This is an 8-week online group for first responder spouses and partners.  Each session will combine education, exercises to support mind-body connection, and experiential questions to deepen group discussion. The group relies on active engagement from participants to share reflections and resonance.  Our aim is to expand understanding, enhance care for self and others, and to make meaning of individual and collective experiences.The focus of each session will vary, some topics include:

Amanda Murphy, MC, RCC Amanda has come to her clinical practice with 17 years’ experience in Victim Services, working alongside police on the front line, supporting victims and witnesses of crime and trauma.  During this time, Amanda noted a gap in available support and resources for the partners and families of first responders.  Amanda discovered a passion for designing and facilitating groups during her clinical training.  She co-designed our popular Calming Body and Mind group in 2020 and she will be co-facilitating Into the Heart of Change: Healing From Sexual Trauma group this spring.  Amanda is excited to collaborate with Mariah McKenzie on this group for spouses and partners of first responders.  Amanda is hopeful that her front line experience and clinical skills will offer steadiness to those who support our first responders.

Mariah McKenzie, MA (RCC Candidate) Mariah is completing her clinical internship at Shoreline counselling.  She has lived experience as a first responder spouse and has a passion for working with first responders and their families.  Mariah also worked alongside a variety of first responder groups in her four years as a victim services worker.  She has taken courses through Wounded Warriors including the Inter-Provincial Occupational Awareness Training and Introduction to Trauma Exposed Professionals.