First Responders: A Different Perspective

We often think of firefighter/paramedics as strong, courageous and resourceful. They make a difference in people’s lives whether it’s saving a life, crisis management or just helping a lonely elderly person who has panicked and called them for help. They are pillars of strength offering their kindness, compassion and support when we are going through our traumas.

What we don’t realize is that our trauma has a direct impact on their lives too. While we are so grateful for their presence during our time of need, we rarely think about how they are affected.  Fire Departments usually encounter 2-5 trauma calls during one shift. Each preceding event is as significant as their initial trauma call.  How do you manage the residue from your personal trauma experience? Now, just imagine having to take that trauma with you to the next call. Firefighter/paramedics have bags full of trauma that we don’t notice.  These bags are disguised by their external appearance and our own ideal portrayal of who we think firefighter/paramedics are.

I recently attended a workshop by the Florida Firefighters Safety and Collaborative in Coral Springs, Fl. It was here that I realized just how much more emotional strength than brawn it takes to be a firefighter/paramedic. I listened to stories told by those who exhibited immense courage and commitment to their country. But a first responder’s courage is more than just being willing to run into a burning building, deliver a baby or cut someone out of a car wreck.

Firefighter/paramedics require the courage to share the pain of strangers, the courage to create bonds with their team when away from their families and the courage to seek help to learn how to manage their pain to continue being effective in their profession. Now that I have had this experience, “thank you for your courage” means so much more.

If you are in the helping field please visit this site www.firefightersafety.org and learn how you can attend one of these workshops. It will make a difference in how your treat first responders when they seek your counseling services.


Rachel Rowitt, Ed.D., LMHC, CAP | Grace Counseling, Inc. 

Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Let's face it, parenting teenagers can be a thankless job. Often times parents are on the lowest part of the influential totem pole. Teens today seem to have much more emotional and social issues than 20 years ago. There can be many reasons why your teenager is distant, angry and/or anxious. As a parent, it is difficult to watch your teen struggle while they reject any type of assistance or care that you are providing. 

Part of being a parent is understanding when to not push your teen for communication. Too much inquiry pushes them further away and too little sends them a message of not caring. Sometimes a quiet unconditional gesture of love can still be present without words. This skill is not always easy to execute especially when your teen knows how to push your buttons. It is important to make sure there is consistency in discipline and structure in the family expectations. This can help your teen navigate social and emotional changes knowing that home is a safe predictable environment.

If your parent instinct is telling you something more is going on than just the usually teen angst, it probably is. Some teens may need additional support, and most of the time teenagers will listen to anyone but their parents. Finding professional counselors that share the same family morals and values is important because those therapists become an extension of your family.  

At Grace Counseling, Inc. we work with adolescents and families to help teens learn how to effectively navigate stress. We offer specialized small groups for teens who struggle with uncomfortable emotions, disconnection from family members, risky behaviors and procrastination.

Grace Counseling, Inc. | Coral Springs, Fl.

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