Counseling for First Responders
Dave Papandrea, a counselor at Trinity Family Counseling Center, is also a senior lieutenant with the Birmingham Fire Department and has proudly served with the cities of Ecorse and Hamtramck. Prior to his career in the fire service, Dave worked in law enforcement for the City of Birmingham. Dave is committed to serving the mental health and wellness needs of first responders, and their families.
During the course of a career in emergency services, one is certain to witness and experience traumatic events. To maximize a first responder’s mental resilience, personal experiences of trauma need to be recognized, and thoroughly processed in order to move forward. Working with a professional counselor who understands the job can provide the support and safety to proactively manage one’s mental health. Acquiring effective coping strategies for a long career in emergency services is essential. The decision to improve lives and relationships takes courage. Dave encourages all responders to consider having a mental health professional on ‘speed dial,’ and to make sure their training includes being mentally ready for the job, and for their families at the end of their tour. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the opportunity to work through past experiences that are currently impacting your work in emergency services, please consider reaching out to Dave today. |
CredentialsLimited Licensed Counselor (LCC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC) AffiliationsInternational Association of Fire Fighters
Michigan Professional Firefighters Union |
A First Responder's JourneyListen to Dave share his journey from fire fighter to licensed mental health provider in this webinar co-hosted by Molly Jones, LSW, Clinical Education Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence. You can catch Dave's comments beginning at the 15:25 mark of this recording.
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Counseling Insights and Articles About Counseling for First Responders:
Compound Trauma and Building Resilience for First Responders, by Dave Papandrea
6 Steps For Building Resilience And Preventing PTSD, by Dave Papandrea Is It Me? Maladaptive Coping Strategies in the Fire Service, by Dave Papandrea |