My Specialty in
working with Emergency Services Personnel (Police, Firefighters, EMT's,
Corrections Officers, Ambulance Workers) stems from my longtime admiration
of the special qualities of these people. The selflessness and bravery of
these individuals, and their families, to accept the dangerous challenges
associated with these occupations cannot be underestimated. At times even
the ultimate sacrifice of In -the- Line -of- Duty Death is the tragic price
paid. Since September 11, 2001 many Americans, and indeed the world, have
become sensitized to the demands placed upon these professionals and much
acknowledgement and appreciation has been forthcoming.
Having worked with these professionals and their families for over 20 years,
I have become aware of the special needs of these clients. I quickly became
committed to serving this particular population through my clinical
expertise.
As a peer member of the Western New York Stress Management Team I have often
been referred to as the Debriefer's Debriefer. This wonderful group of
volunteer individuals provides Debriefings and CISM to Emergency Responders
in several Western NY Counties. Because of my training and experience, I
have been contracted to provide Employee Assistance Services to Federal Law
Enforcement Agencies such as the Area Clinician (Buffalo and Rochester
offices) for the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Immigration
and Naturalization Service. In addition I have also provided consultation
for the FBI.
Additionally, there is a countywide initiative underway (Metropolitan
Medical Response System - MMRS) to develop a comprehensive Disaster
Management Plan to respond to Terrorist/Weapons of Mass Destruction or
Natural Catastrophe Incidents. As part of the Mental Health Committee for
this initiative I have served on the Training Subcommittee and the Media
Subcommittee. This effort has been underway since January 2001 with various
sectors of the community participating (police, hospital emergency staff,
firefighters, mortuary and pharmacy staff as well as communications, hazmat,
and transportation). Especially since September 11, 2001 there has been a
critical need to assemble such a comprehensive protocol to deal with such
eventualities. It is believed that my expertise, training, and commitment
will be an asset to those efforts and the specific Emergency Services
Personnel I provide care for. This is a service area in which I take great
pride.
My expertise in dealing with the unique problems faced by Emergency
Services Personnel, their family and loved ones, has enabled me to provide
help to those that help others. Please
contact me if I can be of service to you, together we can work to solve
any problem, and face any challenge.
