Mental Wellness Seminar: Hearing the Voices of First Responders and Their Families
Presented in Partnership by Dalton Associates and Invisible Wounds
This seminar will feature presentations directly from the voices of First Responders and academics. Topics will include an inspiring story of commitment through the challenges of PTSD, insights and strategies from a 28-year first responder marriage, preparing for retirement, and a walk through the world of mental health care to be better equipped to find the right support when you need it.
Who Should Register?
This seminar is for First Responders and their families, and the professionals who support them, including doctors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other treatment providers. Anyone interested in learning more about the unique challenges and lived experiences of First Responders are also welcome to attend.
Accommodations: Discount rate of $199.78/room available for First Responders with identification. Parking is complimentary.
Sunday April 30th, 2023
9:00am – 4:00pm
Registration opens at 8:00am
Delta Hotels Guelph
50 Stone Rd W
Guelph, ON N1G 0A9
$50 Per Person
Invisible Wounds is dedicated to positively contributing to the lives of First Responders, Health Professionals, and their families. We do this by organizing and overseeing conferences, seminars, and events which decrease stigma associated with mental health challenges, by providing education and skill development, peer support and networking opportunities.
Founded in 1995, Dalton Associates is a mental health services organization that provides specialized and quality assured psychological, psychotherapy, social work, and behavioural health services that are culturally sensitive, safe, accessible, and timely. For First Responder organizations we offer customized, comprehensive, and fully-integrated mental health and wellness solutions.
Our Presenters
For Better or For Worse?
Andrew Gough CD, Military Police/Close Protection Operator, medically retired police sergeant, London Police Service, Canadian Armed Forces member since 1999, NCM to Commissioned Officer, Founder of V-EH
Elizabeth Gough, Policy Developer for the City of London, Financial Director, V-EH, MBA
Having been together since their teens and growing with their relationship through Andrew’s experienced trauma, Andrew and Elizabeth speak their story of commitment to each other through the destructive path of PTSD. This presentation will touch on their early life, the signs Elizabeth observed in Andrew leading up to her loving assertion that he seek help for his injury and how their life is today, post diagnosis and within Post Traumatic Growth. Andrew’s Service Dog, Riggs, was received in 2017 and has been by his side ever since, through all Andrew’s adventures.
Psyched
Nick Halmasy, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist, Author: After the Call
I often have people reach out to me at dire times. Either they themselves are suffering, or they are a loved one of someone who is. But, what does getting care look like? What’s the difference between a “MSW” or an “RP”, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? What is the difference between CBT or DBT or MBSR and all the other jargon we can see? Let’s walk through it together, so that you can be better equipped to find the support you need when you need it.
Psyched
Nick Halmasy, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist, Author: After the Call
I often have people reach out to me at dire times. Either they themselves are suffering, or they are a loved one of someone who is. But, what does getting care look like? What’s the difference between a “MSW” or an “RP”, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? What is the difference between CBT or DBT or MBSR and all the other jargon we can see? Let’s walk through it together, so that you can be better equipped to find the support you need when you need it.
When FIRE Gets In The Way
Barbara Ambrose Sharp, BA Criminology
Doug Sharp, BA Physical Education, Retired Fire Captain, Kitchener Fire Department
Barb and Doug Sharp have been married and a First Responder family for 28 years. They have two children, Mason 26 years old and Meghan 24 years old. Barb, who began her career as a correctional officer is currently a child youth worker on the behaviour intervention team in the public school system. Doug, a professional firefighter for 30 years, retired in December 2022 as a Fire Captain. For 24 years Doug was instrumental as a peer lead in developing, organizing and implementing the fire department’s Peer Support Program. Barb and Doug would like to share some of their joy and challenges of being in a first responder relationship including some of strategies they used, and are currently using, to stay connected.
Retirement…Bye, Bye Tension, Hello Pension
Dr. Christina Harrington, PhD, RSW
Considering retirement brings a mixture of excitement, angst, and potential risks to overall wellbeing, particularly to service personnel. Preparing for this life transition can help ensure a healthy, successful and meaningful life after a career in first response.
Retirement…Bye, Bye Tension, Hello Pension
Dr. Christina Harrington, PhD, RSW
Considering retirement brings a mixture of excitement, angst, and potential risks to overall wellbeing, particularly to service personnel. Preparing for this life transition can help ensure a healthy, successful and meaningful life after a career in first response.
Overview of Boots On The Ground
Rob Leathen: Volunteer with Boots on the Ground, Acting Platoon Chief, Central York Fire
Rob Leathen will be giving an overview of the services offered by Boots On The Ground.
Boots On The Ground is an anonymous helpline providing confidential and anonymous peer support to First Responders across the province, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a charitable organization completely run and staffed by volunteers.
Master of Ceremonies
Dan Jones
Associate Chair of the Justice Studies Program at NorQuest College. Correctional officer for 3 years, with the Edmonton Police Service for twenty five years, obtaining the rank of Inspector. MSW, currently a PhD Candidate.
Register for the Seminar