Carly Ring | Paramedic to Psychotherapist: Resilience, Recovery & Mental Health in First Responders

In this episode, we sit down with Carly Ring, a former paramedic who is now a Registered Psychotherapist based in Ottawa. Carly shares her inspiring journey from hospitality to paramedicine, and now into psychotherapy, where she helps clients navigate trauma, PTSD, operational stress injuries (OSI), depression, and the unique challenges faced by first responders.Carly speaks with honesty and authenticity about the struggles of frontline work, the resilience required to overcome adversity, and the importance of mental health support in high-stress careers.00:00 – Introduction and welcoming Carly Ring00:12 – Carly’s background and move to Ottawa00:57 – Transition into becoming a paramedic02:28 – Working alongside her brother in uniform03:43 – Challenges, setbacks, and achievements in paramedicine04:46 – Rookie paramedic lessons and finding her identity06:27 – Reflecting on career values and stress in frontline work08:01 – Pursuing a master’s degree and starting psychotherapy practice12:28 – Accumulation of trauma and pivotal experiences16:50 – Setting personal boundaries in paramedic work18:17 – Communicating with loved ones and therapy insights18:37 – Educating families and support systems for first responders21:05 – Physiological vs psychological stress responses24:53 – Building trust and connection among colleagues29:59 – The role of empathy and emotional expression31:24 – Balancing work, family, and personal life32:11 – Fitness, exercise, and routine in mental health recoveryCarly Ring is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, Ontario. With a background in hospitality and paramedicine, she now helps first responders and healthcare professionals process trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and OSIs. Carly is the founder of CSR Psychotherapy and also practices at the Thrive Psychology and Wellness Centre.Learn more about Carly:Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/carly-ring-ottawa-on/1306195LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carly-ring-144671310Website: https://csrpsychotherapy.ca/If you found this episode valuable, please follow, rate, and share to support conversations around resilience, mental health, and first responders.This podcast is separate from our professional roles and responsibilities. It does not constitute medical advice or professional instruction. Always follow your regulated educational program and local Medical Directives.Episode Highlights & TimestampsAbout Carly RingSupport the PodcastDisclaimer