First Responder Wellness Starts Here

From gold-standard Peer Support training to trauma-informed services, we offer practical, proven programs to help your members stay healthy - on and off the job.

You do everything you can to support your people—but it still feels like you are one critical incident away from burnout, turnover, or a breakdown that ripples through your whole team.

Maybe you’ve been told to build a “culture of wellness” without any idea where to start. Or maybe you’re tired of seeing good people struggle quietly beneath the weight of the job.

We get it. And we’re here to help you build something better.

Here’s how we can help.

Peer Support Training

Peer support is more than just checking in on your co-workers. When done well, it’s the gold standard of internal care within public safety agencies. We’ll help you build or strengthen your peer support team with trauma-informed, culturally competent training that actually prepares people to lead with empathy, structure, and skill.

What’s included:

  • Customized training for new or existing peer support teams

  • Foundations of peer counseling, ethical response, and boundaries

  • Role-specific education for team leaders, members, and supervisors

  • Real-world scenarios and facilitated discussions

  • Follow-up consultation and team development

Train Your Team to Support One Another—The Proven Way


Steel pedestrian bridge with wooden walkway and rust-colored railings, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Training

When your team faces a critical incident, their mental health depends on what happens next. CISM equips first responders with the tools to navigate traumatic stress—individually and as a team. Our certified trainers offer group-focused education that’s practical, trauma-informed, and rooted in real public safety culture.

What’s included:

  • 3-day foundational training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for peer support team members

  • Guidance on team development, structure, ethics, and boundaries

  • Ongoing education, consultation, and team support

  • Clinician attendance at CISM debriefings to support the peer team

  • Optional assistance with team selection and onboarding

  • Continued clinical oversight and leadership support as needed

Support That Starts Before the Crisis—and Continues After


A close-up view of moss-covered rocks and stones in a forest with green plants and blurred background.

Wellness Visits

Wellness visits are confidential, one-on-one sessions between individual staff members and a licensed clinician. These are not fitness-for-duty evaluations—they’re voluntary check-ins that provide psychoeducation, emotional support, and a safe space to process personal life and work-related stressors

What’s included:

  • Confidential in-person or virtual visits with a licensed, culturally competent clinician

  • Guidance on job stress, burnout, trauma exposure, and healthy coping

  • Psychoeducation and mental wellness planning

  • Rapid referrals for EMDR Therapy with seasoned clinicians

Proactive Mental Health Support for Your First Responders

  • Testimonials

    “When I was the colonel of the Vermont State Police, I brought Lori Gurney on as clinical support to the wellness program. After my retirement from the VSP I went on to lead four other criminal justice organizations—three of the four reeling from internal moral injury. I engaged Lori to assist at each of the organizations. Without fail Lori was able to make the situations better by engaging with staff at meaningful and personal level. Lori’s partnership with Beth Jacobs only adds to the quality of services now available in Vermont, and beyond.”

    COL. (RET.) JAMES W. BAKER
    JW Leadership Consulting, LLC

  • Testimonials

    “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with both Beth Jacobs and Lori Gurney for many years. Their dedication to the wellbeing of first responders across Vermont and New England is exceptional.

    Beth's work providing education and EMDR therapy to first responders since 2016 reflects a deep understanding of the culture, demands, and challenges faced by those in public safety.

    Lori’s expertise in CISM instruction and peer support development has strengthened the foundation of responder wellness throughout the region. 

    Beth and Lori bring a level of understanding of the profession that is normally reserved for those who do the job day to day. Together, they bring a rare combination of professionalism, compassion, and practical experience.”

    PRESCOTT NADEAU

    Chief, Hinesburg Fire Department

  • Testimonials

    “Lori Gurney exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and compassion in every aspect of her work. Her expertise was instrumental in creating our department’s Peer Support Team, and her prompt response to critical incidents highlights her unwavering dedication to both individual clients and the department as a whole.”

    GREG SHELDON
    Retired Chief

  • Yes. We offer both virtual and in-person services, including training, wellness visits, and consultation. We’ll work with your team to determine what format makes the most sense for your needs and schedule.

  • While we’re based in Vermont, we’re happy to work with agencies across New England and beyond—especially for virtual services or training requests. If you’re not sure whether you’re in our service area, feel free to reach out.

  • We primarily work with public safety agencies—including police departments, fire/EMS, corrections, and dispatch—but we also support service-based professionals like child welfare workers, clinicians, and hospital teams who face secondary trauma in their roles. We’re happy to discuss ways we might be able to help your team.

  • Absolutely. We can provide continuing education, consultation, and clinical oversight to help strengthen your existing team. Whether you need a refresher, additional training, or support after a critical incident, we’re here to help.

  • Wellness visits are confidential one-on-one sessions between a licensed clinician and a member of your team. They’re not fitness-for-duty evaluations—they’re check-ins to support mental wellness and resilience. Sessions are typically 45–55 minutes and can be held in person or virtually.

  • Yes. We understand every agency is different, and we’re happy to tailor our services to your goals, staffing, and culture. We’ll collaborate with you to make sure the support you receive is both effective and relevant.

  • While we are not a 24/7 crisis response service, we are available to respond in a timely and thoughtful manner following high-impact events. This may include facilitating defusings or debriefings, offering individual support, or consulting with leadership on how to respond well in the aftermath of a crisis.

    If you’re currently experiencing an emergency, please refer to our Resources page for immediate assistance.

  • Costs vary based on the type and scope of services, and we’re happy to talk with you about what’s possible based on your agency’s size and needs. Reach out to start a conversation—we’ll walk you through it.

  • Yes, 100%. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Whether you’re just gathering information or ready to move forward, we’re here to answer your questions and help you find the right next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

We’re Ready When You Are

If you’re looking for real support—delivered by professionals who understand First Responder culture—you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how we can support your team.