Online Therapy for Military, Veterans, and First Responders: Get Relief from PTSD and Trauma-Related Stress
I’m a trauma-informed EMDR therapist in Winnipeg who treats trauma and PTSD in military members, veterans, and first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, police, and RCMP officers.
In the line of duty, you’ve seen and experienced deeply disturbing events. And you’ve had to put your feelings aside so you can do your job.
The problem is, what you see at work doesn’t always stay at work.
Things that never bothered you before may now feel overwhelming. Perhaps you’re exhausted, but you can’t relax.
You might be running on empty, and it’s affecting your relationships and how you feel about yourself.
You might be telling yourself to toughen up, push through, or get over it.
But trauma isn’t something you can simply will yourself to get over.
Repeated exposure to life-threatening, distressing, or traumatic situations affects how your nervous system responds to stress.
Your body may remain on high alert, even when you’re somewhere safe. Or you may shut down emotionally when everything becomes too much.
These reactions developed to protect you in difficult or dangerous situations. But those same responses can interfere with your everyday life.
Signs of Trauma or PTSD in First Responders
Whether you’re a first responder, military member, or veteran, you may relate to some of these:
- Intrusive memories and nightmares: Disturbing images, sounds, or memories from traumatic incidents
- Constant alertness and difficulty sleeping: Feeling anxious, on guard, jumpy, or irritable; difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Low Mood or emotional numbness: feeling empty or flat, losing interest in the things you used to enjoy, or feeling depressed
- Avoidance and isolation: Staying away from places or situations that remind you of the disturbing events you’ve experienced, or withdrawing from people whom you love
- Guilt, shame, and self-blame: Wishing you could have done more in specific situations, or feeling damaged and unworthy
- Difficulty coping: Struggling to concentrate, feeling overwhelmed by everyday demands, or abusing alcohol or other substances
- Burnout and loss of confidence: Dreading another shift or doubting your ability to do your job
These are all normal reactions to deeply distressing experiences. They’re biological and automatic, outside of your conscious control.
They often build over years, until your nervous system’s usual ways of coping stop working.
They are not a sign of weakness.
They are not your fault.
And EMDR therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.
EMDR Therapy Can Help You Process What You’ve Seen and Feel More at Ease in Your Life
EMDR and somatic therapies are designed to help you process traumatic experiences and PTSD, so your nervous system feels safer, and you can feel more like yourself again.
As you process your memories, the images, sounds, and feelings attached to them lose their intensity. They no longer take over your body and mind.
Benefits of Therapy for First Responders
Many Clients notice:
- Intrusive memories and flashbacks become less frequent or stop
- Better sleep and waking up feeling more rested
- Feeling calmer, on and off the job
- More patience, with less irritability
- Improved relationships; feeling closer to family and friends
- Healthier ways to cope, without relying on substances
- Relief from guilt and shame about situations you can’t change, improved feelings of self-worth
A Certified EMDR Therapist Who Treats Trauma, Complex Trauma, and PTSD
I’m a Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved EMDR Consultant with advanced EMDR training to treat military members, veterans, police, and other first responders.
To the best of my knowledge, I’m the only Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved EMDR Consultant in Manitoba who focuses solely on treating PTSD, complex PTSD, and dissociation.
I understand that trust doesn’t come easily, especially if therapy hasn’t helped before. I’m direct, I don’t judge, and I won’t ask you to talk about anything before you’re ready.
You Don’t Have to Continue Struggling
Trauma and PTSD [link to trauma page] are treatable. EMDR therapy can help you feel better, improve your life at home and at work.
Book a free, 10-minute phone consultation.
We’ll talk briefly about what you’re dealing with and whether we’re a good fit.
If we decide to work together, we’ll set up our first session online via video conference. I work online with clients in Winnipeg and worldwide.
*If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or 911.
** Therapy may be covered by WCB in Manitoba and WorkSafeBC, Veterans Affairs Canada, and other third-party payers.