First Responders
As a first responder’s spouse, I have a passion for working with first responders and their families. Being the partner of a first responder has provided me an understanding and connection to the unique first responder culture.
I have completed specialized training through First Responder Health including including Inter-Provincial Occupational Awareness Training as well as Introduction to Trauma Exposed Professionals. I have also completed Before Operational Stress (BOS) training, Assisting Individuals in Crisis (CISM) and Group Crisis Intervention (CISD).
During my graduate degree, I completed a thesis on counsellor competency in firefighter culture. This included having in-depth conversation with different firefighters. Through this, I gained a deeper insight into firefighter culture, how firefighters perceive counselling, and how we as counsellors can do better in supporting our first responder community.
You do not need to wait until a critical incident occurs to see a counsellor. Let’s connect now and begin to form the foundation for our relationship. It’s an honour to walk alongside first responders and their loved ones as they navigate the challenges of these roles.
Masters Level Thesis Research
During my Master’s program, I completed a thesis titled Into the Inferno: Counsellor Competency in Firefighter Culture. My thesis involved conducting qualitative research by way of in-depth interviews with local firefighters. I sought to answer the question “What meaning do firefighters make of firefighter culture and how it intersects with mental health and help-seeking from counsellors?”
The purpose of my study was to gain an understanding of how firefighters define firefighter culture and their perceptions of how counsellors can become competent in firefighter culture and experience. I attempted to gather information that would help increase knowledge about firefighter culture and counsellors’ competency of firefighter culture. By examining how firefighters themselves define firefighter culture, I addressed the deficiency of examination of the phenomenon of firefighter culture in current literature.
You can search for my thesis here.
“Into the Inferno: Counsellor Competency in Firefighter Culture”, CCPA, BCACC, CACFT & SFU 2024 Research Conference; Vancouver 2024 (Proposal accepted, did not present due to health issues)
“Into the Inferno: Counsellor Competency in Firefighter Culture”, CCPA Conference, Navigating Trauma, Finding Connection; Prince Edward Island, May 2024
Conference Presentations
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