Significant Others and Spouses Retreat (SOS)

The SOS residential program is for current or former partners of emergency responder who have been affected by the responder’s critical incidents or who experience symptoms related to their own trauma histories, which may be activated by the responder's traumatic event(s).

An Overview Of Our Program
Through intensive debriefing and peer support over 6 days, SOS participants work through traumatic experiences, learn to understand their reactions, and develop skills to deal with painful memories and new critical incidents.
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. They leave the retreat with new insights, positive coping skills, a focus on resilience, and a new peer support network.
Volunteer staff includes two clinicians, up to 12 first responder peers, and a non-denominational chaplain. Retreats are limited to only 6 clients.

How To Know If The SOS Program Is Right For You
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, isolation, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, relationship stress, work difficulties, the loss of a spouse or partner, addiction issues, or are having trouble coping with daily activities, SOS may be able to help even if previous counseling and/or medication didn't.

​If you would like to attend SOS, call for an initial 30 minute intake interview to determine if the retreat is a good fit for you. Call (415) 721-9789 to speak with the Intake Coordinator.

Who We Are
Our programs are staffed by experienced first responder partners, mental health clinicians and chaplains, specifically trained in trauma recovery. 
Peers, clinicians, and chaplains volunteer their time while participating in the retreats. Clinicians close their practice for a week, peer support members spend vacation, comp time, or trade shifts, taking time away from their families, and chaplains take time off of their jobs. Why do all of these people give of their time? Because they ‘get it’ and they care.
Our staff and volunteers are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our work and offer a brave space for every First Responder and partner. ​

RCMP PTSD by Daniel Sundahl

Retreat Dates
SOS attendance begins with an intake process. There is a wait list and placement can vary depending on a number of factors. For the confidentiality of our clients, we do not publish retreat dates or locations.

Contact us for more information.

Retreat Cost and Payment
Please call 415-721-9789 for the most current retreat cost.
SOS clients receive automatic cost reduction, thanks to generous donations. The remaining cost may be partially covered by a scholarship if you have financial need. Private insurance does not generally cover our programs.

Visit our Scholarships page for more information.

Testimonials

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​

When I went through the program as a client I thought I was there to learn how to fix my First Responder husband. What I learned was I needed to fix myself. This helped me tremendously in my relationship with my husband and family.
~ SOS client​

…my life has always been about taking care of everyone else. …SOS allowed me to look forward, take care of myself and focus on me for once.
~ SOS client​

This has been a life altering experience. I am deeply grateful. …The people are beautiful souls. …Their work is transformational.
~ SOS client​

The SOS Clinicians and Peer support staff immediately made me relax and “trust the process”. The retreat’s refreshing reality shown with humor and in knowledge was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
~ SOS client