Resilience Development in Action

Steve Bisson
  • 5.0 (20)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Discover practical resilience strategies that transform lives. Join Steve Bisson, licensed mental health counselor, as he guides first responders, leaders, and trauma survivors through actionable insights for mental wellness and professional growth.Each week, dive deep into real conversations about grief processing, trauma recovery, and leadership development. Whether you're a first responder facing daily challenges, a leader navigating high-pressure situations, or someone on their healing journey, this podcast delivers the tools and strategies you need to build lasting resilience.With over 20 years of mental health counseling experience, Steve brings authentic, professional expertise to every episode, making complex mental health concepts accessible and applicable to real-world situations. Featured topics include:• Practical resilience building strategies• First responder mental wellness• Trauma recovery and healing• Leadership development• Grief processing• Professional growth• Mental health insights • Help you on your healing journey Each week, join our community towards better mental health and turn your challenges into opportunities for growth with Resilience Development in Action.

  1. E.219 The IAFF Center of Excellence: A Lifeline for Firefighters in Crisis

    2D AGO

    E.219 The IAFF Center of Excellence: A Lifeline for Firefighters in Crisis

    Send us a text The IAFF Center of Excellence stands as a sanctuary for firefighters navigating the complex terrain of mental health challenges. In this revealing conversation with Hannah Elmore, Clinical Outreach Coordinator, we explore how this specialized treatment facility has become a lifeline for nearly 4,000 firefighters across North America. Hannah takes us behind the scenes of this unique 15-acre campus in Maryland, explaining how every aspect—from the station house-style sleeping quarters to the communal kitchen tables—was designed with firefighters in mind. "The IAFF's fingerprints are all over everything we do," she explains, highlighting the unparalleled cultural competency that makes the Center so effective. What struck me most was the Center's commitment to treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis. While many assume PTSD is the primary concern for firefighters, Hannah reveals they address everything from depression and anxiety to substance use disorders and what she calls "administrative betrayal"—that profound sense of being let down by leadership that can be more devastating than emergency calls. The facility's dual licensure for both mental health and substance use treatment ensures comprehensive care without arbitrary distinctions. Perhaps most powerful was our discussion about the fire pit—that simple gathering place where many firefighters experience their deepest healing through connection with peers from across the country. These relationships often continue long after discharge, creating a nationwide network of behavioral health champions who support each other and bring resources back to their departments. The message Hannah wants every firefighter to hear? "You don't have to wait until you reach crisis before reaching out for help." Whether you're struggling with job-related trauma, family stress, or simply feeling that disconnect between your feet and your mind, the Center offers a path forward with culturally competent care that understands the unique challenges of the fire service. Ready to learn more or connect with resources? Reach Hannah directly at 727-506-9036 or contact the 24/7 admissions team at 855-441-3024. Your journey toward healing doesn't have to wait another day. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    36 min
  2. E.218 Behind the Scenes at the IAFF Center of Excellence with Hannah Elmore

    AUG 20

    E.218 Behind the Scenes at the IAFF Center of Excellence with Hannah Elmore

    Send us a text In this powerful conversation, Hannah Elmore, Senior Clinical Outreach Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence, reveals the critical role of culturally competent care in supporting firefighter mental health. Drawing from her extensive background in clinical social work and deep immersion in fire service culture, Hannah illuminates the often-overlooked nuances of how mental health challenges uniquely manifest in first responders. The discussion takes us behind the curtain of the IAFF Center of Excellence, a specialized treatment facility created specifically for firefighters seeking help with behavioral health challenges. Unlike traditional hospital settings, this 15-acre facility offers various levels of care in an environment where firefighters can heal among peers who truly understand their experiences. Hannah paints a vivid picture of the Center's approach, from clinical programming to the nightly gatherings around the fire pit—a space intentionally kept free from clinical staff where some of the deepest healing occurs. Perhaps most compelling is the honest examination of barriers that prevent firefighters from seeking help. Hannah addresses head-on the fears about confidentiality and career impact that keep many suffering in silence. "If you're sweeping things under the rug," she cautions, "eventually the rug is going to get a really big mountain that you're going to trip over." This metaphor perfectly captures the cumulative weight of unaddressed trauma and stress. Steve and Hannah also discuss the frustrating reality of therapists who lack the necessary understanding of first responder culture. They share stories of firefighters who've had negative experiences with providers who were overwhelmed by their trauma narratives or misinterpreted symptoms due to cultural ignorance. Their passion for connecting first responders with appropriate, vetted resources shines through as they emphasize their collaborative approach to resource sharing. Whether you're a firefighter struggling with your mental health, a peer support member looking to better assist your colleagues, or a clinician wanting to better serve the first responder community, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating pathways to healing. Ready to learn more about specialized behavioral health support for firefighters? Listen now and discover why cultural competency makes all the difference. Part 2 will be released next week! To learn even more about the IAFF Center of Excellence, go to www.iaffrecoverycenter.com Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    36 min
  3. E.217 Bouncing Back: A Cop and Counselor Spill Their Marriage Tea

    AUG 13

    E.217 Bouncing Back: A Cop and Counselor Spill Their Marriage Tea

    Send us a text What happens when a police officer and a counselor not only share their professional expertise but also their marriage journey? In this candid, powerful conversation, Ashley and Dustin Wright bring a unique dual perspective to the challenges facing first responder marriages. Marriage requires resilience for everyone, but for those in law enforcement, the stakes are particularly high. "Resiliency in law enforcement is super important," explains Dustin, "because we're going to have troubles, struggles, and we need to bounce back pretty quickly." With divorce rates among first responders reaching a staggering 60-75%, the Wrights share practical strategies that have helped them navigate both professional pressures and relationship challenges. The conversation delves into several crucial aspects of relationship health: the importance of preparing emotionally before crises hit, distinguishing between having a safe partner and using them as an emotional dumping ground, and extending grace to partners who witness society's darkest moments. Ashley offers particularly valuable insights for first responder spouses: "We do not realize the amount of images, sounds, smells, things that they're taking in on a regular basis," she explains, highlighting why intentional communication and decompression time are essential. Perhaps most compelling is their discussion about supporting each other's growth journeys. When one partner embraces therapy or spiritual development, the other can misinterpret this as abandonment rather than opportunity. "How do we partner in that," Ashley asks, "rather than feeling insecure or putting the other person down?" Their answers provide a roadmap for couples facing similar challenges. Ready to strengthen your relationship while navigating the unique demands of first responder life? Listen now for insights that could transform your connection and build resilience that lasts through even the most challenging circumstances. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    28 min
  4. E.216 Building Resilience as First Responder Couples: Lessons from Dustin and Ashley Wright

    AUG 6

    E.216 Building Resilience as First Responder Couples: Lessons from Dustin and Ashley Wright

    Send us a text What happens when a police sergeant and a therapist build a life together? Dustin and Ashley Wright open up about their 13-year journey as a first responder couple in this vulnerable and insightful conversation that challenges conventional thinking about trauma, communication, and resilience. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Dustin shares how a seemingly routine cardiac arrest call triggered a trauma response that affected his intimate relationship with Ashley. This powerful revelation highlights how personal associations can make any incident potentially traumatic for first responders, regardless of its apparent severity. Even more surprising is Ashley's admission that despite her clinical training, she missed the signs of her husband's struggle – demonstrating how skilled first responders can become at compartmentalizing their experiences. Together, they unpack practical communication strategies that have helped them navigate the unique challenges of first responder life. From establishing code words for difficult days to creating intentional decompression time, the Wrights offer actionable insights for couples facing similar struggles. They emphasize building communication habits during normal times that create pathways for vulnerable conversation when crises occur. The discussion expands beyond their marriage to explore how community support and spiritual practice form essential pillars of their resilience strategy. Dustin describes his involvement with BRAVE (Building Relationships Among Veterans and Emergency Responders), while Ashley highlights her network of first responder spouses who provide understanding and encouragement. Their message is clear: no one builds resilience alone. Whether you're a first responder, the partner of one, or simply interested in strengthening your relationship through difficult times, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and emotional reassurance. The Wrights' willingness to share their personal journey provides a powerful testament to the possibility of thriving, not just surviving, as a first responder family. Listen now to discover how vulnerability, community, and intentional communication can transform your approach to life's inevitable challenges. To reach Ashley or Dustin, please go to http://www.valorcounselingcenter.com Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    36 min
  5. E.215 From Fear to Connection: How Men Heal Through Community

    JUL 30

    E.215 From Fear to Connection: How Men Heal Through Community

    Send us a text What happens when men are finally given permission to explore their full emotional range? In this eye-opening conversation that concludes episode 212 with Lee Povey, we delve into the hidden emotional landscapes that many men navigate alone, often without the tools or language to understand their experiences. The discussion challenges fundamental misconceptions about emotions, particularly for men. "There is no negative emotion," Lee explains. "An emotion is just telling you about your experience." This perspective invites listeners to reconsider how we view feelings like anger, fear, or sadness – not as weaknesses to overcome, but as valuable information about our lived experiences. We explore the fascinating paradox of modern masculinity: men are simultaneously criticized for expressing certain emotions while being told others are unacceptable. This creates an impossible situation where many men retreat behind emotional walls, protecting vulnerability with anger or detachment. The conversation delves into how evolutionary responses to perceived threats continue to shape male behavior in ways that no longer serve us in contemporary society. The transformative power of men's groups emerges as a beacon of hope throughout our discussion. These spaces provide opportunities for men to be truly seen and understood, often for the first time. As Lee shares from his extensive experience facilitating these groups, "When men can come to a group and let go of that mask... it can be easier for them to connect." The simple recognition that one's struggles aren't unique can be profoundly healing. Whether you're a man seeking better understanding of your emotional life, someone who loves a man struggling with connection, or simply curious about how emotional intelligence develops across genders, this conversation offers valuable insights. Connect with Lee at leepovey.com or find him on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more about his work with men's groups and emotional intelligence. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    40 min
  6. E.214 Behind the Badge: Cultural Competency in First Responder Therapy

    JUL 23

    E.214 Behind the Badge: Cultural Competency in First Responder Therapy

    Send us a text What happens when a first responder walks into a therapist's office and shares a traumatic experience so dark that the therapist needs "a few minutes" before responding? For most first responders, this confirms their worst fear: no one can handle their reality. That's why cultural competency isn't just helpful—it's essential. In this powerful conversation with the founding members of "Behind the Badge and Beyond," we explore the critical importance of specialized mental health care for those who serve our communities. Lisa Knowles, Richard Winning, Erin Sheridan, Alexa Silva, Jennifer Waldron, and host Steve Bisson bring decades of combined experience working with police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correctional officers, and military personnel. The group unpacks what makes first responder therapy uniquely challenging—like the profound emotional numbing that protects on the job but destroys relationships at home, the grief that gets misinterpreted as burnout, and the resistance to vulnerability that requires extraordinary patience from clinicians. They share stories of connecting with clients through dark humor, specialized knowledge, and authentic relationship-building that creates safety for those who protect us daily. Whether you're a first responder seeking help, a family member trying to understand, or a clinician wanting to better serve this population, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating genuine healing spaces for those who witness trauma daily. The message is clear: first responders deserve therapists who speak their language, understand their culture, and can sit comfortably with their darkest experiences without flinching. Ready to find a culturally competent therapist or learn more about specialized mental health support for first responders? This episode is for you! Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    52 min
  7. E.213 Finding Strength Through Relationships: Lessons From Five Decades

    JUL 16

    E.213 Finding Strength Through Relationships: Lessons From Five Decades

    Send us a text Turning fifty isn't just about crossing an age threshold—it's about recognizing the human connections that build resilience throughout a lifetime. In this deeply personal episode, therapist Steve Bisson reflects on the relationships that have shaped his capacity for strength, growth, and recovery across five decades. Steve begins by honoring his parents, whose contrasting yet complementary influences established his foundation. His father, who lacked a paternal role model yet became an exceptional dad himself, taught Steve about honesty and critical thinking. His mother—a glass-ceiling breaker before the term existed—demonstrated determination through her 47-year career and instilled feminist principles that continue to guide Steve's professional approach. Together, they exemplified loyalty, work ethic, and perseverance that became cornerstones of his resilience framework. The episode takes listeners through Steve's "Three Musketeers" friendship with Joce and Frank—a bond spanning 38 years that has weathered countless challenges. Through emotional storytelling, Steve reveals how these lifelong connections, along with other key friendships, professional relationships, and even his therapy clients, have collectively taught him different aspects of resilience. Perhaps most touching is his tribute to his teenage daughters, who continue to teach him patience, emotional expression, and growth even as they navigate their own challenges. Steve's resilience journey illuminates how our capacity to overcome obstacles isn't built in isolation but through meaningful connections that sustain us. Whether you're approaching a milestone birthday, reflecting on your support network, or simply curious about the human factors behind emotional strength, this episode offers valuable insights into how relationships shape our ability to navigate life's inevitable challenges. What voices have built your resilience? Listen and reflect on the people who've helped you become who you are today. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    21 min
  8. E.212 Beyond the Hero Complex: How Learning to Ask for Help Transforms Men's Lives

    JUL 9

    E.212 Beyond the Hero Complex: How Learning to Ask for Help Transforms Men's Lives

    Send us a text What does authentic masculinity look like in a world that teaches boys to hide their emotions from an early age? Leadership coach Lee Povey takes us on his transformative journey from needing to be the hero in every relationship to discovering the profound power of vulnerability. Growing up with a narcissistic father who saw Lee's achievements only as extensions of himself left him with a deep question that persists even at 52 years old: what does it really mean to be a man? His search led him to therapy and men's groups where he discovered what had been missing—the ability to be seen, heard, and guided by older men who accepted him fully. This conversation takes a dramatic turn when Lee reveals how a devastating cycling accident in 2010 forced him to confront his inability to ask for help. "I wanted to be always okay and I wanted you to be not okay so I could save you," he shares, describing how this "hero complex" had sabotaged his relationships and limited his growth. The vulnerability required during his recovery ultimately transformed every aspect of his life. Both Steve and Lee explore why men struggle with emotional expression, introducing practical approaches for reclaiming our full emotional range. Lee's "cookie jar" analogy brilliantly illustrates how we lose capacity for feedback when we experience too much criticism without sufficient acknowledgment. The key to effective men's groups? Creating judgment-free spaces where men can first be heard before receiving guidance. Whether you work with men professionally or are simply interested in developing greater emotional intelligence, this episode offers profound insights into creating spaces where vulnerability becomes strength. As Steve powerfully states, "If you ever make fun of my vulnerability, you're the a*****e, not me." Join us to discover how embracing our full humanity—including the emotions we've been taught to suppress—leads to more authentic connections, better leadership, and greater resilience in the face of life's challenges. This discussion will continue on episode 215! To connect with Lee, go to his website at www.leepovey.com Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast

    34 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Discover practical resilience strategies that transform lives. Join Steve Bisson, licensed mental health counselor, as he guides first responders, leaders, and trauma survivors through actionable insights for mental wellness and professional growth.Each week, dive deep into real conversations about grief processing, trauma recovery, and leadership development. Whether you're a first responder facing daily challenges, a leader navigating high-pressure situations, or someone on their healing journey, this podcast delivers the tools and strategies you need to build lasting resilience.With over 20 years of mental health counseling experience, Steve brings authentic, professional expertise to every episode, making complex mental health concepts accessible and applicable to real-world situations. Featured topics include:• Practical resilience building strategies• First responder mental wellness• Trauma recovery and healing• Leadership development• Grief processing• Professional growth• Mental health insights • Help you on your healing journey Each week, join our community towards better mental health and turn your challenges into opportunities for growth with Resilience Development in Action.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Bisson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    237
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Resilience Development in Action
  • Show Website
    Resilience Development in Action

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