TAKE 5 with Lea
A video podcast for firefighters.
A podcast designed for firefighters to learn emotional awareness, engagement, expression, and regulation which have been empirically proven to build resilience to the impact of critical incidents. Engagingly presented by Dr. Lea Sullivan, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Fire Chaplain who is culturally competent in fire service and well versed in the mental health strengths and struggles of firefighters.
Episode 18: Our Assumptions Effect the Outcome
Our assumptions of others influence the outcome with them. Research takes it farther and suggests that our assumptions of others is closely correlated with how we experience ourselves. In today's episode, we'll take a look at some popular research studies conducted by Brené Brown and her colleagues. As always, we will learn how the science increases our resilience.
References
Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: brave work, tough conversations, whole hearts. Vermilion.Brown, & Brene. (2013). Daring greatly (1st ed.). Penguin Books Ltd.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 17: Where to Start: Bridging the Gap of Mental Health & Fire Service
Fire Service Administration are having to become 'experts' in mental wellness as they work fast to provide internal programs to care for frontline personnel. One of the key dilemmas is that most mental health professionals (MHP's) lack the cultural competence to come alongside first responding agencies to help bridge the gap between these two cultures. This episode was created to help provide a bridge between the two cultures of mental health and fire service, in order that you may better navigate putting together the best mental wellness program for your unique agency.
References
Carleton, R. N., Afifi, T. O., Turner, S., Taillieu, T., Duranceau, S., LeBouthillier, D. M., Sareen, J., Ricciardelli, R., MacPhee, R. S., Groll, D., Hozempa, K., Brunet, A., Weekes, J. R., Griffiths, C. T., Abrams, K. J., Jones, N. A., Beshai, S., Cramm, H. A., Dobson, K. S., Hatcher, S., Keane, T. M., Steward, S. H., Asmundson, G. J. G. (2018). Mental disorder symptoms among public safety personnel in Canada. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie, 63(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743717723825Duckworth, A., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-Control and Grit: Related but Separable Determinants of Success. Current Directions in Psychological Science : a Journal of the American Psychological Society, 23(5), 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414541462Flannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261–267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zGanz, M. B., Rasmussen, H. F., McDougall, T. V., Corner, G. W., Black, T. T., & De Los Santos, H. F. (2022). Emotionally focused couple therapy within VA healthcare: Reductions in relationship distress, PTSD, and depressive symptoms as a function of
attachment-based couple treatment. Couple and Family Psychology, 11(1), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000210Gross, J. J. (2014). Handbook of emotion regulation (Second edition.). The Guilford Press.Halchuk, R. E., Makinen, J. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2010). Resolving attachment injuries in couples using emotionally focused therapy: A three-year follow-up. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 9(1), 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332690903473069Johnson, S. M. (2002). Emotionally focused couple therapy with trauma survivors: Strengthening attachment bonds. Guilford Press.Johnson, S. M. & Campbell, T. L. (2021). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT): Cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003090748Lanza, A., Roysircar, G., & Rodgers, S. (2018). First responder mental healthcare: Evidence- based prevention, postvention, and treatment. Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, 49(3), 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000192Leff, C. L. (2022). Survivor and first responder perceptions about effective mental health treatments following disasters (Order No. 28968322). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing; 2022. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2649003208?pq-origsite=primoSullivan, L. M. (2023). Take 5 with Lea: An Emotionally Focused Resource for Building Firefighter Resilience. Regent University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2023. 30311030.van Dis, E. A. M., van Veen, S. C., Hagenaars, M. A., Batelaan, N. M., Bockting, C. L. H., van den Heuvel, R. M., Cuijpers, P., & Engelhard, I. M. (2020). Long-term outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety-related disorders: A systematic review and meta- analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(3), 265–273. https://10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3986Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 16: What kind of therapy heals trauma injuries?
Counseling and therapy can be a confusing process! Today we're going to touch on common forms of therapy and discuss the research that shows why different therapeutic models work and when they should be applied for firefighters.
References
Duckworth, A., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-Control and Grit: Related but Separable Determinants of Success. Current Directions in Psychological Science : a Journal of the American Psychological Society, 23(5), 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414541462Ganz, M. B., Rasmussen, H. F., McDougall, T. V., Corner, G. W., Black, T. T., & De Los Santos, H. F. (2022). Emotionally focused couple therapy within VA healthcare: Reductions in relationship distress, PTSD, and depressive symptoms as a function of
attachment-based couple treatment. Couple and Family Psychology, 11(1), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000210Gross, J. J. (2014). Handbook of emotion regulation (Second edition.). The Guilford Press.Halchuk, R. E., Makinen, J. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2010). Resolving attachment injuries in couples using emotionally focused therapy: A three-year follow-up. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 9(1), 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332690903473069Johnson, S. M. & Campbell, T. L. (2021). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT): Cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003090748Sullivan, L. M. (2023). Take 5 with Lea: An Emotionally Focused Resource for Building Firefighter Resilience. Regent University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2023. 30311030.
van Dis, E. A. M., van Veen, S. C., Hagenaars, M. A., Batelaan, N. M., Bockting, C. L. H., van den Heuvel, R. M., Cuijpers, P., & Engelhard, I. M. (2020). Long-term outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety-related disorders: A systematic review and meta- analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(3), 265–273. https://10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3986Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 15: Mapping Your Trigger
Triggers are usually fast, unexpected, and seemingly come out of left field. Typically, we end up negotiating with others about their behavior and our expectations. If we look closer however, we can find the logical roadmap of our triggers and subsequent reaction of blame or anger. Today, let's explore your own triggers and identify the messages that you hear which serve as a driving force to your blame or anger.
References
Johnson, S. M. (2008). Hold me tight: Seven conversations for a lifetime of love. Little Brown Spark.Johnson, S. M. (2002). Emotionally focused couple therapy with trauma survivors: Strengthening attachment bonds. Guilford Press.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 14: Reacting vs. Responding
Reacting and responding are commonly used interchangeably to mean the same thing. Our reactions are different than our responses, however. One researcher has actually studied the time course of emotions and discovered a time differential between these two interactions! Let's take a deeper dive into our emotional world, so we can learn how to respond, rather than be driven by our reactions.
References
Duckworth, A., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-Control and Grit: Related but Separable Determinants of Success. Current Directions in Psychological Science : a Journal of the American Psychological Society, 23(5), 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414541462Gross, J. J. (2014). Handbook of emotion regulation (Second edition.). The Guilford Press.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 13: Discovering Your Attachment Style (Part 3 of 3)
This week, we wrap up our three-part series on discovering your attachment style. If you already have a secure base of attachment with others, you can always expand your emotional world, increasing your ability to clearly identify and express your feelings. If you currently have insecure attachment patterns, you can build secure attachment at any stage of life. This episode includes practical tips for developing empathy and validation, which are the foundational steps to secure attachment bonds.
References
Landen, S. M., and Wang, C. D. C. (2010). Adult attachment, work cohesion, coping, and psychological well-being of firefighters. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 23(2), 143–162. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.1080/09515071003776028Johnson, S. M. & Johnson, S. M. (2004). The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy: Creating connection (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 12: Discovering Your Attachment Style (Part 2 of 3)
Today's episode is Part 2 of a three-part series focused around discovering your attachment style. We continue asking some key questions which will help you increase awareness of how you attach to others. Looking into the science of empirically-based research, it is clear why our attachment bonds are vital to building our resilience!
References
Hudson, N. W., Chopik, W. J., & Briley, D. A. (2020). Volitional Change in Adult Attachment: Can People Who Want to Become Less Anxious and Avoidant Move Closer towards Realizing those Goals? European Journal of Personality, 34(1), 93–114. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.2226Landen, S. M., and Wang, C. D. C. (2010). Adult attachment, work cohesion, coping, and psychological well-being of firefighters. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 23(2), 143–162. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.1080/
09515071003776028Riggs, S. A., & Riggs, D. S. (2011). Risk and resilience in military families experiencing deployment: The role of the family attachment network. Journal of Family Psychology, 25(5), 675–687. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.1037/a0025286Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 11: Discovering Your Attachment Style (Part 1 of 3)
Today's episode is Part 1 of a three-part series focused around discovering your attachment style. Lea defines the four patterns of attachment and asks you to consider some key questions which will help you increase awareness of your internal attachment world.
References
Johnson, S. M., & Campbell, T. L. (2022). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT) : cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Routledge.Misha, J. (2022). Secure attachment -- from childhood to adult relationships. Simply Psychology. https://simplypsychology.org/secure-attachment.htmlWoolley, Scott. (n.d.) Attachment Questionnaire Handout. Print.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 10: Slow it Down!
There is a connection between what we feel, the messages we tell ourselves, and our action responses. The process is lightening quick however, and we often miss identifying our internal messages that drive our reactions. These messages are often negative and untrue. Self-help gurus offer ineffective solutions by focusing on how to change our internal self-talk, when real change requires us to look at the connection to our emotions. Today's episode unpacks this linear process of our feeling, thinking, then reacting.
* Correction: Neuro-researcher, James Gross (2014), discovered that it takes the brain 1/10 of a second to register emotion and 6/10 of a second to register cognition. This 1/2 second between what we feel and what we reason is the often missed link in the self-help process.
References
Faller, G. R., & Wright, H. (2016). Sacred stress: A radically different approach to using life’s challenges for positive change. Turner Publishing Company.Gross, J. J. (2014). Handbook of emotion regulation (Second edition.). The Guilford Press.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 9: How are Emotions Connected to Resilience?
In today's episode, we'll identify and explore the connection between emotional awareness, secure attachment bonds, emotion regulation, and resilience. Join me in expanding our understanding how to build increased resilience to the impact of critical incidents.
References
Flannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261-267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zJohnson, S. M., Burgess Moser, M., Beckes, L., Smith, A., Dalgleish, T., Halchuk, R., Hasselmo, K., Greenman, P. S., Merali, Z., & Coan, J. A. (2013). Soothing the threatened brain: Leveraging contact comfort with emotionally focused therapy. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79314–e79314. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079National Fire Protection Association. (2020). Demographic Profile Study. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Emergency-Responders/US-fire-department-profileIntro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 8: Men, Women, and Emotions
Since fire service is male-heavy and the number of female firefighters continues to grow, it's prudent to look at men, women, and emotions. Today's episode walks you through common misconceptions and unpacks the truth about the differences (and similarities) of how men and women process emotions.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Flannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261-267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zJohnson, S. M., Burgess Moser, M., Beckes, L., Smith, A., Dalgleish, T., Halchuk, R., Hasselmo, K., Greenman, P. S., Merali, Z., & Coan, J. A. (2013). Soothing the threatened brain: Leveraging contact comfort with emotionally focused therapy. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79314–e79314. @/journal.pone.0079National Fire Protection Association. (2020). Demographic Profile Study. @d-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Emergency-Responders/US-fire-department-profileIntro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 7: Dispelling Myths About Bad Emotions
The long-standing mental health sigma within fire service has caused emotions to get a bad rap. Some emotions are even perceived as bad. In today's episode, we'll dispel common myths among firefighters and learn why therapy often fails first responder clients.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Faller, & Wright, H. (2016). Sacred Stress: A Radically Different Approach to Using Life’s Challenges for Positive Change. Turner Publishing Company.Flannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261-267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zJohnson, C. C., Vega, L., Kohalmi, A. L., Roth, J. C., Howell, B. R., & Van Hasselt, V. B. 2020). Enhancing mental health treatment for the firefighter population: Understanding fire culture, treatment barriers, practice implications, and research directions. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 51(3), 304-311. https://doi- org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.1037/pro0000266Johnson, S. M. (2002). Emotionally focused couple therapy with trauma survivors: Strengthening attachment bonds. Guilford Press.van Dis, E. A. M., van Veen, S. C., Hagenaars, M. A., Batelaan, N. M., Bockting, C. L. H., van den Heuvel, R. M., Cuijpers, P., & Engelhard, I. M. (2020). Long-term outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety-related disorders: A systematic review and meta- analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(3), 265–273. https://10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3986Gagliano, A. & Gagliano, M. (2018). Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage. Fire Engineering Books & VideosIntro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 6: The 5 Roles of Emotion
Getting to know your emotional world helps to provide a handgrip for when those strong feelings show up in the moment. In this episode, you'll learn the five primary roles of emotion, all of which are key for building resilience.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Johnson, S. M. & Campbell, T. L. (2021). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy EFIT): Cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.4324/ 9781003090748Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 5: Are emotions rational?
Many firefighters ask the question, "Are emotions rational?" In today's episode, Lea clarifies this common question and invites you to engage in an exercise where you can learn to identify your own primary and secondary emotions and discover firsthand whether emotions are rational.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Johnson, S. M., Burgess Moser, M., Beckes, L., Smith, A., Dalgleish, T., Halchuk, R., Hasselmo, K., Greenman, P. S., Merali, Z., & Coan, J. A. (2013). Soothing the threatened brain: Leveraging contact comfort with emotionally focused therapy. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79314–e79314. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079Johnson, S. M. & Campbell, T. L. (2021). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy EFIT): Cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.4324/ 9781003090748Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 4: Trusting Our Emotions
The more you learn what your emotion signals are trying to tell you, the more effective you will be at understanding yourself and others. In today's episode, you'll learn how to identify what messages are driving your emotions and why it is so important to pay special attention to them.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Johnson, S. M. & Campbell, T. L. (2021). A primer for emotionally focused individual therapy EFIT): Cultivating fitness and growth in every client. Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi-org.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.4324/ 9781003090748Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 3: How Do Conversations Go Sideways?
The chain of command is an efficient and effective model for communicating vital information quickly on scene. Inside the walls of a firehouse, conversations can go sideways. Once again based on research, this episode breaks down how conversations go wrong and more importantly, how we can recover.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Johnson, S. (2008). Hold Me Tight Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Little Brown & Company.Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Episode 2: Vulnerability
In fire service, vulnerability is perceived as something to strengthen or shore up. This makes sense in terms of a patient or structure that is vulnerable. It is in fact, compromised. Based on research, today's episode explores how to expand your understanding of vulnerability, what it IS and what it is NOT.
References
Bradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Flannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261-267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zJohnson, S. M., Burgess Moser, M., Beckes, L., Smith, A., Dalgleish, T., Halchuk, R., Hasselmo, K., Greenman, P. S., Merali, Z., & Coan, J. A. (2013). Soothing the threatened brain: Leveraging contact comfort with emotionally focused therapy. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79314–e79314. @/journal.pone.0079Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all... Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)@s/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-mu... promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all... Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Episode 1: The Science of Emotion
In this first episode, Lea establishes a baseline for understanding resilience to critical incidents. There is a large body of neuroscience suggesting that resilience is the outcome of secure attachments and emotional awareness. Let's unpack the science so that we can better understand how to increase resilience for firefighters.
References
Beckes, L., & Coan, J. A. (2011). Social baseline theory: The role of social proximity in emotion and economy of action. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(12), 976–988. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00400.xBradley, B., & Furrow, J. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.Carleton, R. N., Afifi, T. O., Turner, S., Taillieu, T., Duranceau, S., LeBouthillier, D. M., Sareen, J., Ricciardelli, R., MacPhee, R. S., Groll, D., Hozempa, K., Brunet, A., Weekes, J. R., Griffiths, C. T., Abrams, K. J., Jones, N. A., Beshai, S., Cramm, H. A., Dobson, K. S., Hatcher, S., Keane, T. M., Steward, S. H., Asmundson, G. J. G. (2018). Mental disorder symptoms among public safety personnel in Canada. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie, 63(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743717723825Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science, 17(12), 1032–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01832.xFlannery, R. B., Jr. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86(2), 261-267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014- 9329-zJohnson, S. M., Burgess Moser, M., Beckes, L., Smith, A., Dalgleish, T., Halchuk, R., Hasselmo, K., Greenman, P. S., Merali, Z., & Coan, J. A. (2013). Soothing the threatened brain: Leveraging contact comfort with emotionally focused therapy. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79314–e79314. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079Intro music citation: Ukulele and Piano by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Outro music citation:Happy Whistling Ukulele by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/happy-background-music/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
RESOURCES
Code4Northwest Free and confidential referral network for Washington State active and retired first responders. Your call will be answered by a current or former first responder or someone with experience working with EMS personnel. Referred therapists are vetted for cultural competency but do not necessarily use therapeutic models that are empirically-supported in the treatment of critical incident injuries.
Suicide and crisis lifeline providing free and confidential support for people in distress or needing prevention, and crisis resources.
1-800-267-5463 Calls answered by LEO Peer Support team members. Confidential and no-cost crisis support.
Find a counselor trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) near you. Search by geographical region and view a therapist's credentials and links to their website. Therapists have received varying amounts of training in the EFT model shown to have treatment results beyond the 3-year mark.
1-800-651-9311 Get connected with a Chaplain from the First Responders Special Unit. Police and Fire Chaplains serve as a support system for frontline personnel during times of crisis. Representing all faiths, some Chaplains hold degrees or certifications in mental health treatment.
An accessible mobile website for first responders that provides helpful information about mental health symptoms. Easy to use, this resource includes tips and tools for symptom management. Should not be used as a replacement for professional mental health treatment, but may be effectively used in conjunction with professional care.
Provider of Occupational Awareness Training, creating culturally competent mental health professionals. This website also provides a current directory of health providers across Canada who have completed at least one of the organization's training courses.
Prioritizing First Responder Mental Health with CISM. This article offers three effective models of care post-incident.
© TAKE 5 with Lea

Lea Sullivan is a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Approved Supervisor, National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT), specializing in couples and individual therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology & Counseling with a concentration in Trauma & Crisis Counseling. Lea's published dissertation was on the science of attachment bonds and firefighter resilience.Lea is a former volunteer Fire Chaplain and popular speaker and presenter on the cultural competency of fire service. In addition to her private practice for first responders, she works inside a firehouse developing the first attachment-based mental health program for firefighters. Wearing many hats, Lea's favorite by far is helping firefighters develop and maintain securely attached relationships to help build resilience and mitigate the impact of critical incident stress.