EPISODE · Apr 27, 2026 · 1H 12M
Not Broken: A First Responder’s Path to Healing
from Becoming in Action · host Sandy Hebert
What happens when you’ve carried too much for too long?What does it look like to keep showing up on the outside while everything is unraveling on the inside?In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Evan, a first responder who spent years serving others while privately carrying the cumulative weight of trauma, loss, stress, and emotional numbness.We talk about the culture of strength and silence, the unseen toll that trauma can take on first responders, and what happens when coping stops working.Joining us is therapist Alice Vandecaveye, who shares how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help the brain process unresolved trauma and reduce the emotional charge of painful experiences.Evan shares how EMDR became a turning point in his life, his marriage, and his ability to feel, communicate, and lead again.This episode is about trauma, healing, resilience, and the truth that asking for help can be one of the strongest things a person does.Topics discussed include trauma, suicide, alcohol misuse, officer-involved shootings, and mental health.If you or someone you love works in service, caregiving, emergency response, or carries more than anyone can see, this conversation is for you.Listener ResourcesIf anything in this conversation brought something up for you, support is available.You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. These are resources for stress, trauma, burnout, or just needing someone to talk to.National Support (U.S. & Canada)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)Call or text 98824/7 support for emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or crisis support.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741Free, confidential text-based support, 24/7.Veterans Crisis LineCall 988 then press 1 or text 838255Specialized support for veterans, service members, and families.Safe Call Now (First Responders & Families)1-206-459-302024/7 confidential support for law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and families.CopLine (Law Enforcement Peer Support)1-800-267-5463Answered by retired officers trained in crisis support.Frontline Responder Services1-866-676-7500Peer-based crisis support and behavioral health resources for first responders.National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – Behavioral Health Supportfirehero.orgResources focused on firefighter wellness, grief, and trauma recovery.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use.First Responder Specific Support
What this episode covers
What happens when you’ve carried too much for too long?What does it look like to keep showing up on the outside while everything is unraveling on the inside?In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Evan, a first responder who spent years serving others while privately carrying the cumulative weight of trauma, loss, stress, and emotional numbness.We talk about the culture of strength and silence, the unseen toll that trauma can take on first responders, and what happens when coping stops working.Joining us is therapist Alice Vandecaveye, who shares how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help the brain process unresolved trauma and reduce the emotional charge of painful experiences.Evan shares how EMDR became a turning point in his life, his marriage, and his ability to feel, communicate, and lead again.This episode is about trauma, healing, resilience, and the truth that asking for help can be one of the strongest things a person does.Topics discussed include trauma, suicide, alcohol misuse, officer-involved shootings, and mental health.If you or someone you love works in service, caregiving, emergency response, or carries more than anyone can see, this conversation is for you.Listener ResourcesIf anything in this conversation brought something up for you, support is available.You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. These are resources for stress, trauma, burnout, or just needing someone to talk to.National Support (U.S. & Canada)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)Call or text 98824/7 support for emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or crisis support.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741Free, confidential text-based support, 24/7.Veterans Crisis LineCall 988 then press 1 or text 838255Specialized support for veterans, service members, and families.Safe Call Now (First Responders & Families)1-206-459-302024/7 confidential support for law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and families.CopLine (Law Enforcement Peer Support)1-800-267-5463Answered by retired officers trained in crisis support.Frontline Responder Services1-866-676-7500Peer-based crisis support and behavioral health resources for first responders.National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – Behavioral Health Supportfirehero.orgResources focused on firefighter wellness, grief, and trauma recovery.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use.First Responder Specific Support
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Not Broken: A First Responder’s Path to Healing
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