Post-Traumatic Stress & Growth: Healing, Resiliency, and Hope for First Responder Families

Hosts:

 

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

 

Episode Overview

 

It's the kickoff to 2026 for "When The Call Hits Home"! Jennifer and Ashlee reunite after the holidays each with a few survival stories to share about sick kids, hospital visits, and football games. This episode takes a deep dive into mental health in the world of first responders, focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth.

 

Key Topics Discussed

PTSD: Clinical & Real-World Definitions
What PTSD means according to the diagnostic manual, how its definition and understanding have evolved.
Early understanding of trauma as mainly war or abuse, contrasted with today’s broader view (cumulative events, “big T” and “little T” trauma).
Common symptoms: not just flashbacks & nightmares also avoidance, numbness, irritability, concentration issues, and impulsivity.
First Responders & Mental Health
Unique challenges faced, stigma around seeking help, and how even “expected” work-related trauma can have serious mental health impacts.
Barriers to mental health support historically, and how policy is slowly catching up (e.g. recognizing PTSD as a compensable injury).
The Power of Resilience & Growth
Resilience as “bouncing back” – Rocky Balboa style!
Introduction to Post Traumatic Growth: moving beyond survival to genuine transformation.
Five domains of post traumatic growth:
Appreciation of life
Relationships with others
New possibilities
Personal strength
Spiritual change
Real-world examples of first responders not just surviving trauma, but thriving and inspiring meaningful change in themselves and their communities.
Family Matters
How PTSD and growth impact the family dynamics of first responders; encouragement for family-wide healing and mutual support.
Personal stories, including the hosts’ own experiences as children of first responders.
Therapy: Beyond Diagnosis
The importance of not just earning diagnoses, but focusing on recovery, growth, and positive psychology.
Shout-outs to the transformative process of therapy and the courage it takes to seek help.
A Symbolic Reflection
The Japanese art of Kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with gold, serves as metaphor for healing: your flaws and brokenness can become strengths and sources of beauty.

 

Don’t Forget

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For questions or more info, reach out to the hosts, and remember: When the call hits home, Jennifer and Ashlee are here for you.

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