You don’t have to put others’ needs before your own, and making time to focus on your emotional health, relationships, and well-being isn’t selfish.
You deserve the same support and quality of care as the people you serve. By prioritizing your behavioral health, you can continue to be there for others.
We understand that seeking help can be hard, especially when you are a helper and used to putting others first. But ignoring symptoms of trauma, prolonged stress, or emotional distress can lead to significant problems in your everyday life, your performance at work, and your relationships.
But working with a trained mental health professional can help you:
Our team of experts have been helping first responders, emergency workers, and emergency response organizations since 2015.
We understand that trauma and stress impact both the mind and body. So we incorporate a blend of body-focused therapies and talk therapies to provide a more complete level of healing so you can experience longer-lasting change and relief more quickly.
We use a variety of therapeutic approaches and best practices tailored to your specific situation and needs, including:
Sarah is the owner and CEO of Guiding Light Behavioral Health and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
As Maine’s first Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician (ERPSCC), she is an expert and visionary in the field of prevention and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Injury in first responders.
Sarah studied sociology and political science as an undergraduate at the University of New England where she found her passion for making an impact in the lives of others. She continued to study the complexities of our society at the UNE and earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2015.
As the wife of a firefighter, she quickly experienced both the positive and negative implications public safety careers have on individuals and their families.
Sarah is also a mom, a native Mainer, a disc golf enthusiast, and a fan of all things outdoor recreation.
Maria has extensive experience in the fields of nursing and addictions and brings added layers of wellness assistance to the team.
She retired from her career as a VA clinician for the Army in 2020 and now spends her off time with her grandchildren, in a kayak, or in the crossfit gym!
She has been working with clients at Guiding Light Behavioral Health since 2023.
Heather brings over ten years of experience to the team. Her diverse experience includes child protective work, foster parent peer coaching, and medical social work.
She is also the wife of a law enforcement officer and a mom, bringing lived experience to the nuances of first responder family life.
Heather knows the positive impact quality mental health services for first responders and their families can have on the family unit, the department and the community. She is passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their own strengths and skills.
She believes that everyone has the potential to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.
When she’s not serving others at work, Heather enjoys being in nature, reading, and spending time with her family.
Tony has been a part of the Public Safety family for over 34 years and has worked in most facets of it. In his retirement he wants to help educate the next generation on the effects of cumulative trauma. He loves the outdoors and is also a Registered Maine Guide. He is happily married and has two daughters.
Peter is a former Police Officer who worked in a Southern Maine city for 18 years. In 2023, he medically retired from police work due to PTSD and Anxiety. He has been open about his mental health struggles in police work and the lack of assistance with mental health in the first responder field. He looks forward to helping others navigate the challenges that can come with seeking assistance. Most days you can find Peter cycling in many areas of Southern Maine. When not cycling, he enjoys trying new things, like open water swimming and kayaking. Peter is married and has two sons.
Asking for help isn’t always easy, but therapy can help. Our licensed experts provide specialized services to meet your needs. Together, we will get to the root of your challenges and provide you with support and tools to build resilience and avoid Emergency Responder Exhaustion Syndrome.
If your behavioral health is being impacted by the things you hear, do, and see as part of your job, don’t wait — contact us so you can start to heal and feel more like you.
Asking for help isn’t always easy, but therapy can help. Our licensed experts provide specialized services to meet your needs. Together, we will get to the root of your challenges and provide you with support and tools to build resilience and avoid Emergency Responder Exhaustion Syndrome.
If your behavioral health is being impacted by the things you hear, do, and see as part of your job, don’t wait — contact us so you can start to heal and feel more like you.
Click on the button below to schedule an appointment with Guiding Light Counseling