Provider of Evidence-Based
Videotherapy Services
First Responder, Veteran, and Public Safety Personnel Services
WSIB Community Mental Health Program
With over 15 years of experience working alongside WSIB, we are intimately familiar with their processes and protocols. Our team can quickly and efficiently complete the required Community Mental Health Assessment, facilitating the setting of personalized goals for treatment.
We specialize in supporting workers who have experienced both a single traumatic event and chronic exposure to trauma. Recognizing the complexities and emotional toll these situations can take, we provide compassionate, knowledgeable assistance to navigate the uncertainties of this process.
In addition to assessments, we offer a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Understanding that the journey to mental health can be overwhelming, our dedicated team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where first responders can seek help without stigma or judgment.
Please see this link for more information on WSIB’s Community Mental Health Program: https://www.wsib.ca/en/community-mental-health-program-overview
Individual Therapy for First Responders, Veterans and Public Safety Personnel
At Thrive, we offer specialized individual therapy for first responders, designed to address the unique challenges and traumas they face. Our process begins with a comprehensive initial assessment where we delve into the individual's background, traumatic experiences, and current mental health status. During this phase, we work closely with the first responder to identify immediate concerns and set personalized goals for treatment, creating a tailored plan that meets their specific needs.
Our therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) help to reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides skills to regulate emotions and tolerate the distress associated with trauma memories and experiences. Additionally, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) promotes relaxation and present-moment awareness and a focus on values, which can significantly reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and shift the focus.
Beyond these core therapies, we provide supportive interventions such as crisis intervention for immediate support during acute distress and trauma-informed care to create a safe and supportive environment. We also offer psychoeducation to help first responders understand the effects of trauma and equip them with stress management techniques and coping strategies. Our stress and resilience training builds skills for effective stress management and enhances overall resilience.
Continuous support and monitoring are integral parts of our services. Regular check-ins and progress reviews ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan and allow for necessary adjustments. We encourage self-care practices and healthy lifestyle choices to support the individual's overall well-being.
Couple Therapy for First Responders, Veterans and Public Safety Personnel
We also recognize that the impact of trauma extends beyond the individual first responder and can significantly affect their partners and families. Our team is trained in specialized therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, the Gottman Method, and Emotion Focused Couple Therapy. These approaches are designed to address and heal the relational strains that often accompany trauma, fostering stronger, healthier relationships. We understand that the first responder experience can bring unique challenges to family dynamics, and we are equipped to provide comprehensive support that encompasses the entire family unit.
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Additionally, we aim to equip partners and family members with the tools and knowledge to identify the early signs of trauma-related sequelae, empowering them to address issues before they escalate.
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We invite you to explore the following resources for additional support and information:
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Couple HOPES: A program designed to support couples where one partner has PTSD.
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Gottman Connect: Resources and tools based on the Gottman Method for relationship support.
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Hold Me Tight Online: An online program based on Emotion Focused Couple Therapy to help couples strengthen their bond.
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Our goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where first responders and their families can seek help and begin their journey toward recovery together.​​
Group Skills Training
At Thrive, we offer specialized Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training for trauma. Our DBT program is meticulously designed to build essential skills and tools in the areas of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These therapeutic groups are particularly tailored for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, with a keen focus on addressing the unique needs and experiences of first responders.
Mindfulness training helps participants cultivate present-moment awareness, enabling them to better manage their thoughts and emotions. Emotion regulation techniques are aimed at helping individuals understand and control their emotional responses, reducing the intensity of negative emotions and promoting more balanced emotional experiences. Distress tolerance skills provide practical strategies for coping with crisis situations and high-stress moments without resorting to harmful behaviors. Interpersonal effectiveness training enhances communication skills and relationship-building, empowering participants to navigate interpersonal interactions more successfully.
Our DBT groups are led by experienced therapists who understand the profound impact of trauma on first responders. We strive to create a supportive and empathetic environment where participants can develop these vital skills, fostering resilience and promoting long-term recovery. By participating in our DBT program, individuals gain the tools they need to navigate the complexities of trauma, enhance their well-being, and build stronger, healthier lives.
Medavie Blue Cross Programs for Veterans and Members of the RCMP
At our clinic, we work directly with Medavie Blue Cross to provide essential services for veterans and the RCMP. Our team is well-versed in the necessary forms and procedures required for the approval and maintenance of these services, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for our clients. We are able to see individuals for approved individual, couple, and group services. Additionally, we collaborate closely with PCVR, a program offering personalized rehabilitation services for veterans and their families across Canada. With our comprehensive approach, we are dedicated to supporting the well-being and recovery of those who have served our country
Upcoming Services for First Responders, Veterans and Public Safety Personnel
​Coming SEPTEMBER 2025: Spouse and adult children support group
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At Thrive, we recognize the vital role that family members play in the lives of first responders. The unwavering support and understanding from loved ones are crucial in helping first responders cope with the challenges and stresses of their demanding roles. Acknowledging this, we are developing a dedicated group specifically designed to equip family members with the knowledge and skills needed to support the first responders in their lives.
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Our goal is to build a collaborative environment where family members can come together, share experiences, and learn effective strategies for providing support. By fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding within families, we aim to prevent isolation and the worsening of symptoms for both the first responders and their families. We want to keep families together and strong.
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In this group, coming September 2025, we aim to offer the psychoeducation and tools necessary for effective support. Our program will focus on building communication skills, stress management techniques, and ways to identify early signs of trauma-related issues. We want to empower family members to become proactive allies in the mental health and recovery journey of their loved ones.
Coming JANUARY 2026:
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Recognizing the unique challenges faced by those new to the field, we are excited to announce the development of a specialized group designed specifically for early career first responders. This program will aim to build resilience and provide essential tools for approaching and managing trauma effectively.
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In the early stages of their careers, first responders are often exposed to high-stress situations and traumatic events that can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. At first, the desire to help others drives first responders to continue, but over time, compassion and physical fatigue can start to take over. Our group sessions will focus on equipping these individuals with the skills needed to navigate these experiences, promoting long-term resilience and emotional stability.
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The program will cover a range of topics, including stress management techniques, coping strategies for trauma, and methods for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These valuable skills and knowledge will serve first responders throughout their careers to thrive both professionally and personally.
