As a first responder, facing critical incidents is an inevitable part of your career. These events can leave lasting emotional impacts if not addressed quickly. Without the right support, the risk of long-term psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress, increases significantly.
The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) is designed specifically for first responders to mitigate the effects of trauma. Research shows that ASAP can reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms by 44%, helping you process events early, reduce moral injury, and build resilience.
The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) is an early intervention designed specifically for first responders and emergency workers to address acute stress symptoms following critical incidents.
Developed by a former police officer turned EMDR consultant, ASAP uses principles from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.
This approach allows you to process and heal traumatic memories without needing to talk about the event, tapping into the brain’s natural ability to integrate and resolve trauma through brain-body connections. This non-verbal processing method reduces the burden of re-experiencing the trauma while promoting recovery and resilience.
Participants begin by learning mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to enhance their emotional resilience. This phase also helps identify individuals experiencing severe traumatic stress.
Participants focus on their specific traumatic event while engaging in silent work. Through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, they reprocess the trauma, whether from a recent or past incident.
After processing, participants receive additional resources and a follow-up care plan to support their continued recovery.
Our licensed experts have professional and personal insights into how a critical incident can impact responders. We’ve worked with first responders and emergency response workers in Maine since 2015.
We provide a safe, judgment-free, and confidential space for first responders. We are trained in the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) and can use it to help your employees one-on-one or in a group setting.
We will work with your department and employees so participants feel safe and comfortable — and can get the support and help they need.
Our licensed therapists in Maine are here to help your first responders process acute stress and build lasting resilience after critical incidents. Prioritize the emotional health of your emergency response team—schedule a consultation today to safeguard their well-being and prevent long-term behavioral health issues.
Our licensed therapists in Maine understand how critical incidents can impact responders. We can process acute stress following a critical incident to help your frontline workers avoid long-term negative behavioral health effects and build resilience. Because your emergency response workers’ emotional health and well-being matter.
Click on the button below to schedule an appointment with Guiding Light Counseling