Begin Counseling

We ❤️🤍💙 our clients and are here to professionally support your mental health. Have you heard Rescue RD - Megan Lautz talk about apple pouches for grownups?! Hydrate and refuel while we work together toward your therapy goals.

We are eager to announce Valerie Gorman, Provisionally Licensed Counselor, is joining our clinical team and offering a reduced, self-pay rate. Read her full bio on our website, and contact us for more information!

It was a great day. Come out tomorrow for Day 2 and be sure to say hello to us.

https://facebook.com/events/s/western-maryland-first-respond/1176750110096580/

Hagerstown Police DepartmentHagerstown Fire DepartmentHagerstown Professional Fire Fighters Local 1605

We know how to help the helpers. Take care of yourself too!

We are here for you and able to help with the unique stressors you and your family face.

https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/begin-counseling-brings-trauma-specialized-counseling-to-the-community/article_c20318e4-cc40-53ce-970a-129cd311b1fc.html

Begin Counseling brings trauma-specialized counseling to the community FALLING WATERS — Begin Counseling, located at 1179 TJ Jackson Drive, Suite B, Falling Waters, had its official grand opening on Monday.

We welcome Karen! Don’t wait; reach out now.

HOW WE CAN HELP:
👊Competent Trauma Care: Our counselors are experienced in trauma-informed therapy approaches which focus on helping you process your experiences at your own pace and in a safe manner.
🚨Specialization in First Responders: We recognize the unique challenges faced by our emergency responders and families and continuously develop competence as a team to offer specialized support tailored to your needs.
🫶Compassionate Counseling for Our Community: No matter your personal or professional background or what you’re going through, our team at Begin Counseling is here to help.

📍 1179 TJ Jackson Dr. Falling Waters, WV
📞 304-278-4433
🌐 begincounseling.com

Just saying.

One of these is enough to reach out.
It's not as scary as it may seem. Know when it's time. We are contracted with The Overwatch Collective who recommend vetted, culturally competent therapists throughout the US and can provide financial assistance for first responder and military families.

Amanda has virtual/telehealth openings! Schedule a free 15 minute consult to meet her and see what a virtual session is like. www.begincounseling.com/contact 304-278-4433

Waiting room vibes in Falling Waters, WV…

Begin Counseling has a growing team of providers specializing in trauma treatment as well as the unique needs of first responder families.

We have in-person availability at our Falling Waters, WV office and telehealth options in WV, MD, and VA. Accepted insurances: Blue Cross Blue Shield and WV-PEIA.

Learn more about scheduling a first appointment or joining our team: begincounseling.com

Most of the horrific stuff you deal with each shift gets filed appropriately in your brain, and you can continue on without much disturbance. Inevitably, there will be a call or incident that will stick. It won’t file adaptively, and you’ll keep seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling it when you don’t want to. It might be subtle change over time or it might hit you with panic, restlessness, irritability, and stress.

YOU ARE NOT CRAZY.

This will happen for every first responder at some point in your career if you’re in the role long enough. You get to choose if you shove it away and internalize the issues, potentially wreaking havoc on yourself, your family, and your quality of life, OR you can acknowledge that it’s a normal reaction to the dark, sometimes unthinkable, circumstances you have to routinely deal with, and get some help.

These common reactions to frequent exposure to traumatic stress can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Don’t wait. We can typically deal with recent critical incidents in a few sessions and you can prevent cumulative trauma build-up over your career. We know how to address the unique trauma first responders deal with, at work and at home. It’s never too soon or too late to maintenance your mental health. Reach out, we’re happy to answer any questions. It’s not as scary as you may think.

Thank you. West Virginia State Police Berkeley County Sheriff's Dept. - WV Martinsburg Police Department West Virginia Troopers Association WV Deputy Sheriff’s Association Charles Town Police Department Leesburg Police Department Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maryland Morgan County Sheriff's Department Hagerstown Police Department Maryland State Police Hagerstown Wi******er Police Department Frederick County Virginia Sheriff's Office Jefferson County Sheriff's Office - WV Virginia State Police Wi******er City Sheriff's Office Berkeley County - WV Town of Stephens City Police Department Shepherdstown, WV Police Department

New year, new office.
Come see us! 2024

The toll it takes is real. Intentionally address the expected, frequent impact of trauma, and rediscover a full, purposeful life and career.

Openings available. Check out our website begincounseling.com.

We’re here for you! Begin Counseling provides trauma-specialized therapy in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

We prioritize confidentiality; you can have peace of mind that your counseling experience will be private and protected.

Begin is a place for individuals and families affected by trauma to receive competent treatment and thrive in their roles and responsibilities.

EMDR Early Intervention (EEI)

As a condensed protocol of traditional EMDR therapy, EMDR Early Intervention (EEI) focuses on early intervention to prevent the development of long-term, trauma-related symptoms. The primary goal of EMDR Early Intervention is to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of traumatic experiences and promote psychological resilience.

EMDR Early Intervention is time-limited and typically conducted within a short period after the traumatic event, often within days or weeks. We utilize EEI with first responders after critical incidents, and when processing a specific call or situation.

Find out more about EMDR here: https://www.begincounseling.com/emdr

The decision you make now to address the ways your experiences, career, or circumstances (past or present) are affecting you, not only changes the trajectory of your life, but impacts generations.

We’re here.

Behind the Shield wrote an excellent article about a complicated topic for first responders. Genuine, competent help is available. Reach out to Begin.

CRACKYL Magazine - No.11 (FALL Issue 2023) Issue No. 11 proudly showcases James Geering on the cover - a former firefighter and popular podcaster in the first responder world. His podcast Behind the Shield has introduced 100s of incredible stories from fellow first responders and experts in the field. Alongside Geering, we feature Canadian h...

Today and everyday, THANK YOU!

Begin Counseling exists to provide culturally competent trauma treatment to first responders and their families in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. We are here. We know how to help with the unique challenges law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical service, 911 communications and others face. Reach out. Way to go Compass Huntington for all you’re doing on the other side of our wonderful state.

WV lawmakers struggle to address first responder PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder is a problem among fire fighters, police officers and EMS workers nationwide.

National speaker coming to Martinsburg. Thank you Berkeley County Sheriff's Dept. - WV for sponsoring this training event on October 17th. We value the collaboration in an effort to positively impact the lives of first responders and their families in our area. This event is exclusively for first responders, free for attendees, and approved for 4 hours of in-service for WV law enforcement. Preregistration is required at https://begincounseling.eventbrite.com

“Management of First Responder Trauma Exposure”
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 8:30am-12:30pm
WVU Health Sciences Center Eastern Division
2500 Foundation Way, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Contact Karlee Davis: [email protected]