one can provide support, as it empowers the person dealing with trauma to voice their needs.

Throughout the conversation, Colleen's warmth and expertise resonated. Her approach was grounded in compassion and authenticity, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek help when needed. The episode concluded with Colleen sharing her personal experiences and aspirations, including her recent nomination for the International Women of Inspiration Award. Her journey of resilience and determination serves as an inspiring testament to the power of purpose and passion.

In essence, the podcast episode with Colleen Clark provided a comprehensive exploration of trauma therapy, burnout prevention and the transformative potential of adopting a trauma-informed lens. Colleen's guidance offered a roadmap for first responders, trauma therapists and anyone grappling with the toll of trauma to find healing, balance and strength in their journey towards mental wellness!

More about Colleen: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/colleen-clark

More about Colleen: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/colleen-clark

Previous Episode

Anxiety, Depression & Mental Health Advocacy with Brian Sachetta

Discover the inspiring journey of a mental health advocate and coach, perfect for anyone seeking personalized strategies to overcome challenges and embrace resilience!

In this episode, MommaFoxFire talks with Brian Sachetta about Mental Health Advocacy for Anxiety & Depression. Thank you so much for listening - be sure to like/review/rate/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - any support is super helpful!

Brian is a mental health advocate, author, and coach, and he joins MommaFoxFire in this episode for an insightful and candid conversation about mental health advocacy, personal experiences with anxiety and depression, and the importance of breaking misconceptions surrounding mental health.

Brian shares his journey into mental health advocacy and the motivation behind his work. He emphasizes that his aim is to help people feel better and lead happier lives by providing strategies and personalized support. Like MommaFoxFire, he is careful to acknowledge that he is not a mental health professional, underlining the distinction between his role as an advocate and that of licensed therapists or psychologists.

Our conversation addresses the challenges faced by mental health advocates, particularly those who share their own experiences. Brian recounts receiving negative reviews from individuals questioning his qualifications. Understanding that not everyone will resonate with his work, he emphasizes that people have the right to seek the solutions that best suit them. He remains committed to being transparent about his background and intentions, building trust with his audience.

We then meander into the crucial topic of finding mental health care providers. Both Brian and MommaFoxFire stress the importance of finding the right therapist and treating therapy as a tool to be used as needed. They encourage listeners to seek resources that cater to their specific needs and preferences, offering links to mental health resources to assist those in search of suitable support.

As the episode comes to a close, Brian and MommaFoxFire reflect on the misconceptions surrounding mental illness and the stigma associated with seeking help. Both Brian and MommaFoxFire stress the importance of dispelling the notion that mental illness reflects weakness. They call for a shift in societal perspectives and encourage open conversations to foster greater understanding and empathy.

This podcast episode offers a profound and honest conversation about mental health advocacy and the challenges faced by advocates who share their personal experiences. Brian's dedication to helping others, despite the occasional criticism, is commendable. The discussion emphasizes the need for open conversations, personalized care, and the importance of seeking support without shame or judgment. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in mental health advocacy and seeking resources to aid in their mental health journey.

More about Brian: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/brian-sachetta

Short bio: Brian Sachetta is the author and owner of Get Out of Your Head®, a brand and book series that seeks to help folks overcome anxiety and depression. By trade, Brian is a software developer. He combines his experiences in the tech world with previous mental health battles to draw parallels between computer systems and the human mind and give readers practical strategies for evading their own psychological demons. Brian currently has two books on the market, “Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming Anxiety” and “Get Out of Your Head Vol. 2: Navigating the Abyss of Depression.” His mission is to help as many sufferers as possible through not only those books but also his blog and podcast appearances.

Next Episode

Communication Skills to Save Your Relationships with Elaine Belson

If you're ready to transform how you connect and navigate life's challenges, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking empowering insights and practical advice. Join us for a candid conversation as we dive deep into the art of communication, mental health, and building resilient relationships.

MommaFoxFire engaged in a thoughtful and insightful conversation with an expert in social work, Elaine Belson, discussing various aspects of communication, relationships, and mental health. Thank you so much for listening - be sure to like/review/rate/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - any support is super helpful!

Elaine's extensive experience and expertise in the field offered valuable insights that are applicable not only to personal relationships but also to society as a whole. Our discussion delved into the nuances of effective communication, especially in relationships. Elaine emphasized that her approach involves refraining from giving direct advice and instead focuses on asking questions. This technique helps individuals identify their feelings and consider possible solutions. She highlighted that understanding the "why" behind behavior is crucial and that helping individuals identify their emotions and problem-solving methods leads to better outcomes.

Elaine shared a practical communication exercise for couples involving empathetic listening and "I messaging." This exercise aims to encourage open dialogue by enabling individuals to express their concerns using a structured formula. By employing reflective listening, couples can enhance their understanding of each other's perspectives and work together to find solutions, rather than engaging in power struggles.

Our conversation also goes into recognizing when a relationship may not be worth saving. Elaine emphasized the importance of assessing whether the relationship aligns with one's needs, is characterized by respectful treatment, and shows flexibility in adapting to changes. She advised seeking professional help before reaching the point of considering a breakup and highlighted the value of professional therapy in providing guidance and insight.

Addressing common misconceptions around mental health, Elaine stressed that mental health encompasses more than just psychiatric disorders. She advocated for integrating mental health expertise into mainstream conversations, both personally and within society. We talked about the concept of "honoring the past while staying in the present," and how couples can balance past disappointments with a willingness to move forward and embrace change.

Elaine also emphasized the significance of boundaries in relationships. She encouraged individuals to set and assert boundaries while acknowledging that doing so may initially lead to discomfort or resistance from others. She urged listeners to recognize that change is possible and to prioritize their own well-being and growth.

Overall, this episode provided a wealth of valuable information on effective communication, relationship dynamics and mental health. Elaine's insights, combined with practical exercises and thought-provoking concepts, offer listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering healthy relationships, understanding mental health complexities and promoting personal growth. The engaging conversation underscores the importance of open dialogue, empathy and continuous self-improvement in navigating the intricate landscape of human interactions and emotions.

More about Elaine: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/elaine-belson