Breaking the Cycle: First Responders, Trauma, and Substance Use
Information
Date & Time
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Educational Goal
Participants are expected to gain competencies in providing trauma-informed care to first responders, and to integrate those competencies into their practices.
Description
The hazards of the first responder’s job include exposure to trauma resulting in mental health issues such as PTSD, as well as substance use disorders. First responder wellness can have implications for patients, crews, families, and the community at large. Therefore, it is a social problem. This presenter will explore the realities of trauma exposure among first responders, the challenges of accepting treatment, and the concurrent treatment of co-occurring trauma, mental health, and SUDs. This presented will also consider how COVID-19 impacted first responder wellness. This presenter will share research inspired by her work with the Palm Beach County Firefighters Union. In this role, she witnessed the impact of on the job trauma exposure on firefighters and gained a unique perspective of their culture. She will describe protocols to mitigate the negative outcomes of trauma, promote growth, and increase resilience in first responders.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Dr. De Lima is the Clinical Director at Hanley Center at Origins in where she works to ensure that Hanley Center provides the highest level of care to patients in all its programs. Dr. De Lima is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Dr. De Lima is also trained in EMDR. She was inspired to begin her research while completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and working for the Palm Beach County Firefighters Union, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of on-the-job trauma exposure on firefighters. Her dissertation work emphasized the factors that promote growth from trauma and the development of greater resilience in first responders. As a clinician, Dr. De Lima utilizes a variety of evidenced based protocols in the treatment of mental health disorders, SUDs, and trauma. Having worked closely with first responders in a variety of roles, and through her years of research on this population, Dr. De Lima is well-versed in the unique concerns that this population faces. Dr. De Lima has also presented extensively on this topic at national conferences as well as provided trainings at several fire departments.
Financially Sponsored By
- Origins Behavioral HealthCare