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Mentors
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Shannon's Retired his Website at last Check
North American Fire Fighter Veteran Network
North American Fire Fighter Veteran Network is dedicated to the education of fire fighters and first responders. Shannon provides information and links to stress-related websites.
I learned from Shannon Pennington the value if peer-support. He taught me well that one can not battle this demon solo. His presence when I was in crisis showed me I was no longer alone. |
"Acute stress, job burn out and post traumatic stress reactions on the front line are becoming more evident in North America. We all need to become better educated in order to respond to the needs of the First Responders. Education has the power to move a negative outcome into a positive one for First Responders, both professional and volunteer."
 Shannon Pennington
Shannon Pennington is founder and chief officer of the North American Firefighter Veteran Network. He brings with him his 26 years of experience with the Calgary Fire Department as a Heavy Rescue and EMT(A)/First Responder firefighter.
Shannon works to educate and help firefighters in North America and beyond who are struggling with mental health issues including PTSD as a Mental Health Commission of Canada designated Person with Lived Experience. "Festina Lente-Make Haste Slowly." Shannon stays in touch. He's reunited with his chidren. I wish him a good life as a father and grandfather after 40 years waiting. |
Badge of Life Canada
Badge of Life Canada is a peer-led, charitable volunteer organization committed to supporting police and corrections personnel who are dealing with psychological injuries diagnosed from service.
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 Founder: Peter Platt
The founder of Badge of Life in Canada, Peter Platt, laid the foundation to raise the profile of Badge of Life Canada as the predominant organizational voice regarding operational stress injuries, including post-traumatic stress, and suicide prevention.
Peter passed away in 2016 due to cancer.  Bill Rusk: Director: Badge of Life Canada
Taking over as Director of BOLC from founder Peter Platt, Bill Rusk hopes to raise the profile of Badge of Life Canada as the predominant organizational voice regarding operational stress injuries, including post-traumatic stress, and suicide prevention on behalf of all police (sworn/civilian) and correctional personnel across Canada who still struggle in silence.
 Lynne Rusk: Administrative Director
Lynne Rusk has a unique perspective. Involved in a serious shooting incident herself, Lynne has since retired from policing. Married to Bill, the couple shares their lived experience with PTS. Her child too has been diagnosed with autism and post-traumatic stress.
Both are retired and serve under their own direction today. |
Dr. Anna Baranowsky
Anna B. Baranowsky is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist and the founder and CEO of the Traumatology Institute. As a trusted educator, I learned from Dr. Baranowsky the validity of my goal for post-traumatic growth and recovery.
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Dr. Anna B. Baranowsky, Ph.D., C.Psych, is the CEO of the Traumatology Institute (Canada) and is a psychologist who works with trauma survivors in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Baranowsky’s guiding principle has been the development of service to meet the needs of trauma survivors, their families, friends and organizations, and professionals seeking personal care and training to advance their knowledge in the field.
Dr. Baranowsky knows what it takes to grow through our trauma experience, and encourages her students and clients with a focus on post-traumatic growth in her practice. She is a published author of best-sellers “Trauma Practice” & “What is PTSD”.
Online Trauma Recovery Program More From Dr. Anna Baranowsky More on Post-Traumatic Growth Visit Traumatology Institute: Follow This Link Visit Trauma Practice for Healthy Communities: Follow This Link |
Michele Rosenthal
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At the age of thirteen Michele Rosenthal survived a life-threatening illness. Out of the hospital and making a full recovery, she believed if she only looked toward the future she could escape the trauma in her past.
Twenty-five years later. . .the young girl had become a woman imprisoned by memories, fear and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. |
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MICHELE ROSENTHAL is the Chief Hope Officer (CHO) of Your Life After Trauma, LLC. A popular keynote speaker, award-winning blogger and certified professional coach, Michele hosts the radio program, Changing Direction, and is the founder of HealMyPTSD.com. I learned from Michele Rosenthal the reality of hope,
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“In 1981 as a thirteen-year-old child I was given a routine antibiotic for a routine infection and suffered anything but a routine reaction. An undiscovered allergy to the medication turned me into a full-body burn victim almost overnight. By the time I was released from the hospital I had lost 100% of my epidermis. Even more importantly, I had completely lost myself.”
More From Michele Rosenthal Trauma Recovery Blog Podcast: Michelle Rosenthal |
 Dr. Odelya Gertel-Kraybill
Dr. Odelya Gertel Kraybill was born and raised in Israel. Her personal journey as a trauma survivor led her to become a trauma specialist and therapist.
I learned from Dr. Kraybill how dynamic trauma recovery can be. |
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Expressive Trauma Integration (ETI) is a multi-disciplinary approach for treating trauma issues. Dr. Kraybill's model is based on over a decade of research that supports her clinical work with traumatized populations. ETI draws on current research and practice from the fields of traumatology, neurobiology, expressive therapies, body-oriented approaches, mindfulness, and cognitive/behavioural therapy.
Expressive Trauma Integration (ETI) - An Intervention Framework Trauma Recovery Blog Podcast: Dr. Odelya Gertel Kraybill Read: 'I May Not Be the Right Therapist for You: Dr. Odelya Gertel Kraybil |
David Berceli PhD
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Shake It Off Naturally contains an easy to follow stress reduction exercise technique whose central aspect is the activation of a mild shaking response of the nervous system. It explores this most fundamental human experience of ‘shaking’ during highly excited experiences or events. . .reducing psycho-emotional stress and tension.
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David Berceli, Ph.D. is an international expert in the areas of trauma intervention and conflict resolution. He is the creator of Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). This revolutionary technique is designed to help release. . .traumatic experience (and) chronic stress.
I learned from David Berceli that trauma held in the body can be released. |
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This book discusses the ground-breaking, Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). The exercises elicit mild neurogenic tremors that release deep chronic tension in the body and assist the individual in the healing process and day to day stress management.
What Is TRE? YouTube Trauma Recovery Blog-David Berceli Interview TRE Canada TRE Vancouver Discover TRE: Global BC TRE on CTV News Network |
John Zemler, PhD (Dr. Z.) PTSD Spirituality
"Semper Pax"
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John D. Zemler, PhD, (Dr. Z) is a former US Army veteran, Theology Professor, Spiritual Director, PTSD Survivor, and he writes at PTSDSpirituality.com. John explores the spiritual dimensions of PTSD in order to prevent alienation of relationships, self-harm, and suicide. He draws on a background of military service, academic theology, surviving military and civilian traumas, art and music, and his life living with chronic pain. Dr. Z taught me the value in approaching recovery as a 'shamanic' experience as is appreciated in less westernized, more spiritual cultures.
I've lost touch with my friend and mentor John. |
Dr. Jonathan Douglas
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Dr. Jonathan Douglas is a clinical psychologist, in private practice in Canada. His practice has evolved with a strong focus on trauma, particularly in veterans and first responders, but also including childhood trauma. He enjoys introducing innovative techniques while guiding the treatment with the consistent measurement of outcomes to ensure treatment progress. He is a passionate advocate for access to mental health services.
Dr. Douglas has graciously offered my way sincere encouragement and validation. His introduction of the issue of sanctuary trauma helped considerably in putting me in touch with this reality. Dr. Douglas serves as a Director with Badge of Life Canada. His clinical practice is located in Barrie Ontario, Canada. |
Michael Pond Psychotherapy
"Compassionate, evidence-based addictions treatment. The goal-any positive change." ~ MP Psychotherapy
"Wasted" on The Nature of Things
“Sometimes the people around you won't understand your journey.
They don't need to, it's not for them.” ― Joubert Botha |
Michael Pond: "As a registered psychotherapist, Mike Pond thought he knew all there was to know about treating addiction. But through his own life-threatening battle with alcohol, he learned he knew next to nothing. Worse, what he knew was just plain wrong. After two decades of a thriving private practice in Penticton, in the heart of British Columbia’s spectacular wine country, alcohol destroyed his life. He lost his practice, home and family and ended up penniless in two unlicensed, Vancouver-area rundown recovery homes rife with systemic abuse. For two years, Mike floated through recovery homes and homelessness, dumpster diving, emergency wards and finally intensive care and prison. For Mike the man, this was no doubt the worst experience of his life. For Mike the therapist, it was a rare gift."
I learned from Michael how important it is through recovery to celebrate each positive step. He validated the reality of how vulnerable even the best of us in this life can be to struggling with addictions, which come to us in many forms-both functional addictions and those we witness most publicly. Along with trauma, addiction knows no boundary. For Help With Addictions: Follow This Link To Pond Psychotherapy "Wasted" on The Nature of Things |
I'm sincerely grateful for the kind mentorship of all these trusted and gracious fellows in the cause.
Be Well All.
"Mind How You Go"
Darren
Disclaimer: These materials and resources are presented for educational purposes only. They are not a substitute for informed medical advice or training. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified health or mental health care provider. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider, mental health professional, or your community health centre.
Darren Gregory © 2022: All Rights Reserved
