The Counseling Team

CTI is honored to be a strategic partner with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Their mission is to be a leader in providing education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to emergency responders, and other professions, organizations, and communities worldwide. Learn more about out CISM resources on our website thecounselingteam.com or email us at [email protected].

The Counseling Team International and Dr. Nancy Bohl Penrod are honored to be at the police memorial in Washington DC. We have attended this event for the past 37 years to show support and honor those who have lost a loved in the line of duty.

Police Week (May 12 - 18) is a time to commemorate our law enforcement officers and honor the sacrifices they make. We are incredibly thankful to those who put their lives on the line everyday to serve and protect us. Take a moment this week to thank an officer and recognize their incredible courage and commitment to our community.

For public safety and first responders, dealing with stress and trauma is part of the job. But because of high exposure to traumatic situations, it may be difficult to find healthy ways to cope. Many people turn to alcohol to self-medicate to wind down. This can be a slippery slope with 20%-24% of first responders struggle with an addiction, which is twice the rate of the general population.

In support of Alcohol Awareness Month (April 2024), we wanted to share the "CAGE Questionnaire" that is a screening tool that can be used for a self-assessment or to share with someone who may be struggling. First Responder Wellness is always here to help. Call 888.443.4898 or email [email protected].

Thank you to the amazing men and women across the nation for your commitment, service and sacrifice. We celebrate all of you not only this week, but every day. Thank Dispatchers for all that you do!

As we head into the second day of First Responder Wellness Week (March 25 – 29) that focuses on SLEEP, we wanted to share the 10-3-2-1 tip to improve sleep.

No caffeine 10 hours before sleep.
No food or alcohol 3 hours before sleep.
No more work 2 hours before sleep.
No more screen time 1 hour before sleep.

Share your comments about what you do for a restful night’s sleep.

https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/avoid-the-consequences-of-lack-of-sleep/

We are kicking things off to show our support of First Responder Wellness Week (March 25 – 29, 2024). Wellness is the act of healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes - - so that instead of just surviving, you are thriving.

Wellness is an active process. It is a conscious, self-directed, and continuous process. As you think about your life, you can use the 8 Dimensions of Wheel for a self-inventory. Are there areas where you are thriving, while other areas are not getting your attention? An ‘unbalanced life’ is like driving on a flat tire. It may not take you where you want to go.

Share your comments about what you are doing to keep your “wellness balanced”.

Congratulations to our latest group to complete our 5 day, 40 hour Wellness Coordinator Training last week.

We have open dates available for registration. Learn more about this course and other classes. https://rb.gy/paoio5

San Diego Police Foundation is celebrating their 13th Annual Women in Blue Luncheon. Deanna is featured in the "HERstory" campaign that is a vibrant tribute to the Honor, Excellence, and Resilience embodied by women in blue, shedding light on the remarkable women behind the uniform. The Counseling Team and First Responder Wellness are honored to work with Deanna through incredible work in the San Diego Police Dept wellness unit.

“Most cops will experience a period of time during their career when life outside of work seems hard. This is normal. This is OK — until it’s not (or until retirement). If you find that you are in this boat, and you want to be on a different boat, there is value in understanding why you might feel this way and what to do about it,” Dr. Cherylynn Lee

Read the full article in American Police Beat: https://apbweb.com/2024/01/when-it-feels-easier-to-be-at-work-than-at-home/

Thank you CAL FIRE for inviting TCTI to your 2023 Directors Award Program held in Sacramento last week. We are honored to have three of our clinicians receive awards for their tireless dedication in providing critical incident response services. Together, we can continue to strengthen the wellness and resilience for everyone.

NEW CLASSES ADDED FOR 2024: Wellness Coordinator Training Course. This robust 5 day, 40 hour, 25 module course based on the 8 dimensions of wellness. This course will fast track your new or already existing wellness program by 3-5 years with all of the information that will be shared.

Register Online: https://rb.gy/1bw6ym

"Depression is neither motivating nor actionable. When we feel depressed, our immune system weakens, we have an increased sensitivity to physical pain, our muscles are fatigued, and our blood vessels constrict. Not a good thing for cops. The difference between depression and exhaustion is that exhaustion is primarily a result of engaging in physical activity, and the consequence is being unable to complete tasks that require physical energy. Being exhausted is a normal and natural consequence of police work. Being depressed doesn’t have to be." Article by Dr. Cherylynn Lee with American Police Beat.

Read the full article:

The depression–anger cycle It had been a day. She was working in records temporarily because of an injury she sustained during a foot pursuit a few months back. Seemingly overnight, she went from […]

Thank you Stephanie Kiesow for your life long dedication to your career in law enforcement and for raising awareness to improve workplaces and boosting individual wellness. We are honored to have you with our family of companies (First Responder Wellness, The Counseling Team, Shift Wellness) as a Public Safety Advocate. Together, we can continue to make a difference in our community and in the lives we touch everyday.

Learn more about Stephanie's book, WORKICIDE: How to Overcome a Career-Related Decline in Mental Health and Reignite Your Passion for Work and Life on Amazon.




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We are honored to receive the recognition as being a Patriotic Employer that was awarded by the Department of Defense / Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The ESGR's mission is to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.

We still have some seats open for our 3-day Basic Peer Support Training and 2-day Group Crisis Intervention Courses being held next week. You can view the course descriptions and register online: https://rb.gy/fngav5

TCTI also has extensive catalog of courses that are taught by our team of culturally competent clinicians and course instructors. We have developed our training curriculum that is evidence-based using our years of experience working with first responders, clinical research, and wellness best practices to support mental health, wellbeing, and resilience.

Email: [email protected] for additional information.

Thank you National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for your dedication to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American Law Enforcement and making it safer for those who serve.

Congratulations to our Founder, Dr. Nancy Bohl Penrod, for receiving the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)

Together we can continue to raise awareness and support. Thank you Shauna Springer for the great article about first responder mental wellness - read the full article at https://rb.gy/8k0x

Learn more about proactive and reactive behavioral health and resilience resources exclusively for public safety. Email: [email protected]

Developing an effective care plan for first responders’ mental wellness There are three common elements that can drive the best outcomes

Are you heading to Public Agency Risk Management Association - PARMA Annual Conference feeling overwhelmed with workers' compensation claims? Get a fresh take on proactive prevention at our panel discussion lead by Dr. Stephen Odom, Founder & Chief Clinical Officer, First Responder Wellness. Hope to see you in Sacramento!

We still have some spots open for our 3-day Basic Peer Support training on February 15-17, 2023 in Lake Forest, CA .POST Plan IV (7180 22650) STC (0874 047427) ICEMA (62 2032)

Go to: HTTPS://BIT.LY/3AJTG5U or visit thecounselingteam.com to learn more. Orange County Fire Authority