
First Responder Support
Support is closer than you think — here’s how to reach it.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Below are simple ways to connect with me and with a community that understands the first responder experience. Whether you’re looking for group connection, education, or a private 1:1 call, these options are available to you right now.
A safe space to connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of the job. Come as you are — no pressure, just support.
Guided mindfulness and breathwork to calm the nervous system and create a sense of peace.
Monthly workshops designed to explore a variety of wellness topics, build connection, and take away new practices each month.
A complimentary one-on-one call to ask questions, explore resources, and find your next steps.
Powerful Resources, All in One Place
Explore this curated list of programs, therapies, and tools designed for first responders and their families. Some are national links, others are ideas you can find locally. Use what supports you best and begin building your own path to resilience and wellness.
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Immersive Post-Traumatic Growth Programs
Boulder Crest Foundation (Warrior PATHH) — 90-day peer-delivered program (7-day immersive start).
🔗 bouldercrest.orgAvalon Action Alliance — Partners with Boulder Crest to connect responders/veterans with Warrior PATHH, TBI programs, and Warrior’s Heart rehab.
🔗 avalonactionalliance.orgSave A Warrior (SAW) — Community-based resiliency program for responders and military.
🔗 saveawarrior.org
Trauma & Recovery Treatment Centers
Warrior’s Heart — Specialized inpatient/outpatient care for substance abuse, PTSD, and co-occurring conditions.
🔗 warriorsheart.comDeer Hollow Recovery & Wellness Centers — Trauma and addiction recovery with evidence-based therapies (EMDR, DBT, CPT, etc.).
🔗 deerhollowrecovery.com
First Responder-Specific Retreats
First Responder Support Network (FRSN) — WCPR (West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat), SOS for families, and peer support training.
🔗 frsn.orgResiliency1st, Inc. — Responder-focused retreats and trainings designed to build wellness and resilience.
🔗 resiliency1st.org11th Hour Retreat — Restorative retreats for first responders seeking reset and reconnection.
🔗 11thhourretreat.comRekindled Retreats — Founded by a first responder, offering restorative retreats to support healing and reconnection.
🔗 rekindledretreats.com
Faith-Centered Programs
Mighty Oaks Foundation — Free, peer-based 5- to 6-day recovery programs at ranches for responders and veterans.
🔗 mightyoaksprograms.org
Supportive Nonprofits & Resource Hubs
Disaster Responder Assets Network (DRAN) — Crisis support, training events, and responder education.
🔗 disasterassets.orgThe Overwatch Collective — Funds therapy sessions, connects responders to vetted therapists, and hosts the Overwatch podcast.
🔗 overwatchcollective.orgFire Family Foundation — Provides financial aid, mental health support, scholarships, and survivor assistance to firefighter families.
🔗 firefamilyfoundation.org
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
Evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories. Best with a licensed trauma therapist.Brainspotting
A therapy approach similar to EMDR, using eye position to access unprocessed trauma.CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Focuses on shifting unhelpful thought patterns and building healthy coping strategies.Neurofeedback Therapy
Uses brainwave monitoring and feedback to help regulate the nervous system.ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy)
A rapid trauma treatment approach using visualization and memory reconsolidation.
🔗 https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.comFree Therapy for Children of First Responders
Provided through the 1st Responder Children’s Foundation.
🔗 https://1strcf.org/mental-health/
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PTSD & Mental Health
PTSD Coach — Developed by the VA’s National Center for PTSD; education, self-assessments, and coping tools.
🔗 mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coachMindfulness Coach — VA’s evidence-based app offering a step-by-step mindfulness practice.
🔗 mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coachLife Saver Academy — First responder support app created by AK Dozanti, with stress relief tools, resources, and community connection.
🔗 play.google.com
Meditation & Mindfulness
Insight Timer — Free meditation app with thousands of guided sessions and music tracks.
🔗 insighttimer.comHeadspace — Simple meditation and mindfulness for stress management, sleep, and focus.
🔗 headspace.comCalm — Meditation, Sleep Stories, breathing exercises, and relaxation music.
🔗 calm.com
Stress & Mood Tools
The Tapping Solution — Guided EFT tapping sessions for stress, anxiety, and better sleep.
🔗 thetappingsolution.comSpiritune — Music-based app designed to regulate mood, focus, and stress (free for military and families via partner programs).
🔗 spiritune.com
Cognitive & Learning
Elevate — Brain-training games to sharpen focus, memory, reading, and math skills.
🔗 elevateapp.com
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The Bridge (Struggle Well Podcast) – Boulder Crest Foundation
Stories of posttraumatic growth, resilience, and healing.
🔗 bouldercrest.org/podcastsThe Hero’s Journey – Sharp Performance
Resilience and recovery stories from first responders, veterans, and coaches.
🔗 sharpenperformance.com/podcastBehind the Shield
Conversations with leading experts on physical and mental wellness for first responders.
🔗 behindtheshieldpodcast.comPTSD Bunker Gear For Your Brain
Straightforward discussions on PTSD with strategies for healing, hosted by Carl Waggett.
🔗 ptsdbunkergearforyourbrain.libsyn.comThe Overwatch Collective Podcast
First responder– and veteran-led show sharing trauma stories and mental health resources.
🔗 theoverwatchcollective.com/podcastThe Firefighter Deconstructed
Hosted by PTSD survivor Christy Warren, exploring the emotional toll of firefighting and healing.
🔗 mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/the-firefighter-deconstructedThe Fire Inside Podcast
Peer support podcast offering weekly emotional and spiritual support for first responders.
🔗 thefireinsidepodcast.comFirst Responder Psychological Support
Podcast by Sarah Gura with counseling and self-care strategies for first responders.
🔗 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-psychological-support/id1534780635Responder Resilience
Video podcast featuring first responders discussing wellness, resilience, and recovery.
🔗 respondertv.comIgniting the Shift Within
Firefighter Nation series on the mental health journey for first responders.
🔗 firefighternation.com – Igniting the Shift Within
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Trauma & Recovery
Solving the Post Traumatic Stress Brain Injury Puzzle — Linda Green 🔗 Amazon
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging — Sebastian Junger 🔗 Amazon
Surviving the Shadows — Bob Delaney with Dave Scheiber 🔗 Amazon
Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton — Taylor Baldwin Kiland & Peter Fretwell 🔗 Amazon
Waking the Tiger — Peter A. Levine 🔗 Amazon
Personal Growth & Resilience
The Gifts of Imperfection (10th Anniversary Edition) — Brené Brown ?? Amazon
Excommunicated Warrior — Nick Koumalatsos 🔗 Amazon
What Color Is Your Parachute? (2024 Edition) — Richard N. Bolles 🔗 Amazon
How To Do The Work — Nicole LePera 🔗 Amazon
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents — Lindsay C. Gibson ?? Amazon
Atomic Habits — James Clear 🔗 Amazon
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey 🔗 Amazon
Spirituality & Presence
First Responder Families & Well-Being
Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement — Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D.
🔗 AmazonI Love a Cop (Third Edition) — Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. 🔗 Amazon
I Love a Fire Fighter (Second Edition) — Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. 🔗 Amazon
The 5 Love Languages — Gary Chapman 🔗 Amazon
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep sharing resources for the first responder community.
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Linda Green – Courage Into Action Mentoring(Author: Solving the PTSD Puzzle)
Trauma-informed life coaching rooted in first responder experience.
🔗 encouragegreen.comAK Dozanti – Life Saver Wellness Academy
Former deputy sheriff and author of Beat the Burnout, offering coaching on resilience, post-traumatic growth, and burnout recovery.
🔗 akdozanti.comMegan O’Connor – Peer Support & Coaching
Retired Fire Engineer/Paramedic and Certified Life Coach providing peer support and coaching to help first responders rebuild resilience.
🔗 4valiantcore.comSarah Grace – Holistic PTSD Recovery Coaching
Holistic tools and mindset support for PTSD recovery, from a retired paramedic.
🔗 sarahkgrace.comGreg Furnia – Living the Good Life Coach
Certified life coach with decades of law enforcement experience, focused on personal resilience, leadership, career growth, and life balance for first responders.
🔗 livingthegoodlifecoach.comChris Warren – First Responder Coaching
Coaching tailored to life after the badge — career transitions, resilience, and reintegration.
📧 Email Chris gbca3784@gmail.comFirst Responder Coaching Services
One-on-one, couples, and group coaching for responders and their families, offering workshops and multi-week programs on resilience and stress management.
🔗 1strespondercoaching.org
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Transcendental Meditation (TM.org)
Evidence-based meditation practice using a simple mantra technique. TM has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and support resilience.
Visit SiteBreatheology – Breathwork for First Responders
A training program tailored to the needs of first responders, teaching practical breathwork techniques to manage stress, improve performance, and support recovery.
Visit SiteExplore Locally or via Apps
Many communities offer meditation or breathwork classes. You can also try apps like Insight Timer or Headspaceto get started right away.
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Responder First Wellness (Integrative Psychiatry — Napa & Telehealth)
Culturally competent care for first responders: medication management, hormones, supplements, and personalized wellness plans.
Visit SitePam McDonald — ApoE Gene Diet
Offers genetic testing and a personalized nutrition program.
Visit SiteNutritionist or Health Coach
Nutrition is foundational to resilience and recovery. Search for a certified nutritionist, dietitian, or health coach near you or through telehealth.Holistic & Functional Medicine Providers
Practitioners who take a whole-body approach by looking at your history, lifestyle, and lab work to create individualized treatment plans. Search for a naturopathic, integrative, or functional medicine doctor near you.Supplement Guidance
Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supports can help with sleep, stress, and recovery, but should be personalized. Look for guidance from a nutritionist, naturopath, or functional medicine provider.
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Featured Program
Human Garage — Whole-body alignment and fascia release to reset the nervous system. Free Program.
🔗 humangarage.net
Hands-On Therapies
Acupuncture (NADA Protocol) — Supports nervous system regulation.
Chiropractic Care — Realignment to ease tension and stress.
Massage Therapy & Bodywork — Relaxes muscles and releases stored stress.
Bowen Therapy — Gentle technique to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Energy & Sound Practices
Chakra Balancing — Offered at many healing centers.
Sound Meditation / Sound Baths — Vibrational healing to reset the CNS.
Brain & Nervous System Training
Neuroplasticity Practices — Exercises, courses, and books to rewire the brain.
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Yoga
Builds flexibility, strength, and nervous system regulation. Search for local yoga studios or try online platforms.
🔗 https://www.dailyom.com
🔗 https://asanarebel.comMeditation
Supports focus, calm, and resilience. Explore in-person classes or online resources.
🔗 https://www.headspace.com
🔗 https://insighttimer.comFitness & Group Training
Structured workouts and accountability can boost both physical and mental health. Look for local gyms, CrossFit, or group classes near you.
🔗 https://www.beachbody.com
🔗 YouTube workoutsOutdoor Hobby Groups
Activities like hiking, biking, or paddleboarding combine movement with community connection. Search for local meetup groups or recreation clubs in your area.
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CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)
Assessment to identify your top strengths and improve communication. Coaches are trained to help you interpret results and apply them in your work and relationships.
Visit SiteEnneagram Institute
A personality framework that shows how you respond in stress and growth. Many coaches are trained to guide deeper exploration and application of your type.
Visit SiteWomanSpeak
Speaking practice that builds confidence, helps you find your voice, and connect with purpose. It’s also a deeply healing practice — offering a safe space to be seen, supported, and to reclaim your voice with strength and authenticity.
Visit SiteToastmasters International
Public speaking and leadership practice in a supportive community. It’s a powerful way to build confidence, practice vulnerability, and strengthen your ability to communicate with clarity in all areas of life.
Visit Site
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First Responder Coaching – 15 Resources to Support First Responders
A curated collection of crisis lines, retreats, wellness programs, and support organizations.
🔗 1strespondercoaching.org/15-resources-to-support-first-responders
If you’d like guidance or have any questions, please feel free to schedule a 1:1 connection call with me. And if you know of resources that should be added to this list, I’d love to hear from you — please send them my way.

Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Event Three
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Event Two
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Event One
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.