Hosts:

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

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

In this episode, Jennifer and Ashlee break down the basics of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and why it’s a powerful tool, particularly for first responders.

Myth-Busting Therapy: Ashlee and Jennifer tackle common misconceptions about therapy, especially among first responders, who may expect only “talking about feelings” or the classic “comfy couch” setup.

What is EMDR?: Explanation of EMDR, how it uses eye movements, tapping, and auditory cues to help the brain naturally process traumatic experiences.

Why EMDR is effective?: EMDR mimics REM sleep and helps reconnect mind and body after stress and trauma.

Why First Responders Like EMDR: Less talking, more structure, and a focus on physical reactions make it a good fit for those who may be hesitant about traditional therapy.

Real-World Therapist Perspective: Jennifer and Ashlee share firsthand experiences, the importance of finding a good fit in therapy, and reassurance that it’s normal to need different approaches.

Take Action: Consider researching EMDR from trusted sources. Check out our earlier episode (Brain Insights For High-Stress Lives!) with Dr. Coyt for a deeper look at how the brain processes stress.

Final Thoughts: Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. EMDR offers hope and healing, especially for those in high-stress jobs.

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

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

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This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

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

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

In this heartfelt and timely Thanksgiving episode, Ashlee and Jennifer dive deep into the role of gratitude and positive mindset amid the demanding lives of first responders and their families. They share personal stories, practical strategies for resilience, and how gratitude can shift perspectives even when everyday life is challenging and unpredictable.

Gratitude as a Tool for Resiliency: Ashlee and Jennifer discuss how practicing gratitude is not just a feel-good exercise but an active skill-building strategy to combat cognitive distortions and negative bias especially crucial for those regularly exposed to trauma and high-stress environments.

Skill Building for Mental Wellness: Jennifer emphasizes that building resilience isn’t a “one and done” event; it’s about consistent practice. Tools like “hunt the good stuff” (noting three positive things daily) are highlighted as simple yet powerful routines.

Conference Insights: Fresh back from a first responder conference, Ashlee shares reflections on how hard it can be to see the good when surrounded by negativity, reinforcing the psychological data that most of our happiness comes from our mindset, not just our actions.

Leadership & Positive Psychology: The conversation explores leadership within first responder agencies and the impact of balancing constructive feedback with genuine appreciation. They extend this message to parenting and home life, showing how positive reinforcement can shape culture.

Family & Holiday Traditions: Both Jennifer and Ashlee reminisce about growing up with first responder parents and share how their families made the best of holiday schedules and traditions. Whether at home or on the job. Ashlee recalls her dad’s department football games, and Jennifer reflects on celebrations surrounding her grandmother’s birthday.

Safety & Situational Awareness: Ashlee recounts a story from a trip to New Orleans, illustrating the “built-in” situational awareness many children of first responders carry into adulthood, and the value of trusting one’s gut.

Thankful for Community: Ashlee and Jennifer express deep gratitude for their listeners and the growing WTCHH community, acknowledging the support, engagement, and the ongoing journey of connection.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

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

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

Guest:

Larry Fraser, CMCP - 911 Director River County 911, 35 years experience as a First Responder: 911, as a jailer, EMT and Deputy Sheriff, currently serving as 2nd VP for KY APC

In this powerful episode, Ashlee and Jennifer are joined by Larry Fraser, an experienced 911 Director from Kentucky, as he shares his remarkable journey through decades of first responder work. Larry opens up about the deep personal impact of being a dispatcher, recounting critical incidents that shaped his life including the loss of a loved one during a shift, and a tragic accident involving his neighbor. He dives into the often-overlooked emotional toll dispatchers face and candidly discusses his battles with PTSD, the struggle for closure, and the transformative power of seeking mental health support.

Key Discussion Points:

• Dispatchers in the Spotlight: Larry sheds light on the disconnect between dispatchers and other first responders, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of dispatchers’ experiences and trauma.

• Critical Incidents & PTSD: He reflects on the anniversary of a life-changing call, the tragic accident of his fiancée and her child which led to personal trauma that wasn’t acknowledged for decades.

• Seeking Help & Recovery: Larry details his eventual diagnosis of PTSD, the process of seeking mental health support, and the life-changing relief he found through programs like PCIS and EMDR therapy.

• Work Culture, Family, and Healing: The episode explores how dispatchers often carry a caretaker mentality, sometimes at the expense of their own health, and the importance of self-care in restoring personal relationships.

• Advocacy, Training, and Leadership: Larry shares his passion for improving mental health resources, training, and peer support structures for dispatchers, hoping to pave the way for the next generation.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.