Treatment - Support - Training - Education
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First responders often see more trauma in a day than most people see in their lifetimes. When first responders suffer post-traumatic stress as a result of their work, FRSN stands with them as they recover. 6 months of therapy in 6 days A first step towards recovery and health, FRSN offers intensive six-day retreats. During these six days, first responders receive group and individual therapy, process critical incidents, and learn tools and skills for managing stress. Licensed clinicians, trained peers, and chaplains live side-by-side with first responders, facilitating groups and are available to listen and respond 24/7. This all-volunteer retreat staff give their time in service of first responders' recovery from post-traumatic stress and the ratio of staff to clients is always 2 to 1, or better. When the six days are over, FRSN stays connected, offering ongoing peer support and community for long-term resiliency. FRSN recognizes that family members of first responders also suffer trauma and need support and help. FRSN offers a six-day retreat for Significant Others and Spouses (SOS) to specifically address their needs. FRSN is a community of first responders working to help other first responders.
We encourage you to contact us if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, or if you want to help first responders and their families by becoming a volunteer or supporter! Many participants say our program saved their lives. |
West coast post-trauma retreat for first responders
The mask of 'everything's okay' finally comes off.
Each FRSN retreat is a unique, immersive experience helping first responders process their traumatic incidents. Six first responder clients are supported in healing by up to 25 volunteers over six days, and usually long after the retreat has ended. Peers who have attended as clients come back again and again, to help their fellow first responders and to support their own ongoing recovery. Through intensive debriefing and peer support, first responders at WCPR retreat work through traumatic experiences, learn to understand their reactions, and develop skills to deal with painful memories and new critical incidents. They leave the retreat more able to cope with difficult emotions and recognize triggers and respond positively. WCPR is offered in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana, and still growing. |
significant others and spouses Retreat (SOS)
The change that you have made in my life is indescribable. I arrived feeling very lonely, hopeless, trapped and unloved...You helped me learn that I am lovable - SOS Client
The SOS residential program offers a healing environment for emergency responders' partners and spouses, who have been affected by their loved one's work. The program provides insight into the stress their partners experience at work and understanding about how that job stress may result in negative behavior at home. SOS breaks the isolation of living with a first responder by giving partners a place to share common experiences. Participants hear first-hand from peers who share their personal journeys of trauma, recovery, and resilience, helping them build healthier relationships and strengthen communication with their partners and their families. |
Outreach and training
FRSN is available to speak with responders, their families, and anyone seeking to assist a responder or their significant other. There is no charge for the outreach and the call is confidential (unless someone is in danger). Call 415-721-9789 or submit an inquiry via the Contact link.
If your situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1. FRSN also provides Basic and Advanced Peer Support trainings and is available to present on topics such as critical incident stress, peer team development, and inoculation training. |