Let Me Be Your Backup...
After The Call
As a First ​Responder or Emergency Services Member, we've all had to "call for backup" at least once in our careers, probably many times over. Or we've heard one of our colleagues make that call, a "Mayday", "10-13", "Code 9" or "Code Black" (firefighters, USA Police, Victoria Police and hospitals, respectively).
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Did you ever think poorly of yourself, or others, for calling for back up when it's required? Or was it a tactical decision, made with the informed knowledge and clarity that you simply needed some additional help and resources, who were trained, experienced and competent...?
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We all know that in the moment, we must act with and maintain our professionalism. There is a part of us that learns how to adapt, compartmentalise, soldier on and through the years, our resilience grows and we find our ways to cope.
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But the hard truth is, we are still human. Our backpacks get too heavy and we realise there is the need to unpack the things we experience as a result of our roles. Even if our minds don't want to believe it, our bodies certainly keep the score. To continue performing optimally as a First Responder, we must recognise there is a time and place to address our own thoughts, feelings, reactions, behaviours, hopes, struggles, goals and challenges.
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I like to think of it as a mental health Tactical Recalibration.
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Because if we don't allow ourselves even a small amount of time to deal with and address the things lurking under the surface; the call that we can't get out of our minds, the impact our job is having on our relationships, the burnout, exhaustion and compassion fatigue. When we don't address these adequately, you'll end up spending more time dealing with the carnage in the aftermath, that your avoidance and denial caused instead of facing it head on in the first place.
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As they say, if you don't make time for your wellness, you'll be forced to make time for your sickness. Which is one of the reasons why I'm a big advocate for preventative and proactive practices, along with mitigation strategies.
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​My core aim is to offer unique insight, understanding and compassion to my clients.
As a former Law Enforcement First Responder and Master Certified Life Coach, I believe being culturally competent, experienced and informed is crucial in making fellow First Responders and Emergency Services Personnel feel confident and comfortable to open up and talk about their experiences.
I accomplish this by focusing on key aspects I think our society is lacking;
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Empathy. Empowerment. Encouragement.
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As your Coach, I provide an environment where it is safe to decompress, debrief and wrestle with the experiences you have at work, without the fear of over-burdening another person. ​I can help you talk out an incident, listen while you unburden yourself, secure in the knowledge that nothing you say will shock or upset me. A space where fear, judgement, shame and embarrassment don't exist.
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Life and wellness coaching, in the style I provide, really is an intimate, collaborative partnership, where we work together to improve the aspects of your life you want to focus on. Whether that's finding a work-life balance, overcoming challenges and obstacles, figuring out how to accomplish your goals, talking out relationship problems or anything else you may be struggling with. By having someone truly listen to you, ask pertinent questions and offer unconditional support, you will feel empowered to make relevant changes in your life.
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As the Client, you are in control and set the agenda, about what is discussed and what we focus on. However, I also believe that you hold all the answers to your own happiness, you just need someone to listen intently and ask the right questions.
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Therefore, my philosophy is a simple one:
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Allow me, as a culturally competent and experienced First Responder Life and Wellness Coach, to Be Your Backup...After The Call.
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Let us engage in that mental health tactical recalibration together, with someone truly invested in you and passionate about the First Responder population. As a former Police Officer and the wife of an Active Duty Firefighter, I understand the nuances of this kind of life and the added pressures it can place on relationships and family dynamics.
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Working with me, you will find a trusted, collaborative partner, who will offer you the following; Empathy, Validation, Compassion, Empowerment,
Support and Encouragement in a completely judgement free environment.
​​​So, if my philosophy and dedication to the First Responder and Emergency Services community speaks to you and you'd like to be coached with these underpinning principles, reach out and let's get started today.
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