Everyone needs backup
Everyone needs backup is focused on opening conversations and raising awareness within the membership about the prevalence of debilitating mental health issues in our ranks and connecting those experiencing challenges with support resources.
We want to make sure every member of the London Fire Department knows they are not alone.
Do you or someone you know, need help?
Everyone Needs Backup is focused on opening up conversations and raising awareness about the need to prioritize mental health in our ranks and connecting those experiencing mental health challenges with support resources. We want to make sure every employee of the London Fire Department knows they are not alone.
The following is a list of anonymous online screening tools provided to help identify symptoms of various conditions. The tools are intended to educate and are NOT designed to provide a clinical diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a qualified health professional after a complete evaluation.
Importantly, your responses are not being recorded and there is no person monitoring the screening tools to provide support.
- Anxiety Screening Tool
- Depression Screening Tool
- Insomnia Screening Tool
- Depression, Anxiety, Stress Screening Tool
- PTSD Screening Tool
- Panic Disorder Screening Tool
- Risky Alcohol Use Screening Tool
- Social Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool
Using the anonymous screening tools lets you compare your responses to previously published responses from the general population or other public safety personnel.
What employer supports are available?
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is available free of charge, 7 days a week, 24-hours a day to provide you or any immediate family members with support to resolve personal and work-related issues including:
- Personal and/or job stress
- Relationship issues
- Balancing work and family
- Eldercare and childcare
- Separation and loss
- Smoking cessation
- Parenting issues
- Financial or legal matters
- Nutrition
Services are available by phone, by email, in person, and online through a live chat.
To book an appointment or to help determine what services or options are best suited to your needs, call toll-free 1-844-880-9142. To access a variety of resources, tools and, including e-counselling, visit: one.telushealth.com enter username “col”, password “COL”
There is also an app available. Download at App Store or Google Play by simply searching “TELUS Health One”. Open the app and click on “log in” and enter the following: username: col, password: COL.
(Please note, passwords are case sensitive)
Fire/Trauma Assist Program
The Fire Assist Program is available free of charge and is designed to help individuals affected by trauma by providing confidential access to specialized care (psychotherapists, social workers) to treat and build resiliency through a network of services and resources. To utilize the Fire Assist Program, reach out to a member of the Peer Support, Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge at x4279 or Return to Work Services at x5801.
Peer Support
The Peer Support consists of dedicated London Fire Department employees and mental health professionals, who are trained to assist peers who encounter a traumatic event or personal challenge. This includes assisting peers by acknowledging the challenge and their reactions to it, helping them understand that what they are thinking, or feeling is a normal reaction after an abnormal event, that what they are going through now will slowly get better, there are things they can do help work through it, and that there are resources available if needed to assist them. Each Shift has team members working and available. All matters are kept in strict confidence.
Team members are trained peer supporters. When requested, professional counselling and follow-up intervention will be provided through the Employee Assistance Program (‘EAP’), Fire Assist Program, or referral to a community-based agency having appropriate specialized training in post-traumatic intervention. Employees are also encouraged to recognize their own need for assistance and voluntarily contact team members confidentially at any point in time during their career whether related to a specific event or for any personal challenge.
If you require the assistance of a team member or follow up intervention, contact Team Lead Sean Kingswell at 226-377-0084, Alternative Lead Jason Figueiredo at 519-282-4241 or any team member (see below Peer Support Team Listing by Platoon/Division).
Extended Health Benefits
Psychological Services - $3,500 per benefit year. The benefit year is January 1 to December 31 and there is a hard reset at the start of each year. This includes services provided by a registered psychologist, psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, master of social work, marriage and/or family therapist, or clinical counsellor.
Paramedical Services - $2000 in any 12 months combined for services of a chiropractor, massage therapist, speech pathologist, physiotherapist, and surgical stockings. This is based on a 12-month period not a January 1 to Dec 31 period as Psychological Services are.
For specifics, refer to the Collective Agreement. If you have any questions, regarding your benefit coverage contact Manulife at 1-800-268-6195.
The Homewood Health Centre
The London Fire Department has a preferred provider relationship with Homewood Health Center for anyone that requires residential treatment related to post traumatic stress disorder, substance use, or other mental health related illnesses. Anyone requiring the services of Homewood Health can submit their information directly to Homewood Health - Admission Forms, or reach out to a member of the Peer Support/Team, Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge at x4279 or Return to Work Services at x5801.
Ombudsperson
Marshall Schnapp is the City of London Respectful Workplace Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson helps employee and workplaces resolve disputes successfully. He is not an employee of the City and acts as a neutral, confidential resource for employees to get information about the policy and its processes. Marshall will advocate for fair and transparent processes under the policy but will not act as an advocate for individuals or provide legal advice. You can reach Marshall by telephone at 416-789-2983 or 416-880-1341 or by email at londonombuds@schnappmediation.com.
Fire Chaplain
The London Fire Department provides a Fire Chaplain to assist employees and their families in times of crisis and to support them with their spiritual needs. The following outlines the general guidelines for the Chaplain role.
- The Chaplain is responsible for providing non- denominational religious, spiritual, and emotional support to London employees and their families.
- While Chaplains are not generally licensed counsellors, they are prepared to help people with various life challenges related to work, family, substance abuse, and grief. For matters requiring professional support,
- Chaplains may at times suggest that individuals for long-term professional counselling and therapy.
- All communications with a Chaplain are strictly confidential. These communications cannot be disclosed with anyone else without the written permission of the person receiving advice or assistance.
- The Fire Chaplain may represent the Fire Service at public events, department functions, and funeral or memorial services.
You can confidentially reach the Fire Chaplains, Father John Comiskey at 519-476-1542 or Rev. Frank Roe at 519-860-8882.
What community resources are available?
Community Trauma and PTSD Mental Health Resources
In addition to the many skilled professionals in our community and provided through our Employee Assistance Program, the list provided is offered for the consideration of employees in need of support. The individuals provided, in alphabetical order, have been identified by the London Fire Department and the Peer Support/ Team as persons in the London community with specific expertise in trauma and complex grief counselling. Employees should check their benefits (Manulife at 1-800-268-6195) to determine if they have any coverage for any of the services listed.
If you are in crisis and/or need immediate support, the Canadian Mental Health “Reach out crisis line” is available at 519-433-2023 or in person at 648 Huron Street, London. These services are available to those in need 24/7.
Psychologist Clinicians
Dr. Joan Clayton, Psychologist
513 Princess Ave, London
519-673-4091
- Dr. Clayton is a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Areas of practice include Human Sexuality, Trauma work with first responders.
- Trauma therapist trained in trauma specific therapies including mind body spirit approach.
- 30 plus years of experience with over 10 years of treating uniformed and non-uniformed first responders.
- Provide virtual and in person treatment.
- WSIB registered provider
Dr. Peter Cobrin, Psychologist
405-450 Central Avenue, London
519-433-2001
- Dr. Peter Cobrin is a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Areas of interest include psychological impacts resulting from trauma and stress, relationship problems, people struggling with depression and anxiety, anger management, etc.
- Uses an eclectic approach: trained in Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Psycho-Educational approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Hypnotherapy
- Over twenty plus years of experience including an assignment as the Chief Psychologist at the Sarnia General Hospital, and extensive assessments related to WSIB and MVA claims
- Works both in-person and virtually
- Experience working with first responders, veterans, and present members of the armed forces
Dr. Fiona Meek, Psychologist
15 Main Street N, Forest
519-673-8542
drmeek@lambtonshorespsychology.ca
www.lambtonshorespsychology.ca
- Dr. Meek is a clinical psychologist registered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Therapeutic approach is integrative and entirely patient centered.
- Expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Third Wave CBT approaches (including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), and Emotion- Focused Therapy
- Experience working with a range of presenting issues, including anxiety and mood disorders, behavioural and emotion-regulation challenges, complex trauma, and posttraumatic stress.
- Special interest in assessing and treating first responders.
- Provides virtual and in-person services.
- WSIB Community Mental Health Partner
Dr. Charles Nelson, Psychologist and Associates
10927 Oxbow Drive, Komoka
519-204-1806
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-charles-nelson-3629bb28
- Dr. Charles Nelson is a clinical psychologist registered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Areas of practice include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, mood disorders, and chronic pain.
- Offers services including Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Twenty-five plus years assessing and treating police, EMS, fire, veterans, Canadian Forces members.
- Provides virtual and in-person treatment.
- Presented at international conferences on suicide, trauma, vicarious resilience, pain, mild traumatic brain injury and smoking cessation.
- WSIB Community Mental Health Partner
Dr. Mark Petter
642 Waterloo Street, London
- Dr. Petter is a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologist of Ontario.
- Experience working at Victoria Hospital with the Workplace Traumatic Stress Program prior to entering into private practice.
- Uses a variety of approaches including CBT and mindfulness-based treatments.
- Practice primarily focuses on providing evidence-based treatment and prevention techniques for issues related to traumatic stress, grief, sleep, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
- Provides virtual and in person services.
- WSIB registered provider
Dr. Erin Ross, Psychologist
190 Wortley Road, Suite 215, London
519-694-4189
erin@drerinross.com
https://drerinross.com/about-erin/
- Dr. Erin Ross is a clinical psychologist registered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Provides psychological services including diagnosis and assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Fifteen plus years of experience
- Worked for the London Health Sciences Centre, first in the First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program and in the Traumatic Stress Service where she provided individual and group therapy to adults who suffer from trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders.
- Draws from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Works both in-person and virtually
Dr. Robert Snurr, Psychologist
450 Central Ave, Suite 405, London
519-858-0491
- Dr Robert Snurr is a clinical psychologist registered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario
- Area of practice include services for chronic pain, PTSD, driving anxiety, phobias, work-related issues, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, loss of employment or ability to work, job stress, and job change problems.
- Thirty plus years of experience, including several years of experience working alongside first responders.
- Provides virtual and in person treatment.
- WSIB Community Mental Health Partner
Dr. Naomi Wiesenthal, Psychologist
PO Box 51024 Stoneybrook RO, London
(519) 494-4320
https://forestcitypsych.ca/our-staff
- Dr. Naomi Wiesenthal is a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario to provided clinical, rehabilitation, and health psychology services.
- Been providing psychological services for over 20 years.
- Areas of practice include treatment of anxiety, trauma, operational stress injury/moral injury, medical illness, grief, parenthood, and fertility concerns.
- Treatment is primarily offered from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach.
- At this point in time, all services are offered virtually, through encrypted video or by telephone, at the client’s preference.
- WSIB Community Mental Health Program
Dr. Graham Reid, Psychologist
267 Fanshawe Park Road West, London Ontario
519-639-7136
- Dr. Graham Reid is a clinical psychologist, registered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and is an Associate Professor in Psychology, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics at The University of Western Ontario.
- Areas of practice for adults include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, couples and relationships, and coping with chronic health conditions.
- Offers services including Cognitive Behavioural and Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness/Acceptance.
- Special interest in sleep issues among children, youth, and adults.
- In-person and virtual appointments available.
Dr. Andrew Ekblad, Psychologist
22 Liverpool Street, Guelph, ON
100 Regina Street, Waterloo, ON
519-265-7734
- Dr. Andrew Ekblad is a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
- Areas of focus include PTSD, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, addiction, suicidal thoughts/ behaviour, borderline personality disorder, relationship issues, stress management, anger.
- Primary treatment approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Other treatment therapies include Dialectal Behavioural Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapies.
- Extensive experience working with first responders including Police, Fire, Paramedics, and Military.
- Works with adult clients, families, and adolescents.
- Provides "resilience training" for first responders before operational stress starts to impact psychological wellness.
- Provides reintegration services for first responders transitioning from being off work to returning to work.
- Provides beginning of career and ongoing "Wellness Checks" to maintain healthy baseline of functioning over course of career.
- First responders given ‘priority’ in speed of appointment scheduling.
- In-person and virtual appointments available
Psychiatrist Clinician
Dr. Katrina Fenicky, MD, MA, FRCPC
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
189 Elm Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 5C4
Phone: 519-637-0511 x 1
Fax: (519) 913-4045
katrina.fenicky@stegh.on.ca (for clinician and referee use only)
- Dr. Katrina Fenicky is a fully licensed Psychiatrist and certified member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Areas of practice include treatment of moral injury, PTSD and operational stress injuries, women’s health and anxiety disorders
- Special interest in the treatment of First Responders, RCMP and Canadian Forces Veterans
- Completed her final year of residency training at the Operational Stress Injury Clinic in London, specializing in the treatment of CAF Veterans and RCMP members
- Provides 100% OHIP covered psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment, both virtual and in-person
- Referrals should be directed to Dr. Katrina Fenicky. A copy of the referral form can be downloaded here.
Note: A referral from any MD (family doctor, walk-in doctor or MD specialist) or Nurse Practitioner is required
Dr. Janine Przysiezny, Psychiatrist
London, ON.
- Dr. Przysiezny has had a practice focused on the treatment of interpersonal, generational, and occupational trauma for 20 years.
- For 11 years, she had Psychodynamic Psychotherapy practice, and then worked at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital from 2017 until 2023.
- Dr. P. began focusing on treating First Responders and Front-Line Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, in partnership with Disaster Psychiatry Canada’s Rapid Response Team.
- Although she specializes in treating Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, she also assesses and offers treatment plans for other illnesses, such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, and others.
- Email doctorp@przymed.ca for more information or to request an appointment.
Psychotherapist Clinicians
Blueprint Counselling
London South - 111 Waterloo St. London, ON, N6B 2M2 Suite #309
London North - 230 Victoria St. London, ON N6A 2C2 Suite #121
Phone: 226-212-8272
- Trauma Informed Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrist
- Mental health clinic that offers warm and judgement free space for individuals and couples
- Areas of practice include trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, adult survivors of childhood neglect, ADHD/Autism, grief, loss & terminal illness, life and career transitions, chronic pain, illness & disability, relationship conflict, family therapy, parenting and caregiving, financial concerns and substance use counselling.
- Modalities of psychotherapy include: Internal Family Systems Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Counselling, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Traumatic Incident Reduction and Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy
- Provide psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and integration using Ketamine and Psilocybin
Susan Alexander, Psychotherapist, Registered
Social Work
Thin Line Training – Occupational Stress Management 119 Wortley Road Suite #4, London
519-200-5763
- Susan Alexander is a psychotherapist, registered social worker.
- A large body of her work includes treatment with individuals who are exposed to trauma and occupational stress including first responders
- Specializing in trauma intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Internal Family Systems
- Provide virtual and in person treatment
- Twenty plus years of experience in the field of mental health, including extensive experience with first responders
- Worked with the Ministry of the Attorney General in the court system with victims of crime; with London Health Sciences Centre Emergency Care program, Adolescent Mental Health Program, and the London Regional Cancer Care Centre
- Experienced teacher/trainer for those who work on the front lines of trauma intervention: police, fire, paramedic, nursing, social work, social service work and crisis centre
- Provides education, training, and consultation to first responder organizations
Carolyn Carrier, Registered Social Worker
190 Wortley Road Unit 215, London
519-494-9551
Carolyn@carolyncarriercounselling.com
www.carolyncarriercounselling.com
- Carolyn Carrier is a registered social worker, certified EMDR therapist and consultant.
- Areas of practice include trauma, anxiety, depression, guilt and shame, self-esteem, negative thinking, childhood abuse, grief, and loss.
- Trained in trauma specific therapies including Deep Brain Reorientation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as others.
- Provides both virtual and in person treatment.
- Worked at the London Health Science Center within the Traumatic Stress Services working impacted by early developmental trauma. Completed advance trauma certificate through the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies
- Prior to counselling worked thirteen years within the correctional services forensic field and has extensive experience working with offenders, the justice system, probation and parole, and domestic violence victims all of which enhances her understanding in the challenges faced by the first responder.
Paulina Dysko - Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker
205-240 Wharncliffe Rd North, London Ontario
519 472 5366
- Paulina Dysko is a psychotherapist, registered social worker
- Former first responder herself, Paulina has a knowledge and deep understanding of the challenges faced by emergency service personnel.
- Areas of practice: works primarily with individuals affected by trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, traumatic grief and occupational stress
- Special interest in supporting first responders and their families in effectively managing stress that naturally arise from this line of work
- Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( CBT) , Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems; completed First Responder Specific Mental Health Training
- Provides in person and virtual appointments
Mike Fluit, MSW, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
119 Wortley Road Unit #7, London
519-200-4376 (phone or text)
- Mike Fluit has been a registered social worker for 18 years.
- Has a special interest in working with Police, first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans
- Focuses on working those who struggle with trauma, anxiety, intense emotions, anger, addiction, and relationship problems/instability.
- Utilizes various evidence-based approaches to counselling such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Brief Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy
- Provides virtual and in person treatment.
Jerrica Hunter – Registered Psychotherapist
Archways Centre for CBT
460 Springbank Drive, Suite 205, London
519-472-6612
https://www.archways.ca/team/jerrica-hunter
- Jerrica is a registered psychotherapist (registered to provide psychological services under the supervision of psychologist Gita Canaran) who uses evidence-based practices to help adult individuals experiencing difficult life transitions.
- Past work has focused on working with individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including complex trauma and psychosis.
- She uses a trauma informed approach in her practice and is committed to helping her clients feel safe and heard.
- Areas of practice include First Responder Program and Anxiety and Mood Clinic
- Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy, Trauma Informed Approaches, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy
London Centre for Trauma Therapy
111 Waterloo Street, Suite 508, London ON
226-777-7702
- London Centre for Trauma Therapy is a leading mental health clinic of empathetic, warm, and skilled trauma-based therapists.
- Areas of practice include post-traumatic stress disorder, attachment trauma, addictions domestic violence grief and loss burnout and compassion fatigue as well as others.
- Modalities of psychotherapy include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Dialectical Behavior, Art and Play Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness
- Provide virtual and in person treatment.
Megan Phillips - Registered Psychotherapist
266 Oxford Street East Unit 303, London
519-630-8233
https://phillipspsychotherapy.ca
- Megan Phillips is a registered psychotherapist.
- Areas of practice include addictions, mental health, concurrent disorders, occupational stress injuries, trauma, compassion fatigue.
- Specializing in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Trauma, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Somatic Experiencing, Neuro Linguistic Processing, Exposure Therapies, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Provide virtual and in person treatment.
- Twenty plus years of experience in the field of mental health
- Involved in various peer support training initiatives.
- Extensive experience with first responders including London Police Services Peer and Family Support Programs, St. Thomas Police Services Peer and Family Support Programs and extending her skills to the implementation of the Windsor Police Service Peer and Family Support Program
Wendy Pearson, MEd, RP, CCC
291 King Street, Suite 103, London
519-639-4698
- Wendy Person is Registered Psychotherapist and EMDR clinician with over 25 years’ experience.
- Works with individuals, couples, families, children and teens who are impacted by current or past trauma, substance use/addictions, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and disordered eating, relationship issues, stress, parenting issues, sexual assault or abuse, workplace issues, gender identity concerns, couple and family issues as well as life transitions, to name a few.
- First responders given ‘priority’ in speed of appointment scheduling.
- In-person and virtual appointments available
Michelle Gibson MSW, RSW
18 Becher St, London, Ontario
(519) 913-3201
- Michelle Gibson is a practicing Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker and runs a group practice in London with trauma specialized clinicians.
- Areas of focus include stress, trauma/PTSD, identity, grief and loss, anxiety, anger, addiction, relationship issues, personality disorders, and general support through life transitions and changes.
- Treatment therapies include Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectal Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapies.
- Provides individual and couples therapy and her team provides services from childhood through adulthood.
- Experience working with first responders including Police, Fire, Paramedics, and Military.
- Adjunct professor and workshop facilitator throughout Canada lecturing on the topic of trauma and stress.
- First responders given ‘priority’ in speed of appointment scheduling.
- In-person and virtual appointments available
Rising Insight Counselling and Psychotherapy
(226) 781-4104
www.risinginsightcounselling.com/
- Rising Insight is a group of Registered Psychotherapists committed to providing holistic, effective, and confidential support for adults, children, and youth.
- Areas of practice include parenting, LGBTQIA2S+ Identity Exploration, couples and family therapy, grief and bereavement, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Provides virtual and in-person services.
Children/Family Support
Kids Zen
510 Southdale Road, Suite 302
London, ON N6E 0B2
(226)-605-0664
- Kids Zen is a counselling service for children, teens, young adults, and parents.
- Registered Social Workers and Psychotherapists are available to support you with parenting challenges, your child's mental health needs, behavioural difficulties, emotional regulation, trauma, adjustment, and sleep concerns.
- Experienced in working with mental health challenges and crises, ADHD, ODD, ASD, adjustment to life changes, anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, trauma, grief/loss, parent-child/sibling relationship challenges and school avoidance.
- Specialized modalities of counselling/ psychotherapy include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Somatic Experiencing techniques, Infant and children’s sleep counselling/consultation, Hypnotherapy, Dialectical behavioral Therapy, Play based and Sand tray-based interventions.
- Provides virtual and in person treatment.
Additional mental health resources
The mental health and wellness of London Fire Department employees is vital. This is not a job that can easily be left behind when a shift is over. Employees do everything they can to keep others safe, but too often that means putting themselves at risk.
We need your help in spreading the message. We are encouraging members to access the below resources if they are struggling, and/or to share these resources with their colleagues who may be suffering in silence.
Wounded Warriors Canada is a mental health service provider that provides a range of clinically facilitated programs specifically developed to support the unique needs of first responders, and their families. Wounded Warrior Canada provides treatment programs at no charge for those impacted by trauma, as well as programs for couples, spouses, surviving spouses, and children of those who serve or have served our country and communities. For further information please visit their website at https:// woundedwarriors.ca or contact them at 1-888-706-4808 or via email info@woundedwarriors.ca.
Boots on the Ground is an organization that provides anonymous peer support for first responders by first responders, as well as community supports and online tools. Their website Boots on the Ground provides information on therapists in your areas that may be helpful. If you wish to speak to a peer supporter from Boots on the Ground, wish to discuss resources in your community (psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker) or access any of their resources, you can reach Boots on the Ground at 1-833-677-2668. Anonymous peer support is just a phone call away.
Mind Beacon is an organization that is committed to providing mental health care through a secure virtual mental health clinic delivered by licensed professionals. This includes guided cognitive behavioral programs. This is free for first responders. Visit their website at www.mindbeacon.com for more information or to book a video or phone session with a therapist.
This association is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals, as well as bringing together society at large to form an ocean of compassion, awareness, knowledge, and tools necessary for recovery. Visit their website at www.ptsdassociation.com to take one of their self-assessments or learn more about PTSD.
Corporate Fitness Membership Discounts
The London Fire Department is looking to expand their offerings of Discounted Fitness Memberships. Below is the list of LFD Discounted Fitness Memberships to date. Additional organizations will be added over the next few months.
GoodLife Fitness
Information on how to register for this discount can be found by clicking on the following GoodLife Fitness Information and GoodLife Unique Identifier information. Click on the following link to assess FAQs
Do you need to talk to someone?
Joint Health and Safety Committee
The London Fire Department has an active Occupational Health and Safety Committee that consists of five elected members from the LPFFA as well as three members of Fire Administration. The committee engages in various health and safety initiatives and monitors the Occupational Health and Safety Program. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of your workplace, reach out to Instructor Jennifer Delaney at x0703 or Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge at x4279.
Return to Work Services Team
The City of London Return to Work Services Team is available to discuss any question you may have regarding the resources and supports available to support you. This includes assisting with:
- Application to sick leave, short term disability, long term disability
- Assist with return to work following injury or illness
- Accessing any of the resources noted in this Plan
You can reach any member of the Return-to-Work Services Team x5801.
London Professional Fire Fighters Association
The LPFFA is an Association of over four hundred Fire Department members. Officers of the Executive Board are available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance and support to all members and their families during times of personal need, or to assist with the experience of exposure to traumatic incidents. The LPFFA works in cooperation with the employer and community resources to help provide assistance and direction toward the appropriate supports. The objective of the LPFFA is to help minimize the impact of psychological trauma members and their families may experience throughout the years of commitment to the Fire Service. The LPFFA shares in the effort to accelerate normal recovery to abnormal events, some of which are unique to Fire Department employees.
If you require any assistance, reach out to Corey Thompson at 519-852-3903 or any Officer of the LPFFA board.
Annual Occupational Medical Evaluation
As a result of your position within the London Fire Department, you may through the course of your duties, be exposed to a combination of hazardous substances. The Fire Department and Joint Health and Safety Committee have attempted to minimize these risks where possible using industry recognized personal protective equipment, education, and training, as well as the implementation of operational policies and procedures.
In recognition of the risks, the Joint Health and Safety Committee has developed the attached medical protocol. This medical protocol follows the requirements outlined under the ‘National Fire Protection Association Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments’.
Given the nature of your work, you are encouraged to review the attached letter and medical protocol with your Attending Physician. As part of your annual physical, your Attending Physician may wish to include some, or all, of the testing outlined. Please note the London Fire Department, or Joint Health and Safety Committee do not require the results of this testing and will not be responsible for any costs associated with this testing.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this process, do not hesitate to contact your Joint Health and Safety Representative. Your Health is important, please take the time to review this document with your Attending Physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
My coworker is struggling how should I approach them?
Determining how to best start a conversation about a person’s health can be challenging, however you do not need to be a health expert to help someone in distress. Having a conversation is the best way to start breaking down barriers. Here are some suggestions on how to reach out to someone you are concerned about.
Reach out - Ask how the person is doing. Let them know that you have been thinking about them. Be specific about what is concerning you (e.g., I have noticed you been more withdrawn lately. Is everything OK? Do you want to talk? I am worried about you?)
Listen – Listening to them and giving them a space to be heard is often one of the best things you can do for someone who is facing a health challenge. It is our tendency to jump to problem solving when we want to help but slowing down and just being with the person gives the person a chance to feel connected and think about what would be most helpful for them.
Offer support - Be compassionate. If a person’s behavior is out of character, it may mean that a person is experiencing a health problem or that they are under some other kind of stress. A comment like “just relax” or “you’ll get over it” can come across as judgmental. Instead show the person that you are there to offer support (e.g., that sounds hard, is there anything I can do to help, thank you for sharing with me).
What are the different types of treatment available for those impacted by trauma?
Common treatments for trauma include psychotherapy and often some sort of pharmaceutical support. Having a psychotherapist that you connect with and trust is key to this process. Treatments include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy – a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that helps an individual challenge unhelpful beliefs about their traumatic incident and modifies them.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – helps individuals connect thoughts, feeling, and behaviors related to their traumatic symptoms in new ways and move through stuck points using all three.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – the goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is to help the individual develop more accepting, mindful attitudes towards trauma instead of avoiding or distracting themselves from negative symptoms.
- Exposure Therapy – helps the individual by using a slow, stepwise approach to re- expose themselves to traumatic thoughts, feelings, situations, or environments. It helps an individual maintain a state of calm while progressively moving through things that they find traumatic.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – usually involves an individual focusing on a visual stimulus while also briefly focusing on the traumatic memory. Through this process, the vividness of the memory and the intensity of the emotional response is reduced.
- Rapid Resolution Therapy – involves changing how the unconscious mind processes information through the use of multi-level communication tools. It seeks to involve addressing automatic processes that are maladaptive in nature.
- Pharmaceuticals – there are a variety of medications used to combat anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks. These are not usually a long-term solution or considered a solution on their own
Peer support Team listing by platoon/division
Any member of the Peer Support Team is available to provide confidential assistance to any employee of the LFD. Phone numbers for Peer Support Team members are posted on station and divisional boards.
A Platoon
- Sean Kingswell
- Jason Figueiredo
- Toby Phillips
- Chris Choja
- Matt Davis
- Ryan Kruk
- Drew Shantz
- Dave Bigg
B Platoon
- Jason Carter
- Stephen Hilton
- Heather Stewart
- Adam Froats
- John Campbell
C Platoon
- Jason McClaren
- Andrew Joice
- Brad Dodd
- Paul Rai
- Greg Holton
D Platoon
- Brad Judd
- Mark Liston
- Chad Hibbs
- Rich Degrandepre
- Cody Workman
Communications
- Ashley Strocki
- Patricia Brooks
- Tammy Dartch
- Janine Bevin
Training
- Jeff Tanner
Fire Prevention Office
- Jenn Romyn
If you have any questions, concerns regarding any of the services or ever find yourself or a family member in need of help, please reach out to Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge at 519-619-8836 or x4279.