During EMS Week, Matt reflects on the strengths and opportunities for growth of emergency medical training. In this post, he shares how years in the field shaped his crisis response, why EMS programs must do more to prepare providers for mental health care, and what he's learned from stepping out of EMS and into the world of counseling.    Read More…

Tags: first responder culture, counseling support, mental health reflection, trauma-informed care, professional transition

Stress is a part of life, but sometimes it overwhelms us. In this post, Matt explores Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), a short-term but serious response to trauma that disrupts daily life and relationships. Learn why early support matters, how trauma-informed care helps, and what practical steps can help. Practical strategies can help prevent ASD from progressing to PTSD. Tactical Counseling works alongside you to build up your resilience and recovery so that You don’t have to face it alone.    Read More…

Tags: emotional health, trauma-informed care, resilience tips, self-awareness, therapy tools

Grief isn’t always about death, and healing doesn’t always start with talking. See how Matt explores how journaling can support people through non-death grief, from life transitions to losses that go unseen. With the TEAR framework as a guide, this post offers space for reflection, honesty, and moving forward at your own pace.    Read More…

Tags: emotional health, life transitions, journaling, grief, therapy tools, tactical counseling, self-awareness, TEAR framework

Assessment in counseling is about understanding, not labeling. Matt explores how thoughtful, ongoing assessments support deeper care without reducing people to numbers or scores. Discover how assessment fits into the therapeutic process.    Read More…

Tags: assessment, mental health care, self-awareness, therapeutic relationship, trauma-informed care, tactical counseling

First responders face unique challenges with substance use, but recovery starts with dignity, not demands. Matt shares his insights as an LCDC.    Read More…

Tags: SAMHSA, substance use disorder, first responder culture, addiction, recovery, tactical counseling, stigma