First Responder Psychological Support discusses a wide variety of counseling and self-care education topics for firefighters, law enforcement, dispatchers, and other emergency professions. Sarah is a licensed clinical professional counselor in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. She specializes in trauma-informed counseling.
The information, opinions, and content shared on this podcast are intended for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute professional mental health advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
This is a podcast interview between Sarah Gura, a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in treating first responders, and Natalie Rivens, co-CEO of Reorigin and a somatic practitioner. The conversation covers eight sections exploring the impact of policing on the nervous system, with Natalie sharing her personal experience as a former police officer who developed anxiety, depression, and chronic pain after 12 years in law enforcement. They discussed how first responders' brains become overprotective due to repeated exposure to danger, leading to hypervigilance, sleep problems, and emotional numbness even when they appear to be functioning normally. Natalie explained neuroplasticity and brain retraining as practical ways to help first responders learn new responses to threat patterns, distinguishing this approach from positive thinking or ignoring symptoms. They covered somatic practices, including simple techniques like orienting to the present moment, extending exhalations, and physical grounding to help transition out of work mode. The discussion also addressed how police culture can suppress emotion and the importance of normalizing seeking help, with both participants emphasizing that asking for support doesn't indicate weakness but rather demonstrates genuine resilience. The conversation concluded with practical advice for first responders who recognize themselves in the discussion, encouraging them to start with awareness and simple nervous system regulation practices.Sarah's Website: www.selfcarepath.comNatalie: www.re-origin.com
19 May 2026
First Responder Resource Folder (2026 Update)
This is a brief podcast that lists options for your resource folder. A resource folder has psychological support contacts/information that is relevant, vetted, and updated regularly. It should be easily accessible to first responder department employees without having to ask for it.
9 Mar 2026
Introducing a New Host: Colleen Gura Collins
I've asked my sister to participate on this podcast journey with me! This episode is our first conversation, with many more to come.
Video version is on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/H495-YCR4IY?si=7K7v2zDouFQuwfrf
Who has been a guest on First Responder Psychological Support
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Stacy Raymond
Bonnie Rumilly
David Dachinger
Sarah Gura
Neil Schoepp
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
346
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
64
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
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