Therapy for Paramedics in Ontario
Being a paramedic is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the world. But you are also at a high risk of developing mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Counselling for Paramedics
Being a Paramedic is a demanding service, both physically and emotionally. You are often the first person on the scene of a medical emergency, and you are responsible for providing life-saving care to patients in difficult and unpredictable situations.
The job can take a toll on your mental health
Paramedics are at a high risk of developing mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Being a healthcare professional responding to emergency calls outside of the hospital is uniquely challenging. From your scope of practice to navigating vastly complex and far less organized environments outside of a hospital, physical fatigue and emotional collapse is not only more than reasonable but expected.
Outside of treating medical emergencies, the contexts you find yourself in cannot only be morally complex but hazardous and even vicious. From infectious diseases and disturbing scenes, to losing a patient or experiencing violence, every call represents uncertainties. Whether working with other frontline medical professionals or collaborating with our other First Responder brothers and sisters, service invites stress injuries few can imagine, let alone begin to understand.
How Therapy Can Help You as a Paramedic?
Therapy can help Paramedics in a number of ways, including:
It is important to note that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best type of therapy for an individual Paramedic will depend on their specific needs and circumstances. However, therapy can be a valuable tool for Paramedics who are struggling with mental health challenges or who want to improve their overall well-being.
Some Paramedics have expressed concerns to me about “falling apart in the ambulance” because of therapy. However, the goal of working together is NOT to make you soft and more susceptible to stress injuries or poor performance. We will work towards processing difficult experiences and problematic thinking to develop protective techniques to manage the stresses and strains of your service and even life off duty.
You are often the first line of treatment for people in crisis. This can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It is vital to seek help if you are struggling.
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What can you expect in therapy for Paramedics?
We will process experiences
We will talk about your experiences and how they have affected you and those around you.
We will develop techniques
We will work together to develop ways for managing stress and difficult experiences.
We will work collaboratively
Therapy is a partnership. We will work together to create a plan that meets your individual needs.
You will be given exercises for outside of sessions
Activities between sessions will help you get the most out of treatment and practice skills discussed in our sessions.
If necessary, we will involve other practitioners
If you need additional support, we may involve other practitioners, like a Couples Counsellor or Family Therapist.
You are a vital member of the healthcare community, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. Therapy can help you to cope with the challenges of service and maintain your well-being.