Testimonials

"To be given a glimpse into the inner world of the Fire Fighting community was invaluable and helped me understand some of the issues they may be dealing with. The workshop gave me some tools to enable me to establish a therapeutic relationship with First Responder clients so they would feel more comfortable in attending counselling." - Joan Campbell, President - BCACC

“Knowledgeable, professional, personal, relevant, touching, and informative. I felt the instructors were attentive to the participants needs and interests and I appreciated the flexibility given re time to get through the material while giving opportunity to Q & A. Great to have the handouts - very helpful to follow along and to take notes.I liked the agenda starting with a brief introduction of everyone - good to know who's attending and what we were looking forward to in the workshop, as well as being able to network. Appreciate that the presenters mentioned the workshop was also an opportunity for them to be "interviewing" the participants and encouraging those of us who are entrepreneurs how to connect and bring our services to the firefighters. The interview - Q & A time - with the 3 invited firefighters (one retiree) was also really helpful in providing more information on how counsellors can be providing better therapy for first-responders. I noted more than a page of tips on how to be the best counsellor possible for fire-fighters as well as other first-responders. Providing the spiritual component and getting a clear image of how the chaplain is involved with fellow fire-fighters and their families was very meaningful; the poems shared were especially touching. It was also great to have a tour of the Fire-hall and the trucks with explanations of the same. THANKS for providing this workshop!” - Dr. Sam Reimer, RCC

“Matt, Steve and Scott brought the "career of a firefighter" to life in their Occupational Awareness Training for Therapists. It has changed my perspective and ideas about the world of first responders and has nudged me to consider with care the manner in which I offer counselling to this population. I highly recommend this course for any professional who works with, or is considering working with, firefighters and other first responders.” - Brenda Forster, M. Ed., R.C.C.

"This learning experience was second-to-none. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone striving for excellence in their clinical work with firefighters. The highly-relevant content was delivered with grace, humour, and enthusiasm by several presenters, covering a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. The course was skillfully facilitated in such a way that, despite a significant amount of learning material, there always seemed to be room for discussion. I felt immersed and engaged throughout, and left feeling inspired about the work." - Andrew Herfst

"Wonderfully presented, deeply personal, informative, and content rich. Fantastic training connecting counselling therapists with the culture and context of First Responders". - Catherine Cloutier, MA, RCC - Sandstone Counselling Centre, Kamloops, BC

"This seminar provided me with an informative introduction to the culture, contexts, and challenges under which firefighter first-responders work on a daily basis, as well as some cumulative effects related to these challenges. It also provided me with important techniques and feedback that will help me work effectively with----and continue to learn from---firefighter clients and their families." - Barry Reiter, MC, CCC, PsyD(c)

"Thank you for organizing and hosting an incredibly informative and engaging training. As a social worker in pediatric burns I have worked with firefighters for 20 years. I was amazed at how much I learned about their work environment and culture after taking this training. The content and facilitators were consistently high quality and engaging. Matt, Steve and Scott complimented each other beautifully and provided three unique perspectives. I would highly recommend this training to practitioners interested in working with firefighters". - Heather Lynn Beveridge, PhD Candidate, RSW

"The balance of the therapist view and the real experience was an excellent way to present the information. The non-didactic approach made it entertaining and interesting along with the dynamics of the trainers. The personal stories (although hard) really helped in gaining a depth of understanding of the experience of the job. I have attended many training's over my career and delivered and developed training's, and honestly I think this was one of the best if not the best training I have ever done. Thank-you!" - Lynn Hiscoe, MSW, RSW, RCC Manager of Vitallife, BC and Yukon

"It is evident that Steve and Matt put a lot of work and energy in preparing this training program. They provided a variety of learning modalities - lecture, discussion, question period, and presentations by other Fire Fighters - that increased the effectiveness of this training. I feel like I am now more aware of the unique needs of Fire Fighters, which strengthens my therapeutic practice. Knowing Matt and Steve provide continued support to our team of clinician's is tremendous!" - Charlaine Robinson, Counsellor, MA, RCC

I believe all Mental Health professionals will benefit from this training. I found the two days to be professionally driven, dynamic, informative, and empowering. I now feel better equipped to effectively engage with and support First Responder Groups. I feel inspired to continue to develop my skills and competencies in this area of my practice through additional silver and gold level training offerings. - Julie Hicks, Calgary

The BCPFFA Occupational Awareness Training was one of the best educational experiences I have had as a counsellor. Matt and Steve opened a window into the lives of firefighters and their families that I feel privileged to have seen. The training was informative, engaging, and eye-opening. If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of how to support firefighters so that they can continue to do amazing work while having happy, healthy lives then the BCPFFA Occupational Awareness Training is the place to be! - Miki Flynn

“Comprehensive; interesting and relevant; good mix of knowledgeable and very open and open-minded presenters; efforts to add elements of fun amidst heavier material. I really feel I got a glimpse into the life of a firefighter and into their unique characteristics and struggles. I would highly recommend this course to other clinicians and resilient minds (which I imagine is similar) to any first responders.”

"Rich in useful and practical content, this course is a must for anyone working with first responders. One of the best trainings I've been to in a long time."

“I believe every therapist, EFAP intake worker, and mental health clinician needs to take this course to understand the complexities of not only fire fighters but first responders. It was not only informative, but hugely helpful in knowing what to do to connect with fire fighters from the first session.”

"Occupational Awareness Training for Therapists was an excellent course. We spent two days gaining practical insights into the world of firefighters which will assist us in relationship-building and working with these clients in a therapeutic setting. The course covered a lot of ground and was well-researched. The presenters, Matt and Steve, were engaging instructors. An informative and entertaining two days! Thank you!!"

"The BCPFFA Occupational Awareness Training for Therapists was a great experience! I came away with a higher appreciation and understanding of fire fighters and other first responders. I feel better prepared for connecting with and helping this unique population in a clinical setting."

"I've been to many professional trainings over my 20 years as a therapist, but this training was unique. It was more like really getting to know a new friend over coffee...but two days went by instead of two hours. These men really let us see them, and the work issues they deal with every day. They created an environment where all of us therapists laughed and cried with them, and we all left a little more humble than when we arrived."

"A great course, very well instructed. It was most valuable having Matt co-facilitate the course, as he is both an RCC and a fire fighter, so understands very well both sides of the fence. Great tips when working with fire fighters given, as well as terrific insight into the unique fire hall culture. The 'Lunch and Learn' on the second day was really informative, hearing what firefighters need from us in the counselling role. If you have an interest in counselling fire fighters, you absolutely have to sign up for this course!"

"The instructors/firefighters were all excellent speakers, providing a relevant, engaging and interactive teaching environment. It helped me understand the culture within which they work, their unique challenges and opportunities available to be a part of their mental health and wellness. I really appreciated Matthew's progressive, non-pathologizing approach to trauma."

"This course provided me with valuable insight into the culture and life of firefighters. The material was relevant and captivating and the instructors were fantastic. Their blend of personal stories, research driven information, and personable communication kept my attention and interest. I appreciated the personal information shared with us by firefighters from the local department. The glimpse into the reality of their experiences was invaluable. I highly recommend this course to clinicians who may be working with first responders."

"Soulful, genuine, wise, and informative facilitation of content. I felt like there was a deep commitment and investment from each facilitator in the groups learning process, and a genuine desire for participants to walk away more equipped and with the desired learning outcomes fulfilled. As a clinician who has been practicing for 8 years now, I feel that I have walked away with a stronger conscious awareness of first responder occupational impacts, leading to a more diverse and clinically wise way of engaging in therapy with a first responder."

"Matt, Steve and Scott shared themselves effectively, both personally and professionally during the course of this workshop. The wealth of their knowledge and experience was communicated well throughout the course of the two days. I feel inspired and equipped to move forward in pursuit of this area of specialization in my practice."

This is a much needed course that is building vital bridges between firefighters and counsellors. Thank you to Matt, Scott and Steve for breaking such important ground. Your passion and caring for this work comes through loud and clear. The insight you bring into the firefighters' world is invaluable. - Joe

"A very powerful training, not about the technique nor any particular type of therapy approach but about how to be a genuine non-judgemental person who can make a better connection and create a safer place for another person who works against the human nature, running to the danger and being trained paramilitary. A gateway to learn how to provide an appropriate support to first responders and not to be a cliche therapist. Thank you for helping me to learn how to provide appropriate support to your coworkers, brothers and sisters at work. A profound 2 days training. Looking forward to silver and gold training soon !!"

"Matt, Steve and Scott were incredibly authentic and generous as presenters. They quickly created a safe and welcoming environment for us which made it possible to ask questions and have meaningful dialogue. Their passion to create connections between mental health professionals and fire fighters was clearly evident throughout the two days. I gained a powerful understanding of what it means to be a first responder. I have already recommended this course to others."

"NOW I understand the unique work culture and mental health demands for firefighters. I attended the 2-day Occupational Awareness Training in June 2018. This was one of the best training experiences in recent years. It was well organized, interesting, and the instructors were engaging and passionate about their work. If you work with or want to work with firefighters, I highly recommend this course."

"Matt and Steve were so personable and spoke from the heart about the issues facing fire fighters. The conference was fun and interactive. Sensitive issues were handled very appropriately. I learned a great deal about the psychological life of a firefighter and I think it will improve my clinical skills with this population." - Elizabeth Gilchrist, Ph.D., R.Psych.

"This course helped me to understand a population I was previously unfamiliar with. While the teachings about trauma were not new to me (though I am always grateful for a review), what was new was the information about firefighter culture and how best to work with firefighters psychotherapeutically. Matt and Steve are wonderful complements to one another and I appreciated the knowledge and experience that each of them shared. With Matt being both a therapist and a firefighter, I believe I gained greater insight than I may have otherwise gleaned had the presentation been given by only a therapist or a firefighter - he is walking in both worlds and he did a great job providing information about each one and how to bring them together. I recommend this course to anyone interested in supporting firefighters, or in simply understanding what firefighters face. Thank you, Matt and Steve - your passion, commitment, and caring are evident!" ~ Jill Koziey, Counsellor, BAPsych, HHP, RPC, CHT, MPCC - Edmonton