Open help menu
Live Webinar

Frontline Healing: Using Bottom-Up Approaches with First Responders

|

Information

Date & Time

Description

First responders routinely face traumatic incidents, chronic stress exposure, and cumulative operational demands that can significantly impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Traditional talk-based interventions may not always adequately address the physiological imprint of trauma stored within the nervous system. This presentation explores the effectiveness of bottom-up therapeutic approaches that target the body and nervous system as pathways to healing and resilience. Participants will gain an understanding of how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic-based therapies can be integrated to support first responders experiencing trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, burnout, and operational stress. Drawing from neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed care principles, this session will examine how trauma manifests in the body and how clinicians can utilize body-based interventions to promote regulation, processing, and recovery. Through case examples, practical strategies, and clinical applications, attendees will learn how to incorporate EMDR and somatic interventions into their work with firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and other frontline professionals. Special attention will be given to building safety, enhancing nervous system regulation, addressing barriers to treatment, and fostering resilience within a population that often values action over verbal processing.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of trauma, chronic stress, moral injury, and burnout on the nervous system and overall functioning of first responders.

  • Explain the theoretical foundations of EMDR, somatic therapies, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed care as they relate to trauma treatment and resilience building.

  • Identify and apply at least three body-based interventions that promote nervous system regulation, trauma processing, and recovery in first responder populations.

  • Develop clinical strategies for integrating EMDR and somatic approaches into treatment plans for first responders while addressing barriers to engagement and treatment.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop will allow participants to walk away with practical. somatic resources to implement within the first responder population while also providing focused interventions for the self while navigating first responder client population.

Target Audience

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

Presenters

Sara Tigay has worked within addictions, mental health, and family systems therapy with over 15 years of experience with a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and additional chemical dependency certifications. She is passionate about providing hope and support to each individual she encounters. She currently is the Skywood Outpatient Group Director over three chemical dependency treatment programs in Michigan implementing supports for day-to-day operations, in addition to ongoing clinical work within individual, family, and couples therapy.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Foundations Recovery Network