First responders face more than physical emergencies. They also confront rising mental health crises. In this post, Matt reflects on the emotional toll these calls can take and why early, culturally competent counseling is critical for responders and the communities they serve.   Read More…

Tags: first responder wellness, mental health care, burnout, compassion fatigue, tactical counseling

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

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

Matt shares how 30+ years as a first responder has shaped his counseling style: grounded in trauma-informed care, empathy, and human connection.    Read More…

Tags: tactical counseling, trauma-informed care, existential therapy, psychological first aid, Maslow hierarchy

Burnout doesn’t just wear you down—it can make you feel invisible. See what Matt says about how dehumanization deepens burnout and why self-care is essential for first responders.    Read More…

Tags: burnout, dehumanization, first responder wellness, stress, SAMHSA, self-care strategies, tactical counseling, trauma-informed care, emotional health

Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. See what Matt—paramedic-turned-therapist—says about how cultural awareness strengthens trust, especially for first responders and diverse clients.    Read More…

Tags: cultural competence, identity, inclusive, first responder culture, self-awareness, counseling ethics, trauma-informed care, tactical counseling, trust in therapy