Top-Rated First Responder Therapist in Chicago

Takeaway: As a first responder, you face challenges every day. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and resilience that can significantly improve your quality of life. Connect with our top rated first responder therapist in Chicago to receive support today. 

Why First Responder Counseling is Important

Common struggles first responders face:

First responders can face many challenges both on the job and off. Those struggles include frequent exposure to death, grief, pain, and loss, or the experience of intense work loads, all while having to be away from family. Even the most emotionally healthy people can be affected by the role of being a first responder. Below are common struggles of first responders:

  • Mental Health Challenges: First responders often experience traumatic situations along with consistent stress that non-first responders find it hard to imagine. It is common for individuals in these roles to encounter feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 

  • Long Hours Away from Loved Ones: First responders generally work within 8-12 hour shifts. It is mandatory for the safety of the public for first responders to always be available in the case of an emergency. Many first responders do not get the ability to be at home when the rest of their families are, or even be awake during “normal hours of the day” due to specified schedules. First Responders may need to miss important anniversaries, children's sports games, and even major holidays. At times, first responders must put their own wants and needs behind the job to ensure that the safety of the public is put first. 

  • Safety Risks: First responders often must put themselves in dangerous situations, putting their lives at risk to ensure the safety of the public. 

It is crucial to recognize the sacrifices first responders make for the people they protect. With these sacrifices comes challenges that may be difficult to face alone. It is important to provide first responders with an ethical, safe, and confidential place to process their experiences.

How SG Therapy can help you

Therapy can significantly benefit first responders by providing them with a confidential, safe, and empathetic space to process traumatic experiences and emotions. The first responder profession is demanding and it is important that individuals have access to therapists and therapeutic approaches that are understanding to the profession. Therapists can assist by providing essential tools to meet the needs and protect the well-being of the people that make-up this profession. 

Working with a professional counselor at SGTG can empower you to:

  • Attain confidentiality: Because first responders often find themselves encountering traumatic situations, having a space to process these instances in a healthy and supportive environment can give them time to discuss feelings of frustration, stress, anxiety, and grief. 

  • Build resilience: Reaching out to a therapist can strengthen the resilience of first responders, help them navigate handling future challenges in a more healthier manner, and overall maintain mental well-being

  • Increase coping skills: Therapists can assist first responders in learning positive coping skills that can be utilized to navigate situations on the job or even at home with family and friends when it comes to dealing with frustrating individuals or situations out of the first responders control. 

There are many benefits that can be utilized by a first responder working with a therapist. It is important to remember that seeing a therapist doesn’t mean anything is wrong with someone or that they need “fixing”. Everyone deserves to have someone they can process life events with outside of their immediate circles. Therapists specifically bring a confidential and non-judgmental mindset that is present solely for the individual to talk about what they feel is on their mind.

Top-Rated First Responder Therapist in Chicago

Molly Adams, LCSW

    • Molly is a Certified First Responder Counselor. This certification is a 50-hour course that equips mental health clinicians with the necessary skills to effectively support first responders, emphasizing cultural competence, expertise, confidence, and empathy. Molly is equipped with extensive experience to treat first responders in therapy.  

    • In addition to this training, Molly is a first responder herself! Working in the field for several years, she knows first-hand what experiences this population can endure. This level of knowledge can greatly benefit the client-clinician relationship which is the most important part of the therapeutic process. 

    • Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    • Location: Telehealth

    • Specialties: First responders, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Life transitions, PTSD

  • Read more about me here.

SG Therapy Group: A boutique approach to first responder counseling in Chicago

At SG Therapy Group, we believe in the transformative power of therapy, especially for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. SGTG’s mission is to provide clients with compassionate care that meets clients where they are, and empowers clients to create change. Utilizing evidence based methods, our clinician who specializes in working with first responders is committed to honoring the dedication of first responders by providing them with the care and support they truly deserve.

Areas of Focus in First Responder Therapy

Molly specializes in three areas when treating first responders. Read more about each approach below.

  • Rogerian or Person-Centered Therapy is a talk-therapy that can be used to allow first responders to identify, process, and cope with traumatic events experienced on the job as well as off. Rogerian therapy uses an individual's motivation to address traumatic experiences and work through problem solving measures based on an individual's strengths. Rogerian therapy can help an individual alongside their therapist learn about their PTSD symptoms as well as what barriers these symptoms may be creating between the self, relationships, and other responsibilities that are identified as important.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another talk therapy that is used by therapists with first responder clients to address feelings of anxiety related to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Utilizing CBT can assist first responders in identifying negative thought patterns that correlate with anxiety and fear. A therapist can help identify these negative thought patterns which are also known as distortions. A way to combat these distortions related to anxiety is to challenge and reframe them for thoughts that can be recognized as more realistic. When initial thoughts are more realistic, feelings and physical behaviors of anxiety can grow quiet.

  • Grief can create different human reactions and responses when it comes to all forms of loss. It is common for individuals to have difficulty coping with these feelings and how to manage them. Acceptance and Commitment therapy is a unique approach to managing grief by acknowledging the difficult and often painful emotions that take place when grieving, and working to accept things as they are rather than trying to control them. Your therapist can assist you to process and acknowledge these feelings utilizing mindfulness techniques, identifying how they are affecting your everyday life, and also provide support to recognize individual values and ambitions named to move through your journey of grief.

Success stories from first responders we’ve helped

Success looks different for every individual who decides to engage in therapy. Therapists that specialize in working with first responders should be able to tailor their approaches, questions, and skills to meet the needs of what the individual is looking for. Here are a few examples: 

Success in therapy might mean recognizing the need to balance your commitment to your profession with personal well-being. This involves addressing how dedicating all your time and energy to work can strain relationships with family, friends, and hobbies. A first responder has worked with Molly to navigate what areas they feel they are neglecting in life and worked to set physical and emotional boundaries to restore balance. 

Another example of success is coming to therapy to process trauma a first responder experienced and resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs. Molly has worked with responders to identify healthier coping mechanisms that allows them to acknowledge their ability to have choices in how they cope with a traumatic event. In addition, processing the trauma allows for responders to develop a connection with their therapist that aids in feeling less isolated.