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Podcast and Non Profit 501(c)(3) Supporting Mental Health among First Responders, Military, and Families
EIN: 87-2060176
The Overwatch Collective
Meet The Ones Who Help You!
The primary role of the therapist is to help people process challenges in their lives. They often help individuals navigate conflict, resolve internal struggles, and address mental health conditions. These wonderful therapists are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited professionals. We also have associate therapists who are working under a licensed therapist to gain hours toward their license. They are here to help guide and support you through your healing process. We have had episodes with some of these therapists and highly recommend reaching out to them for a consultation to see how one of them can help you.
If you are (or you know someone is) a licensed or associate therapist, psychologist, professional clinical counselor, or social worker and you want to be a resource to our first responders, military, and their families and spouses / significant others, please send us an email to: toctherapistoutreach@gmail.com !
Listen to Deana's episode here!
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California Only
Soon to be Anywhere
Deana Kahle; Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Deana Kahle, M.S., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) received her graduate degree from California Baptist University and trained with The Counseling Team, International serving those who serve since 2011.
As a first responder to first responders, she has provided critical incident stress management (CISM) for many major mass casualties throughout the country. Deana has the privilege and honor of providing services to agencies such as the U.S Forest Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, and the California Highway Patrol.
Her professional experience has focused on the treatment of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. In addition to psychotherapy and stress management services, Deana provides subject matter expert training and keynotes on the topics of resilience, wellness, and peer support. She is passionate about her mission “to alleviate suffering one person at a time”.
Visit www.aboveboardconsulting.com for more information.
Destiny Morris; Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Destiny Morris, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 140334) specializes in trauma work in first responders. She works with individuals, couples, and teenagers. She believes in the importance in having a safe and confidential space to explore challenges that come up in life or in the field. She works with clients who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and personality disorders.
Destiny has the personal experience of being a first responder partner as well as being the daughter of a first responder. She has been trained in EMDR therapy as well as first responder counselor certified.
Alongside empathy and compassion, she believes humor is a coping skill that can be helpful. Destiny sees clients via Telehealth in the state of CA and can be reached directly at 805-294-0430 or at destinymorristherapy@gmail.com
California Only
Tracy Alvarado; Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist and Associate
Professional Clinical Counselor
Tracy Alvarado, M.S. is a dual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 121334) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC 7168). She has clinical experience working with First Responders and their Families. Additionally, Tracy is trained in CBT Interventions, EMDR Therapy and Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefs.
Clinical scope of practice is Client Centered Counseling, bio-psycho-social assessments, and trauma informed care. Furthermore, Tracy’s skills go beyond clinical knowledge and technical ability as she is a spouse of a United States Marine and the mother of a one-year-old son. This is all important to note as she firsthand understands the primary parent role around the responders shift work and how that may impact family life.
Tracy predominately see’s clients via Telehealth in CA and can be reached directly at Tracy.Alvarado@hiu.edu
California Only
William N. Kelly;
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW - California
& North Carolina
LCSW-C Maryland
I’m Will Kelly, and I’m on a path of servitude to fellow Men... Brothers... Fathers... Kings. I have a strong desire to usher men into themselves and learn to embrace the Strength within Vulnerability. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to cultivating intimate spaces for Men to fully BE and acknowledge their truths without shame or judgment.
As a whole, we Men have NO guidance on how to connect with our thoughts and emotions and how to communicate them to others. We have been emasculated in many ways through various sources and we are often lost in our minds to which we have no connection.
I represent the part of you who observes without judgment and delivers knowledge and as a King, you take this knowledge and govern your Inner Kingdom with divine order and blessing. Your Inner Warrior will act swiftly under this order with clarity to protect the little boy within who is connected to the pleasure, joy, and playful opportunities this life has to offer...and what he has to offer this life.
Sincerely,
William N. Kelly, LCSW (CA,NC), LCSW-C (MD), MVF-CSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Matt McNichol; Associate
Marriage & Family Therapist
Matt, a retired LEO after 15 years, is now an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 127732) and is almost at the 3,000 hour mark in order to test to be a licensed therapist in California.
After successfully passing FTO, Matt experienced two tragic calls for service which he shares and believes led him to his PTSD. Matt experienced some challenges of finding a culturally competent therapist, but was finally able to be matched and ultimately attended the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat (WCPR) put on by the First Responder Support Network.
From Matt: "I am retired after 15 years of law enforcement and come from a first responder family with several family members being either fire fighters or police officers. After medically retiring I went to USF and I am now an associate marriage and family therapist and work with first responders as well as children. I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting and can see clients in person or on zoom."
You can contact Matt at Matt_m@onelifecounselingservices.com
California Only
Chelsea Sterling; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
California Only
Chelsea is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 10584). She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Her clinical experiences include providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling and psychosocial assessments through work in short term acute residential treatment (START) programs, outpatient mental health clinics and an alcohol treatment facility.
She is a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. She has facilitated the following groups: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Mental Health and Sobriety, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and Seeking Safety.
She has led critical incident debriefings, defusings and Wellness Day presentations for the SD Police Department and SD Fire Department. Her clinical background includes work with the following populations: first responders and their families, underserved populations in San Diego, including adults with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders, members of the LGBTQ+ community and adults with intellectual disabilities in a social work role.
Chelsea values the importance of person-centered therapy based on a person’s strengths and values. Her therapeutic approaches include integrating eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral, supportive, person-centered, solution-focused brief therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She works with adults. Her approach is rooted in creating a comfortable space to explore a client’s concerns and partnering together to generate changes in thoughts, communication and behaviors that can create mental wellness in their lives.
You can email Chelsea directly at: chelsea@chelseasterlingcounseling.com or send us a message.
Matt Donnelly; Intern
Marriage & Family Therapist
Matt Donnelly is an Intern Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as the Tennessee Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationships, suicide prevention and individual growth. Matt sees clients of all ages and currently uses play therapy for children.
Matt has an extremely diverse background and served over 10 years active duty in the Navy. As a husband and father in his personal life, he has a passion working with individuals, couples, children, and families. From his own personal life experiences and growth, he is devoted to helping others with their own goals in therapy.
Matt believes in making therapy treatment as holistic and practical as possible to meet the needs of the client by using the appropriate modality to match, in other words not sticking to one specific modality or another.
He sees clients in person in Jackson Tennessee at Revelation of Hope Counseling Services and via Telehealth anywhere in Tennessee.
If you would like to make an appointment with Matt please visit www.rohcs.org or email info@rohcs.org or call 731-868-7297
Tennessee Only
Hailey Palos; Associate Marriage & Family Therapist AND Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
California Only
Hailey Palos, M.S. is a dual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (Registered MFT #126447) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (Registered PCC #9838). She has years of clinical experience working with First Responders and their families. Additionally, Hailey is trained in trauma-informed interventions and works with individuals, couples, and families.
As a therapist to First Responders and a wife to a first responder, Hailey has seen and experienced the many transitions that come with these careers and the frequent incongruence/imbalance that can happen between work life and home life. Figuring out how to make these careers work for you and your family is a process that is unique to you and one that often requires some support. In working directly with First Responders, Hailey comes alongside at any point in the job (including during training and following critical incidents) to debrief, develop resilience and/or integrate coping skills for the job and at home.
Hailey values an integrative, explorative, and collaborative process that focuses on your individual experience and personality. This means she utilizes a combination of treatment modalities as they best fit you; including, CBT, DBT, experiential therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, trauma-informed practices, etc. We get creative by adapting tools to fit you. Hailey is a trauma-informed therapist, she is also trained by Postpartum Support International and will be completing EMDR training in December 2023.
You can reach Hailey via email at palospractice@gmail.com or by text/call to 916-272-5025. More about Hailey can be found at palospractice.com.
Ericka Paez; Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Brain Health Coach
Ericka Paez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Nevada (LCSW-C 10720-C) and California (LCSW 114412) as well as a Certified Brain Health Coach through the Amen Clinics. As a military veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne, spouse of a military veteran turned first responder, and now spouse of that first responder she brings a multilayered, experienced approach to understanding what you're going through which often helps demystify from multiple angles. Her belief is that mental health is brain health and it all starts with understanding.
Ericka takes a 'whatever works' approach to therapy and believes in a holistic approach to brain health. She will dive into all the factors that can impact the way our brain works and create a detailed and individual plan to move forward including psychoeducation on brain health, science-based explanations of why we do what we do, and why certain treatments are helpful in addressing symptoms, to connect the dots for many of her clients in a way they've not experienced before. She most often uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, solution-focused therapy, and others in her work.
Ericka's focus is anyone who wants to know if they can improve their functioning and understanding through the Amen Way is welcome for a consultation. Her experience lies with those who are military veterans, first responders, spouses and partners for both of those areas.
She is also a former Division 1 athlete and blended families, divorce proceedings, being the parent of small children and an adult child, and chronic illness are all areas that resonate with her or she has direct experience within her own life and/ or family. PTSD is her main thing and she honors those who come to her to move through that and find the other side.
She welcomes clients who want to establish a connection with a provider before a crisis or serious occurrence happens so she encourages potential clients to think of her as a mentor or coach in areas of life such as increased stress, new family dynamics, promotions at work with new stressors, feedback on new or long standing relationships in order to fine tune before a bigger problem develops, processing how society is viewing your work (specifically, police but can be others). When trust develops in the smaller moments, it won't be so overwhelming to access her if, and when, stuff hits the fan!
Ericka's communication style is pretty direct, and she doesn't beat around the facts. She can flex to support those in various stages of change from looking to start to find answers, those ready to change, those stuck with other therapists, and those who think that sometimes therapy feels hokey! Working with her often feels like a breath of fresh air and she often hears "You're like a mind ninja!" or "How do you know that about me?" and has been called 'The Brain Mechanic.'
The main focus for each client is to increase self determination and capacity for decision making through an educated approach to their mental health. While she may have thoughts in her mind about what that may be, she will look to you to discuss what goals you are seeing her to work towards.
Specialities; Therapy Types; Methods: Child/Parent Psychotherapy,
Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT),
Dialectical (DBT), Holistic, Mindfulness Based, Motivational
Interviewing, Solution Focused, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT),
Somatic, Supportive, Trauma Focused
Focus Areas: Addiction, ADHD, Alzheimer's, Anger Management,
Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Children, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Pain, Chronic Relapse, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief, Impulsivity, Impulse Control Disorders, Infertility,Job Stress, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive (OCD), Parenting,
Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Sleep or Insomnia, Stress,
Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Weight Loss, Women's Issues
Nevada & California
Utah & Arizona Coming Soon
Jill Boyle; Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
California
South Carolina
Florida
Jill Boyle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 46971), with over 17 years of experience in the field. She specializes in providing therapeutic support to first responders, military personnel, and individuals struggling with trauma, substance use, depression, and anxiety. Jill's client-centered approach, combined with her warmth, empathy, and collaborative style, creates a safe and supportive environment for healing and personal growth.
Jill's extensive experience includes working in various settings with a focus on serving individuals in the military and first responder communities. She has provided outpatient counseling for the Navy, assisting service members and their families. Additionally, she has worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center, specifically catering to veterans, where she gained valuable insight into the complexities of substance use disorders and their correlation with trauma. She is also a clinical partner with The Headstrong Project, providing therapeutic services to active duty service members and veterans.
Jill's therapeutic approach is client-centered, empowering individuals to take an active role in their healing journey. She believes in establishing a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where clients feel understood, validated, and supported. Through evidence-based modalities, Jill helps clients process traumatic experiences, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and cultivate resilience. Jill is a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
As the wife of a first responder, Jill understands firsthand the unique challenges and demands faced by both responders and their families. This personal connection fuels her passion and dedication to supporting those in similar circumstances, fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.
Jill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and a Registered Telehealth Provider in Florida and South Carolina. Learn more at www.jillboylemft.com
Maggie Hernandez; Associate
Marriage & Family Therapist
Maggie is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Dr. Pilar Sumalpong, PSY #27891. She received her BA in Communications from the California State University, Fullerton, and MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
As a “fire wife” and military daughter, Maggie understands the unique set of challenges faced by first responders, veterans, their partners, and their families, and she values being able to provide support to those who are called upon to serve our communities. In her career, she has had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds who are coping with complex trauma as well as clients recovering from substance use disorder.
Maggie believes that we truly make progress in therapy when we’re in a supportive space where we're encouraged to grow, and that finding a therapist who is a good match is just as important as any intervention used in session. She offers a safe, collaborative environment where she encourages her clients as they navigate life’s challenges. It's important to Maggie that her clients feel understood and challenged in their work together. She blends empathy and warmth with humor and genuine curiosity to create an environment where her clients can heal and discover untapped strengths. She knows how difficult it can be when you try to go at it alone, and she looks forward to supporting you on your journey.
If you would like to connect with Maggie, please send us a message.
California Only
Louisiana
North Carolina
Arizona
Robyn Sonnier; Licensed Professional Counselor & Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Robyn Sonnier, LPC-S, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP-II, CMCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing online therapy to individuals in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Arizona. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University and is a Level 2 Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Military Clinical Counselor, and is currently finishing up the curriculum to be a Certified First Responder Counselor. She has years of experience providing therapy to veterans, first responders, and their families and is an active-duty military partner herself. She recognizes and respects the unique challenges and demands faced by this population.
Robyn’s clients describe her as straightforward and direct but still respectful and compassionate. She specializes in the treatment of OCD, trauma, and complex disorders including complex PTSD and dissociation and has training in a variety of evidenced based interventions including EMDR, IFS, CPT, and ERP. She is passionate about her role of helping others and remains engaged in ongoing continued education and personal learning to be the best for her clients. She has also spoken on both a local and national level on topics related to trauma, self-compassion, and military counseling issues.
Robyn believes in individualized treatment through the use of a multi-modal approach and practices with an anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, and anti-racist orientation. She sees therapy as a partnership and values creating an environment where her clients can talk openly about their struggles, freely share what they disagree with or dislike, and use whatever language feels best for them. She is also currently enrolled in a doctorate program continuing her expertise in the counseling field. Further, she is known in her community for her volunteer work serving the veteran population by offering free therapy sessions to veterans in her private practice as well as her work with organizations such as Acadiana Veteran Alliance and The American Red Cross with the Service to the Armed Forces program.
Gypsy Ray; Licensed Clinical
Social Worker
Gypsy Ray is a trauma therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), but her entire career has been dedicated to helping people. She has been married 30 years to her high school sweetheart and has two adult children. Gypsy enjoys everything sports and outdoors, especially fishing at their family cabin in Montana.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1995, Gypsy worked at FUTURES, providing support to teenage mothers such as teaching parenting and life skills then became a founder of Mountain Home Montana in 1998, providing a home and support to hundreds of young families from across Montana. In 2011, Gypsy went back to school to earn her master’s degree and started a mental health center at Mountain Home Montana to meet the increased need for mental health care.
While Gypsy got her license as a Clinical Social Worker in 2011, she practiced therapy part time, but continued her employment while her children were in high school and college including the Director of the Frenchtown Community Coalition, a Drug Free Communities Program through Missoula County and the Executive Director of Lake County Community Development Corporation, and community and economic development agency in Lake County.
In 2018 Gypsy and her husband moved to the Philipsburg area where she opened a full-time therapy practice. She pursued training and certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy after immediately seeing clients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The increased demand for first responders seeking EMDR Therapy brought Gypsy in contact with Travis Gribble, My Arena LLC and their work providing Trauma Training for First Responders in Montana began in 2022.
In 2022, Gypsy added the title of “Published Author” to her resume’ for her book Gypsy Soul: Memoirs of a Hippie Kid.
Montana Only
Minnesota
Melanie Koenen;
Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Mel is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT 3991). She holds a Master's Degree from Bethel Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy in St. Paul. She specializes in trauma within first responder and military populations. Other areas of interest are family or origin issues, relationship issues, anxiety and communication. She is a Master ART Practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and also utilizes IFS in healing trauma. She believes regulating the nervous system is truly the key to being able to manage stress and heal trauma responses. She also focuses on practical changes that are realistic for your life. At the end of the day, her biggest goal for all of her clients is to work herself out of a job.
She is the wife of a trooper and understands how first responder occupations can affect relationships with schedule changes, OT, etc. She has been told she is easy to talk to and makes therapy a less nerve-wracking experience. She loves to laugh at witty jokes, dry jokes, dark humor, and believes that laughter can be just as healing as crying. She is pretty direct and sweary, however, remains compassionate.
While not in the therapy room, she is a Training Coordinator for TacMobility, a company that focuses on LE stress recovery and resiliency, volunteers as the Wellness Director for Backing the Blue Line, and also published a workbook (Getting to Code 4: A Workbook for Law Enforcement).
As a LAMFT, she is under the supervision of a MN Board Approved LMFT supervisor while completing her remaining hours.
You can reach Mel at mel.koenen@betterthingsaheadmn.com or by text/call at 763-200-6206. More about Mel can be found at www.betterthingsaheadmn.com.
Lisa Foglia; Licensed Mental Health Counselor
& Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Foglia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Lisa’s current private practice, Emotional Archeology, specializes in the treatment of trauma using an integrative approach and drawing on the most helpful concepts across different modalities. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Lisa’s passion is to normalize and destigmatize mental health support in populations that are frequently exposed to traumatic content. Lisa has worked extensively over her career with first responder populations including police, firefighters, EMT’s, correction officers, Federal Agents, veterans and attorneys and is currently building a program that offers mental health psychoeducation and support to first responder agencies and organizations.
As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, Vietnam Veteran with multiple Purple Hearts and retired New York State Trooper, Lisa has personally experienced the psychological complexities of first responder work and the toll it takes not just on the individual but on the entire family, more specifically, when left unaddressed. She is dedicated to helping this population and their families to understand that the experience of trauma is this line of work is inevitable, impacting not just a few, but all.
Her down-to-earth, compassionate and straight-forward approach to therapy helps clients understand that trauma does not equate to weakness and not necessarily a “disorder”, but rather an ineludible aspect of specific occupations.
New York
New Jersey
Danielle Shedden;
Licensed Professional Counselor
Dani Shedden is a mental health counselor and owner of Close the Gap Wellness. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor for the past ten years.
Her education includes a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University and a Masters Certificate in Fire Ecology, Management, and Technology from University of Idaho.
Her background not only includes working in the mental health field, but as a Wildland Firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service.
She has served as a Peer Supporter, Peer Lead, and Coordinator for the Critical Incident Stress Management interagency programs. One of Dani's core values is taking care of people, she continues to do this work outside the land agencies as a CISM Clinician, Mental Health Educator, and as a Human Factors Facilitator for Fireline Leadership courses with Mission Centered Solutions.
Idaho Only
Kristin Johnson; Licensed Professional
Counselor Associate & National
Certified Counselor
Kristin Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), specializes in working with first responders and their spouses/partners. Kristin has the personal experience of being a police officer for 6 years prior to entering the mental health field. She has a first-hand understanding of how difficult it is for first responders to ask for help, specifically pertaining to mental health.
Kristin works with couples or individuals, age 18 and older, who are experiencing depression, relationship difficulties, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other trauma related disorders. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) but also utilizes various modalities to tailor treatment to each client’s specific needs.
Kristin sees clients in person in Summerville, South Carolina or via telehealth anywhere across South Carolina. She can be reached directly at (843) 666-2858 or waterfallwc@gmail.com
South Carolina
Dawn Wrenn;
Licensed Clinical Counselor
North Carolina Only
Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Counselor who specializes in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related symptoms. Dawn graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and earned a Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling from East Carolina University.
Through her experience providing counseling for service members, veterans, and their families in the Camp Lejeune, NC area, she has developed a passion for working with combat veterans. In addition to counseling, Dawn has been active in providing veteran services organizations with access to education and resources for combat veterans and their families. This passion has extended to include work with first responders and individuals who are exposed to vicarious trauma through their occupational duties. She is also a founding member of the PTSD Clinicians Exchange, a project that ensures providers have access to the latest training in order to assist in alleviating symptoms of PTSD.
As a Trauma Specialist, Dawn is a Certified provider of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, and Image Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares. Dawn uses Mindfulness therapies, Solution Focused, Education and behavioral techniques to help each of her clients.
Therapists Coming Soon From...
Utah, Pennsylvania, and more...
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I was feeling like I needed extra support - my husband had just transferred and our son was also starting his season for the first time, so we were going through a major transition. This made me realize that I didn't have a circle of support and I felt lost. I wanted to attend [the group] but just couldn't justify the extra cost in a time when finances were tight. I noticed a post one day about financial support to attend the group funded by TOC, so I responded. It was honestly the best thing I could have done for myself at a time when I was feeling pretty low. It is such a vulnerable position to reach out for help and support, but it honestly could not have been an easier or more gentle process.
Spouse of a Firefighter
Destiny's First Responder
Partner Support Group
Growing up and going through therapy with bad experiences made me resistant to the thought of ever attempting to reach out for help. Things in my life had piled up and I wasn't able to compartmentalize it like normal, which showed in both my personal and professional lives. Realizing I needed help, I reached out to Greg and The Overwatch Collective. Within a few hours, I was connected with Destiny and scheduled my first appointment. I'm still working through things with Destiny, but I want to commend TOC for following through with everything they promote. Destiny has been a blessing by creating a space for me to work through my thoughts and share my experiences. Having a skewed outlook on therapy prolonged ongoing issues and I only wish I had reached out sooner.
Law Enforcement Officer
Individual Therapy
with Destiny
I felt lost and needed help but didn't know how to ask for help without feeling vulnerable. I was recently laid off from my job and unable to afford the therapy needed to improve myself and my family. With the help of The Overwatch Collective, I was able to find a therapist that aimed to better myself, improve meaningful relationships, and make strides to move forward. The cost of therapy was once holding me back, but thanks to The Overwatch Collective, my family and I can now receive the support needed to make progress even during difficult times.
Spouse of a
Law Enforcement Officer
As a wife of a firefighter, I have often put myself on the back burner; even more so being his second wife and having a blended family. I had been following Destiny for a while when I saw that she was collaborating with The Overwatch Collective. I requested more information and got on a call with Jesse and I was immediately welcomed into a 10 week support group with other wives of firefighters. I couldn't not thank TOC for giving me the opportunity to participate in the group sessions and I cannot recommend Destiny enough for providing insight that I still carry with me today. I've learned to hold more confidence and to communicate my needs. Mental health is so important and I'm incredibly thankful for the time and the space shared to work through trauma with a lovely group of women. Words cannot express my gratitude for Destiny, TOC, and the women I got to meet in our 10 weeks together.
With love and healing xoxo.
Spouse of a Firefighter
Destiny's First Responder
Partner Support Group
I have suffered from anxiety and depression for the majority of my life. Many years ago, no one knew quite how to diagnose anxiety and depression as it had always felt taboo to talk about mental health out of fear of judgement or being places into a category of people. I finally started seeing a therapist; switching from time to time and even stopping due to the cost and different personalities didn't match. Being married to a police officer has its challenges, which brings on a whole new type of anxiety in our life. I was chatting with Greg from TOC, whom is a very dear friend of mine and my husband. I expfressed to him my feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and how Kaiser's mental health department was on strike at the time and I wasn't able to talk to anyone. He got me in touch with [who I think is] one of the most wonderful human beings on this earth. I started following Destiny on Instagram, watched her stories and the things she posted. During our first meeting, I felt that we meshed so well that I texted her after to thank her for welcoming me with open arms.
Spouse of a
Law Enforcement Officer
Individual Therapy with Destiny
My sessions with Destiny have helped more than I can describe. I truly feel I can be myself and tell her everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! Sessions are never awkward and I am never thinking of what to say next. Things flow, I open up freely with zero judgement; I can cuss, cry my eyes out, and share my true feelings. Our first video meeting I cried the whole time because I felt so comfortable with her. She has this way of making me stop for a moment to really question my feelings and come to the realization that I cannot control everything and to embrace things and not let the anxiety take over. She has been so supportive during some recent traumatic life changes that my husband and I have faced and I am beyond grateful I had her. I could talk to her for hours upon hours; there just ren't enough words to thank Destiny for helping me control my anxieties as a first responder spouse and I will never be able to repay or thank TOC enough for helping find the right person for me.
Spouse of a
Law Enforcement Officer
Individual Therapy with Destiny
(Continued)
I have worked in law enforcement for over 25 years and worked in a variety of assignments, I have worn many hats. The job itself is amazing but I have had some issues with past supervisors and unfortunately bullying amongst the workplace. I have been to many therapists through the years but none can compare to having a therapist who “only” works with first responders. I have had many lows through my life and to contribute that to my career. I am fortunate to be alive today and I thank God for The Overwatch Collective; finally a program geared to save others from the “stigma.” We as first responders need to be there for one another and not shame those who are struggling daily. The Overwatch Collective is a God Send, and Deana the “CopShrink,” is more then amazing and understands the ups and downs of this profession. Thank you again, The Overwatch Collective, for what you do! I have recommended this program to other first responders and I pray they get the help they need.