This is a podcast interview between Sarah Gura, a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in treating first responders, and Natalie Rivens, co-CEO of Reorigin and a somatic practitioner. The conversation covers eight sections exploring the impact of policing on the nervous system, with Natalie sharing her personal experience as a former police officer who developed anxiety, depression, and chronic pain after 12 years in law enforcement. They discussed how first responders' brains become overprotective due to repeated exposure to danger, leading to hypervigilance, sleep problems, and emotional numbness even when they appear to be functioning normally. Natalie explained neuroplasticity and brain retraining as practical ways to help first responders learn new responses to threat patterns, distinguishing this approach from positive thinking or ignoring symptoms. They covered somatic practices, including simple techniques like orienting to the present moment, extending exhalations, and physical grounding to help transition out of work mode. The discussion also addressed how police culture can suppress emotion and the importance of normalizing seeking help, with both participants emphasizing that asking for support doesn't indicate weakness but rather demonstrates genuine resilience. The conversation concluded with practical advice for first responders who recognize themselves in the discussion, encouraging them to start with awareness and simple nervous system regulation practices.Sarah's Website: www.selfcarepath.comNatalie: www.re-origin.com

This is a brief podcast that lists options for your resource folder. A resource folder has psychological support contacts/information that is relevant, vetted, and updated regularly. It should be easily accessible to first responder department employees without having to ask for it.

I've asked my sister to participate on this podcast journey with me! This episode is our first conversation, with many more to come.

Video version is on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/H495-YCR4IY?si=7K7v2zDouFQuwfrf

Shaun from I'VE GOT YOUR BACK introduces us to Carl from Mental Health Technologies with Sarah from The Self-Care Path, LLC to discuss the simplicity of a peer support app that provides the effective and genuine connections first responders need when mental health is on the line.

Dr. Stacy Raymond and licensed clinical social worker Bonnie Rumilly discuss first responder counseling. A great listen for first responders and first responder clinicians.

You can find Stacy: https://www.drstacyraymond.com/

You can find Bonnie: https://www.respondertv.com/people/bonnie-rumilly-lcsw-1/

Book Links:https://www.respondertv.com/p/helpingthehelpers/https://a.co/d/jjfzlSN

Sarah: www.selfcarepath.com

David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant and Sarah Gura of The Self-Care Path, LLC discuss first responder retirement. David Dachinger+1 844-344-6655 | Email: [email protected] Peer Coach with 22Zero.org Sarah Gura www.selfcarepath.com

Small steps to overcome overwhelm are significantly important to the process of reaching your goals! Create a future template, and address all the little things you don't think need attention. Neil's website: ⁠go.neilschoepp.com/frresponder-page⁠Sarah's website: www.selfcarepath.com

This is a less than 5 minute video/call to action. As of June 1st, Illinois First Responders should NOT be paying co-pays or deductibles for mental health services. As a therapist for MANY first responders across Illinois, I can tell you, NOT ONE INSURANCE is following the law yet. Please like, share, and get this video into the hands of someone who can help. It is not fair that my clients have to break their own PHI/HIPPA to tell a Chief their insurance is NOT following the law. THANK YOU! If you are a Chief level officer, please work with your insurance carrier to correct this wrong. THANK YOU!

Shaun from Canada's I've Got Your Back! talks with Patty and Kam of INSIGHT AND CONNECTION in the Chicagoland area about first responder psychological support. Hosted by Sarah Gura of The Self-Care Path, LLC.

www.selfcarepath.com

www.insightandconnection.com

Josh from the Illinois Fire Service and Shaun from Canada's I've Got Your Back discuss first responder psychological support programs with host Sarah Gura.