LGBTQIA First Responders

Overworked, Tired, and Full of Questions

Your job is essential to who you are as a person, just as your role in our society is essential in some fashion. Sometimes you might think that your job is the most important thing in your life. Many people describe that as a first responder, work occupies most of your mental energy because there are both “on the clock hours” and then countless hours “off the clock” thinking about work, replaying experiences over in your mind, and recovering from the physical and emotional toll of being a first responder.

There is and additional layer to your experience though. You are an LGBTQ+ first responder. 

As a queer and/or trans/non-binary person, you may be encountering different challenges at work. Is it safe to come out? Do I pack or bind on the job? Do I bring both of my partners to the staff holiday party?

A lot of queer and/or trans/non-binary first responders talk about worrying what their co-workers and supervisors might think; as wells, what safety concerns might be of concern while on the job. Additionally many people find that they over excel at times, adding an additionally layer of exhaustion and pressure to an already overwhelming job.

Coping with everything feels overwhelming.

Disrupted sleep and feeling isolated may be making you wonder if the person you wish you could be is like a dream.

Burnout and despair can creep into your career at any time, ranging from probation to being in your role for a decade.If things get more challenging or if one more thing piles on your plate, you worry, that perhaps, you might not be able to handle it all. You know you need support and a place to talk. Maybe you have been feeling like this for some time now.

The weight of each shift is too much to carry alone. It’s time to invest in balance. It’s time to try counseling.

You will receive respect.

Therapy that focuses on the unique challenges of queer and trans/nonbinary first responders which will respect the role that you hold in our community system; as well as, offer space to process the trauma and stress that you carry.

Over time, a healing therapeutic relationship will develop allowing for a wide spectrum of thoughts and feeling to be expressed. My approach is to listen to your needs, stories, and values without judgment. You can talk about anything. 

Therapy is your time to talk about aspects of your work that you have held in for a long time. You can talk about the worst call you have ever taken, the one that keeps you up at night. You can talk about what you do to meal prep for the week to stay on top of time management. Anything is fair game. We will work toward your goals at the pace you identify for yourself.

My job is to provide you with support and new skills to help meet your goals during the process.

Find the full life you want and deserve.

You deserve to have balance and joy in your life.

Being a first responder is hard enough. Feeling confident and balanced is vital for you as a queer and/or trans/non-binary person.

Reach out now for a free-of-charge consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.