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On-Demand

Cumulative Trauma in First Responders: Finding the Best Path to Recovery

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Information

Recorded

  • -

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe how cumulative trauma develops in first responders and the ways it manifests clinically.

  • Explain the neurobiological mechanisms underlying trauma symptoms and resistance to treatment.

  • Compare evidence-based treatments (PE, CPT, EMDR, ART) with emerging modalities (e.g., SGB).

  • Analyze cultural and occupational barriers that influence first responders’ resistance to diagnosis and care.

  • Evaluate current debates regarding best practices for treating cumulative trauma in this population.

Educational Goal

Attendees will: deepen their understanding of how cumulative trauma develops in first responders, examine both established and emerging treatment modalities while considering the cultural and occupational barriers that impact access to care, and will be equipped with insight into current debates and best practices for effectively supporting this unique population.

Description

First responders face repeated exposure to high-stress and traumatic events, often leading to cumulative trauma that may go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This training examines how trauma develops and presents in first responders, the neurobiological underpinnings of symptoms, and the cultural resistance to diagnosis and treatment. Participants will explore evidence-based and emerging interventions—ranging from Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to EMDR, ART, and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)—and engage in discussion of current controversies in best practices for recovery and resilience.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Dr. Stephen Odom, PhD, LMFT, is a respected behavioral health executive, clinician, and thought leader with more than two decades of experience advancing care for individuals, families, and professionals impacted by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. As the Founder and President of FR Health and its affiliated organizations—including First Responder Wellness, The Counseling Team International, and Shift Wellness—Dr. Odom has led the development of specialized treatment programs, national training initiatives, and organizational consulting services that address the complex needs of public safety personnel and other high-risk populations. With a clinical foundation in family systems and trauma-informed care, Dr. Odom has built multidisciplinary teams and evidence-based programs across residential, outpatient, and community settings. He frequently consults with healthcare leaders, government agencies, and clinical teams on strategies for improving outcomes, integrating peer support, and enhancing the delivery of culturally competent behavioral health services. His current work focuses on expanding access, advancing care navigation models, and fostering innovation in mental health systems serving first responders and frontline professionals.
Rose Maynard, PsyD, LMFT
Rose Maynard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed her Doctorate and Masters degrees at Alliant International University. She received a BA in Psychology from Vanguard University. Rose is trained in trauma specific modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Rose comes from a family with a long history of military and paramilitary service and has focused her research efforts on military, first responders, and their families. She is passionate about her work with those seeking healing from their past experiences. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Rose worked for over a decade as a massage therapist and massage instructor. It is with this knowledge of the mind-body connection that she utilizes somatic/body techniques to aid in the healing processes. Rose works from a place of respect, empathy, and transparency. She views her clients’ trust as a genuine privilege to be able to share in their experiences. She is honored to help first responders become their authentic and congruent selves, to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, and improve their relationship with themselves and those around them.
Nancy Panza, PhD
Dr. Nancy Ryba Panza is a Board-Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with first responders. Her educational background includes BS and MA degrees from Towson University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Psychology and Law from the University of Alabama. Dr. Panza spent four years as an Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and 16 years as a Professor at California State University, Fullerton. After 20 years in academia, Dr. Panza moved into the private sector as Director of Clinical Research and Development for the family of companies that includes First Responder Wellness, The Counseling Team International, and Shift Wellness.

Financially Sponsored By

  • First Responder Wellness