First responder counselling · London, Ontario & virtual across Ontario
For those who are strong for everyone else.
You spend your career responding when others need you. The impact of the job does not always end when your shift does. At Gentle Pathways, first responders and frontline professionals can find a space to talk about what they carry, at a pace that respects their experience.
- Paulina Dysko, MSW, RSW
- In person in London, Ontario
- Virtual appointments across Ontario
- For active and retired first responders
When the job starts following you home
You can be capable, committed to your work and still notice its impact. You do not need to identify with the word trauma or have a PTSD diagnosis to seek support. Police, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers and other frontline professionals may notice:
- Difficulty switching off after a shift or feeling on alert when the immediate demands have passed.
- Replaying difficult calls, decisions or conversations; feeling exhausted but finding it hard to rest.
- Irritability, numbness, or feeling less connected to your partner, children or friends.
- Carrying the weight of situations you could not change, or wondering where you fit outside your role.
The impact is not always from one incident
Occupational stress can build over time through repeated exposure, high-pressure decisions, shift work and the expectation to keep going. A critical incident may also leave a lasting effect. Therapy offers space to understand what you are experiencing and consider support that fits your needs, history and readiness.
- Occupational stress, cumulative trauma and operational stress injuries.
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, burnout and compassion fatigue.
- Sleep difficulties, grief, feeling on edge and the effects of stress on daily life.
- Relationships, family life and reconnecting with who you are beyond your work.
Understanding the world you work in
I’m Paulina Dysko, MSW, RSW. Before dedicating myself to psychotherapy, I worked in child protection, including forensic investigations, complex work with children and families, and supervisory responsibilities. Working alongside police and other professionals, I came to understand the responsibility of remaining composed while responding to difficult circumstances. Being capable of doing the job does not mean the job has no impact on you. I bring that experience and my clinical training into collaborative, trauma-informed therapy for first responders.
- We begin with what matters to you, not a requirement to recount every difficult experience.
- We discuss your goals and choose an approach together, with attention to safety, readiness and the therapeutic relationship.
- Depending on your needs, we may discuss EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), cognitive behavioural strategies and body-aware approaches. DBR is an emerging approach with a developing evidence base.
- When work affects the whole family, therapy can make room to explore patterns of disconnection and the relationships that matter to you.
A first step that fits your life
Choose a way to begin
Use the booking link to explore available appointments, in person in London or virtually while you are in Ontario.
Bring your questions
In your first appointment, you can share what has brought you here, discuss your goals and ask about confidentiality, practical details and whether the fit feels right.
Make a plan together
You and Paulina can consider next steps and approaches suited to your circumstances. You do not have to decide on a therapy method before reaching out.
Common questions
Do I need PTSD or a single major incident to seek support?
No. You can seek support for cumulative occupational stress, burnout, anxiety, relationships or a change you have noticed in yourself. A diagnosis is not required.
Will I have to talk about every difficult call?
No. You can start with what feels manageable. Therapy is collaborative, and you can discuss your pace and what you are ready to explore.
Will my employer or department find out?
Your employer does not automatically receive information about your attendance or sessions. Confidentiality has legal and professional limits, and these will be discussed before therapy begins. If a third party is involved in funding or referral, ask what information may be shared before consenting.
Can I meet virtually?
Yes. Gentle Pathways offers in-person appointments in London, Ontario and virtual appointments for people located in Ontario.
Can I use workplace or extended health benefits?
Many plans cover services provided by a Registered Social Worker, but coverage varies. Check your plan and ask the practice about documentation or any specific workplace funding arrangement before booking.
What if I am not sure therapy is right for me?
You do not need to have everything figured out. An initial appointment is a chance to talk about your concerns, ask questions and consider whether working together feels like a fit.
Explore support and resources
Learn more about approaches and resources that may be relevant. You do not need to choose a therapy method before getting in touch.
EMDR therapy
Explore a structured approach to working with distressing memories.
Deep Brain Reorienting
Read about this emerging trauma-focused approach and its developing research base.
Read more about trauma therapy, stress as a 911 dispatcher, or mental health in policing.
You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming
You spend your career being there for others. You deserve a space where someone is there for you. Begin with the concerns that matter to you, and consider the next step together.