Helping the Helpers: Supporting Mental Health Professionals Who Support Natural Disaster Response Workers

Jenny Hughes, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD. She supports helpers and healers through the common experience of vicarious trauma as the founder of  The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective. Jenny helps trauma therapists be human again as they learn how to manage vicarious trauma and enhance vicarious resilience together. As a clinician, she practices Brainspotting, EMDR, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Jenny is the author of The PTSD Recovery Workbook and Triggers to Glimmers: A Vicarious Resilience Journal and Workbook.

​​LaDonna Carey, a licensed Senior Psychological Examiner, has over 35 years of experience specializing in attachment wounds, betrayal trauma, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). She earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology from East Tennessee State University in 1989, later returning as an adjunct instructor from 2014 to 2020.

Based in Kingsport, TN, LaDonna runs a private practice offering in-person and virtual therapy, with a focus on helping individuals and couples heal from betrayal trauma through personalized sessions and intensives. Trained in Partner Trauma Therapy and multiple couples therapy modalities—including Gottman (Level Two), Developmental Couples Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Discernment Therapy, PACT, EFT, and IFS—she integrates trauma-informed approaches tailored to each client. She is also the author of Healing from Betrayal, a workbook for rediscovering Self after betrayal.

LaDonna provides continuing education for psychotherapists nationwide and, as a seasoned CISM responder, has supported industries such as manufacturing, banking, retail, and nuclear through crisis recovery and employee support.

Christina Diesen (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist, and Certified Brainspotting Consultant. In her private practice, she supports clients with stress related concerns. Her focus is on helping professionals with stress related concerns that range from dissatisfaction to trauma reactions, both single incident and complex experiences, so that they can fully connect and experience vitality and once again enjoy their life and work.  As a public educator, Chris has presented locally and regionally in her community as well as to mental health and medical providers regarding various topics on self care and psychological well-being. She hosts workshops personalized for “professional personal self care” to enhance quality of life both at and away from work.  Chris is licensed for clinical services in Illinois and Missouri and provides education and consultation beyond this area.

Hope Eden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Asheville, NC, who has personally experienced the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, including the destruction of her home and witnessing the profound impact on her community. In response to this tragedy, Hope co-founded a benefit continuing education (CE) program designed to equip clinicians with the skills needed to support flood survivors effectively. Recognizing the emotional toll this work can take, the program also emphasizes self-care for therapists, ensuring they remain resilient while providing critical support to those in need.

In addition to her work with the CE program, Hope serves as a school-based social worker, operates a private practice, and is the founder of The Organized Therapist, a resource dedicated to helping clinicians streamline their work and prioritize self-care. She is also receiving support through a GoFundMe campaign as she rebuilds her home and continues to serve her community.