Dr. T: First Responders are Elite Athletes

On the program today, Dr. Heather Twedell, "Dr. T" talks about her work with first responders through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) in the North Texas area. She says first responders are elite athletes and should be trained as such.

ABOUT "Dr. T" Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011; she is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California. Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her family ties to law enforcement, gives her a strong appreciation and understanding of the culture and stressors specific to first responders. She has developed a diverse and unique set of skills working in various clinical settings, including emergency departments, outpatient hospital programs, neuropsychology rehabilitation centers, corrections, and with law enforcement and fire departments. During her time with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Twedell provided critical incident debriefs, individual, couples and family therapy for sworn and civilian employees, co-developed and provided trainings, conducted inter-Department research, provided consultations and training for the Department's Peer Support Program and consulted with various bureaus including the Special Victims Bureau. Certifications include FBI Crisis Negotiations, Peace Officer Standard & Training, Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructors Course, and as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Dr. Twedell takes great pride in treating individuals with respect and compassion while providing therapeutic tools that are relevant and effective.

Through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) Dr. Twedell's current treatment services include individual, couples, and family therapy, group therapy, critical incident debriefing, psychological crisis intervention, trainings, program development, research, and consultations for both police and fire departments. She also provides support to two non-profit organizations in North Texas as a trauma-focused psychologist for a comprehensive outpatient program for first responders and is part of a team providing equine assisted resiliency training for first responders and their families at a horse ranch. She is dedicated in her efforts to ensure first responders are provided the education, training, and support that is critical for occupational and personal resiliency.

Learn more at https://www.htwedell.org/

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