First Responders Therapists in Johnston County, NC
I especially enjoy working with emergency service workers who are exposed to repeated trauma in their jobs, however I do not limit my practice to those workers.
Law enforcement, Fire, EMS, and prison workers often go untreated after dealing with crisis and trauma. Trauma can result from a single incident or repeated incidences and cause serious problems for responders. As a former law enforcement officer and trainer, I understand the needs of these workers and work help resolve the problem.
I especially enjoy working with emergency service workers who are exposed to repeated trauma in their jobs, however I do not limit my practice to those workers.
Law enforcement, Fire, EMS, and prison workers often go untreated after dealing with crisis and trauma. Trauma can result from a single incident or repeated incidences and cause serious problems for responders. As a former law enforcement officer and trainer, I understand the needs of these workers and work help resolve the problem.
I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, couples, families, & adults. I have a passion for working with client’s who are struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, addictions, anger management, self harm, anxiety, & depression. I join my clients in their day to day struggles, helping them to regain their sense of self while grieving the loss of who they once were. I also help clients to learn to trust their own judgement again so that together we can move through the healing process, primarily by helping clients get set up with all the resources they need to live a happy and healthy life that they can enjoy.
I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, couples, families, & adults. I have a passion for working with client’s who are struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, addictions, anger management, self harm, anxiety, & depression. I join my clients in their day to day struggles, helping them to regain their sense of self while grieving the loss of who they once were. I also help clients to learn to trust their own judgement again so that together we can move through the healing process, primarily by helping clients get set up with all the resources they need to live a happy and healthy life that they can enjoy.
If you are looking for a relaxing space that is safe and comfortable, where you can be yourself and feel respected, you are looking in the right place. I strive to give my clients a warm and comfortable environment, where we can work together to accomplish your goals and work through the stress, hurt and confusion of life’s challenges. Whether you have anxiety/depression, need to work through an addiction or just want to process life's current or past issues, lets work together to help you heal and grow into the person you want to be.
If you are looking for a relaxing space that is safe and comfortable, where you can be yourself and feel respected, you are looking in the right place. I strive to give my clients a warm and comfortable environment, where we can work together to accomplish your goals and work through the stress, hurt and confusion of life’s challenges. Whether you have anxiety/depression, need to work through an addiction or just want to process life's current or past issues, lets work together to help you heal and grow into the person you want to be.
At the end of the day, relationships matter & I believe they are at the core of our success. How we interact with one another in every setting & how we treat ourselves is crucial to navigating through life. When we love ourselves, we are able to think positively, create & reach goals, take responsibility, understand things we can & cannot control, treat ourselves with compassion & have confidence. When one of these relationships if lacking or does not exist, we are suseptible to a plethora of mental health & life struggles.
At the end of the day, relationships matter & I believe they are at the core of our success. How we interact with one another in every setting & how we treat ourselves is crucial to navigating through life. When we love ourselves, we are able to think positively, create & reach goals, take responsibility, understand things we can & cannot control, treat ourselves with compassion & have confidence. When one of these relationships if lacking or does not exist, we are suseptible to a plethora of mental health & life struggles.
Seasons of life come and go and with each season comes new challenges. Many times, turning the page to the next chapter is difficult. While serving in pastoral ministry for over 10 years, I've had the privilege to witness many individuals and couples turn the page and experience the life that God desires for them. You can be all that God has created you to be and you can experience life abundantly. Sometimes we just need a little help reaching goals and working through situations and circumstances. I want to help you find the abundant life and turn the page to your next chapter.
Seasons of life come and go and with each season comes new challenges. Many times, turning the page to the next chapter is difficult. While serving in pastoral ministry for over 10 years, I've had the privilege to witness many individuals and couples turn the page and experience the life that God desires for them. You can be all that God has created you to be and you can experience life abundantly. Sometimes we just need a little help reaching goals and working through situations and circumstances. I want to help you find the abundant life and turn the page to your next chapter.
Online Therapists
Working with educators, first responders, and healthcare workers is an area in which I have much experience as well.
I have advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy/(A.R.T.). This modality is used for significantly reducing symptoms of trauma/PTSD, anxiety, fears/phobias, workplace performance challenges, imposter syndrome, negative self beliefs, and a wide range of other issues in a short period of time as compared to regular talk therapy.
Working with educators, first responders, and healthcare workers is an area in which I have much experience as well.
I have advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy/(A.R.T.). This modality is used for significantly reducing symptoms of trauma/PTSD, anxiety, fears/phobias, workplace performance challenges, imposter syndrome, negative self beliefs, and a wide range of other issues in a short period of time as compared to regular talk therapy.
As a military spouse, therapist, and former business manager, I get how complicated it is to manage emotions, relationships, and responsibilities all at once.
Hi, I’m really glad you’re here.
Life gets heavy sometimes. Maybe you’re juggling anxiety, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Maybe you’ve always been the strong one—holding it all together for everyone else—but lately, it feels like too much. You might be tired of being “fine” when you’re anything but. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone—and you don't have to carry it alone anymore.
Therapy with me is a chance to take a deep breath and just be. No pressure to perform or have it all figured out. Just space to reflect, be real, and start healing.
As a military spouse, therapist, and former business manager, I get how complicated it is to manage emotions, relationships, and responsibilities all at once.
Hi, I’m really glad you’re here.
Life gets heavy sometimes. Maybe you’re juggling anxiety, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Maybe you’ve always been the strong one—holding it all together for everyone else—but lately, it feels like too much. You might be tired of being “fine” when you’re anything but. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone—and you don't have to carry it alone anymore.
Therapy with me is a chance to take a deep breath and just be. No pressure to perform or have it all figured out. Just space to reflect, be real, and start healing.
As a former first responder, I understand the toll this can take and specialize in helping individuals, including caregivers, first responders, adolescents, and families, navigate these challenges and rediscover their authentic selves.
Whether you’re facing career changes, shifting family dynamics, unresolved struggles, or self-harm behaviors, I’d be honored to support you. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Treatment, and Psychodynamic Therapy, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection.
As a former first responder, I understand the toll this can take and specialize in helping individuals, including caregivers, first responders, adolescents, and families, navigate these challenges and rediscover their authentic selves.
Whether you’re facing career changes, shifting family dynamics, unresolved struggles, or self-harm behaviors, I’d be honored to support you. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Treatment, and Psychodynamic Therapy, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection.
I know opening up can feel intimidating but with a specialization in grief, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use, and the unique challenges faced by military and their spouses I am prepared to work together with you.
I believe that therapy doesn't have to be all serious. In our sessions, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and even those quirky moments that make life interesting. We'll tackle whatever's on your mind at your pace!
I know opening up can feel intimidating but with a specialization in grief, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use, and the unique challenges faced by military and their spouses I am prepared to work together with you.
I believe that therapy doesn't have to be all serious. In our sessions, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and even those quirky moments that make life interesting. We'll tackle whatever's on your mind at your pace!
They might be first responders, active duty military, veterans or part of a veteran's family, survivors of religious trauma or sexual abuse, or individuals exploring their spirituality.
My therapeutic approach embraces a holistic, integrative paradigm focusing on trauma-informed professional practices utilizing a variety of modalities, interventions, and techniques from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially addressing moral injury, and The Ibrido Method.
They might be first responders, active duty military, veterans or part of a veteran's family, survivors of religious trauma or sexual abuse, or individuals exploring their spirituality.
My therapeutic approach embraces a holistic, integrative paradigm focusing on trauma-informed professional practices utilizing a variety of modalities, interventions, and techniques from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially addressing moral injury, and The Ibrido Method.
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with law enforcement officers and first responders, understanding the unique stressors they face in their demanding roles.
As your therapist, I'm not just here to provide evidence-based treatment - I'm also here to be your personal life coach, cheerleader, and comedic relief all wrapped into one.. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, develop coping strategies, and work towards their goals
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with law enforcement officers and first responders, understanding the unique stressors they face in their demanding roles.
As your therapist, I'm not just here to provide evidence-based treatment - I'm also here to be your personal life coach, cheerleader, and comedic relief all wrapped into one.. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, develop coping strategies, and work towards their goals
I have a special place in my heart for working with military, veterans, and first responders and their families.
I use a combination of approaches to explore these tender places, including trauma-specific methods and a post-traumatic growth framework. My approach emphasizes your strengths and offers honesty about areas of potential growth. I combine traditional talk therapy with more experiential approaches to find what works best for the person I am working with.
I have a special place in my heart for working with military, veterans, and first responders and their families.
I use a combination of approaches to explore these tender places, including trauma-specific methods and a post-traumatic growth framework. My approach emphasizes your strengths and offers honesty about areas of potential growth. I combine traditional talk therapy with more experiential approaches to find what works best for the person I am working with.
H. Dawn Moreland Trauma Treatment Specialist
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CCMHC, NCC
3 Endorsed
Jacksonville, NC 28540
This passion led her to become involved with others who experience vicarious trauma as public servants, working with LEO , firefighters, and EMS.
Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who specializes in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related symptoms. Dawn graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and earned a graduate certification in substance abuse counseling from East Carolina University. Through her experience providing counseling for service members, veterans, and their families in the Camp Lejeune, NC area, she has developed a passion for working with combat veterans.
This passion led her to become involved with others who experience vicarious trauma as public servants, working with LEO , firefighters, and EMS.
Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who specializes in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related symptoms. Dawn graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and earned a graduate certification in substance abuse counseling from East Carolina University. Through her experience providing counseling for service members, veterans, and their families in the Camp Lejeune, NC area, she has developed a passion for working with combat veterans.
Jonathan Cordell, PsyD (he/him/his) has a wealth of experience gained over 20 plus years of helping others develop, grow, and succeed including extensive work with military, athletes, first responders, college students, professionals, and members of the LGBTQ community.
With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, he creates a safe and affirming space for clients to navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive. Dr. Jonathan has helped clients manage anxiety and stress, enhance composure and self-esteem, bolster attention, improve mood, and adjust patterns of response to trauma.
Jonathan Cordell, PsyD (he/him/his) has a wealth of experience gained over 20 plus years of helping others develop, grow, and succeed including extensive work with military, athletes, first responders, college students, professionals, and members of the LGBTQ community.
With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, he creates a safe and affirming space for clients to navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive. Dr. Jonathan has helped clients manage anxiety and stress, enhance composure and self-esteem, bolster attention, improve mood, and adjust patterns of response to trauma.
I am passionate about working with adults who have a history of trauma, especially first responders.
I also specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, particularly those navigating spiritual abuse and spiritual deconstruction. Whether you are coping with religious and/or spiritual trauma at the hands of an individual or an institution, I recognize the complexities tied to each person’s religious experience.
I am passionate about working with adults who have a history of trauma, especially first responders.
I also specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, particularly those navigating spiritual abuse and spiritual deconstruction. Whether you are coping with religious and/or spiritual trauma at the hands of an individual or an institution, I recognize the complexities tied to each person’s religious experience.
I am experienced in working with military veterans.
I believe that achieving & maintaining mental health is as important as maintaining one’s physical health. I will partner with you on your road to self-improvement, self-discovery, & personal empowerment. I enjoy working with clients who are willing to make the commitment to themselves to do the work necessary to implement change. I will assist clients in developing the self-awareness needed to identify obstacles they are encountering that prevent them from leading their most fulfilling life. Together, we will work towards you developing the skills necessary to make meaningful emotional, behavioral, and life changes.
I am experienced in working with military veterans.
I believe that achieving & maintaining mental health is as important as maintaining one’s physical health. I will partner with you on your road to self-improvement, self-discovery, & personal empowerment. I enjoy working with clients who are willing to make the commitment to themselves to do the work necessary to implement change. I will assist clients in developing the self-awareness needed to identify obstacles they are encountering that prevent them from leading their most fulfilling life. Together, we will work towards you developing the skills necessary to make meaningful emotional, behavioral, and life changes.
I support clients navigating the effects of trauma, addictive behaviors, and military-related challenges.
Hi there! I'm so glad our paths have crossed here. Are you feeling stuck? Do you notice patterns in your life that seem impossible to break? Are past traumas continuing to affect your present? You are in the right place. I specialize in supporting humans navigating the effects of addiction and trauma. My ideal clients are seeking healing, greater self-confidence, healthier relationships, and improved emotional and physical well-being. Together, we’ll explore ways to create the life that you envision for yourself: a life worth living.
I support clients navigating the effects of trauma, addictive behaviors, and military-related challenges.
Hi there! I'm so glad our paths have crossed here. Are you feeling stuck? Do you notice patterns in your life that seem impossible to break? Are past traumas continuing to affect your present? You are in the right place. I specialize in supporting humans navigating the effects of addiction and trauma. My ideal clients are seeking healing, greater self-confidence, healthier relationships, and improved emotional and physical well-being. Together, we’ll explore ways to create the life that you envision for yourself: a life worth living.
I have over 20 years of experience helping adults, couples, active duty military and senior leaders/execs.
Navigating the complexities of adult life can be overwhelming. It often requires a shift of perspective to understand challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phase of life issues, parenting concerns, work stress, and relationship issues. As your therapist, I will provide a psychologically safe space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and develop new insights. Exploring your beliefs, family dynamics, cultural/societal messages are key to understanding how you perceive, and interact with the world around you.
I have over 20 years of experience helping adults, couples, active duty military and senior leaders/execs.
Navigating the complexities of adult life can be overwhelming. It often requires a shift of perspective to understand challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phase of life issues, parenting concerns, work stress, and relationship issues. As your therapist, I will provide a psychologically safe space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and develop new insights. Exploring your beliefs, family dynamics, cultural/societal messages are key to understanding how you perceive, and interact with the world around you.
I specialize in helping people heal from a variety of traumas, including sexual abuse, military/first responder, and religious trauma.
Are you struggling with overwhelming trauma, burnout, or challenges with food and body image? Are past experiences holding you back from living a life aligned with your values? You don’t have to carry these burdens alone. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, I specialize in helping individuals overcome PTSD, heal from emotional eating, and navigate the stress, burnout, and perfectionism that can come with demanding careers. If you’re feeling trapped, anxious, or stuck in unhealthy patterns, I’ll work with you to develop strategies that support healing and lasting change.
I specialize in helping people heal from a variety of traumas, including sexual abuse, military/first responder, and religious trauma.
Are you struggling with overwhelming trauma, burnout, or challenges with food and body image? Are past experiences holding you back from living a life aligned with your values? You don’t have to carry these burdens alone. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, I specialize in helping individuals overcome PTSD, heal from emotional eating, and navigate the stress, burnout, and perfectionism that can come with demanding careers. If you’re feeling trapped, anxious, or stuck in unhealthy patterns, I’ll work with you to develop strategies that support healing and lasting change.
Welcome - I work with adults, families, couples, first responders and leaders who are seeking both deep personal insight and practical solutions.
I am exceptionally good at analyzing situations, discovering hidden insights, working with clients in deep and practical ways. My approach ensures that therapy is tailored to each individual after a thorough assessment. I am lucky to have had some of the best training in several specialties (EMDR, IPT,EFT, Psychodynamic, CBT, Grief, Wellness, Bowen therapy).
Welcome - I work with adults, families, couples, first responders and leaders who are seeking both deep personal insight and practical solutions.
I am exceptionally good at analyzing situations, discovering hidden insights, working with clients in deep and practical ways. My approach ensures that therapy is tailored to each individual after a thorough assessment. I am lucky to have had some of the best training in several specialties (EMDR, IPT,EFT, Psychodynamic, CBT, Grief, Wellness, Bowen therapy).
See more therapy options for Johnston County
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.