The Private Traumas of First Responders

First responders to critical incidents, such as house fires, accidents, shootings, and natural disasters, are also survivors of these events, although the public does not give this type of participant as much consideration as a survivor. Trauma, typically assessed from the perspective of traditional survivors, also deeply affects first responders, who suffer from high rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses, particularly acute stress disorder, PTSD, and depression. A case study of a real career firefighter reveals the connection between first responders and mental health issues. The authors provide an assessment, counseling applications, and long-term treatment implications through an Adlerian framework, proposing that, with encouragement, the heart and brain have the potential to heal after long-standing trauma.