Don’t Fake the Badge (When “Trauma-Informed” Isn’t Enough) AUDIO ONLY

Don’t Fake the Badge (When “Trauma-Informed” Isn’t Enough)With Dennis Carradin Jr. LPCMH, NCC, BCETSHALT and Call for BackupEpisode 138 Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintockSummaryBeing “trauma-informed” isn’t the same as being trauma-experienced-and first responders know the difference immediately.In this episode of Positive Connections Radio / Halt and Call for Backup, we sit down with licensed trauma therapist and former first responder Dennis Carradin to talk about what actually works in trauma care for police, fire, EMS, and healthcare professionals.We break down the critical difference between trauma-informed, trauma-experienced, and trauma-practiced clinicians, why credibility can’t be faked, and how underqualified therapy can do real harm. Dennis shares hard truths about cumulative trauma, trust, stigma, and what first responders need from mental health professionals-not theory, not buzzwords, but real-world understanding.If you work in a high-stress profession, or support those who do, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets honest about trauma, resilience, and staying human in the job.Takeaways"It's about not feeling terrible.""You have to gain that experience.""I'm here to carry the weight until you're ready to carry the weight.""We need to talk to the younger ones.""You can actually cost someone's life because of your ineptness.""The average age of therapists is in the high 50s, low 60s.""You have to understand the hardship that somebody is going through.""I always tell folks, look, I'm your humble life guide.""You have to ask the hard questions.""It's about connection-based type of thing."Chapters00:00  Introduction to Dennis Carradin: Trauma and Resilience04:14 Dennis Carradin's Background and Experience08:40 The Importance of Mental Health in High-Stress Environments13:03 Building Connections and Humor in Therapy17:52 The Role of Support Systems in Trauma Recovery19:37Dennis's Journey: From Firefighter to Therapist21:45 The Importance of Trauma Work for First Responders28:35Building Trust: The Therapist-Client Relationship30:24 The Challenge of Inexperienced Therapists in Trauma Work36:35 Understanding Trauma Therapy for First Responders40:51 Vetting Trauma Therapists: Key Questions to Ask47:54 The Importance of Experience in Therapy50:40 Carrying the Weight: Supporting First Responders55:23 Beyond the Call: Writing and Sharing Experiences01:01:15 Connection and Understanding in Mental Health01:06:23 Future of Mental Wellness for First Responders“Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”Music by Rod Kim-Let’s Play-Soundtrackdenniscarradin.comtraumasurvivorsfoundation.orgFirstresponderwellness.comMentalHealthNewsRadionetwork.comPositiveconnectionsradio.comMcLintockcounseling.comhttp://www.youtube.com/@HALTandCallforBackup