Overcome trauma and restore balance with personalized therapy from licensed experts who understand the unique challenges you face as a first responder. In-person and Online throughout the state of Maine.
As a first responder, your mental well-being is just as vital as the care you provide to others.
By focusing on your emotional health, you’ll gain the resilience needed to continue supporting those who rely on you.
Taking time for yourself is not selfish—it’s a necessary step to stay strong, balanced, and effective in your role. You deserve the same level of support you give every day.
Reaching out for help isn’t easy, but it’s the first step toward emotional health and resilience. Ignoring stress and trauma can affect your work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Discover practical strategies to manage stress, strengthen relationships, and thrive both at work and home.
By working with our trained therapists, you can:
Since 2015, we’ve supported first responders by combining body-focused and talk therapies for holistic, lasting relief.
Our evidence-based treatments include:
Achieve lasting relief and resilience with our evidence-based, holistic therapy methods tailored to your needs.
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.
Amy graduated from the University of Maine in 2000 with a Master’s in Counselor Education. She is licensed as an LCPC in Maine and an LCMHC in New Hampshire. Amy has specialized in trauma treatment for over 24 years and is a certified first responder counselor, certified clinical trauma professional, certified mental health integrative medicine provider, and is ASAP, CISM and Peer Support trained.
When Amy is not working to educate and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health with the first responder community, she enjoys doing yoga and reading, and of course spending time with her pups and husband.
Ernie is an Australian Shepherd trained as a therapy dog for first responders. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his little brother, teasing his cat and chasing his favorite red ball with his family.
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.
Amy graduated from the University of Maine in Farmington in 2022 with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Creative Arts. She is a Brainspotting practitioner and recently completed training as a Certified Trauma Professional. As a US Army Reserves Veteran, serving as a Combat Medic, as well as the wife of a USAF (Ret.) Veteran, her dream in going back for her Masters was to be able to “help the helpers”. She believes that teamwork and community are essential to the well-being of all those who are part of the military and first responder cultures. Amy also enjoys using art in session, taking advantage of its many therapeutic qualities. She is enthusiastic about working with first responders, veterans and has a special interest in working with family members.
Erica is a 4th year Psychology student at the University of Maine in Orono, with a minor in Mental Health Rehabilitation. After graduation, Erica hopes to obtain her master’s degree as an LCPC and begin working as a counselor for first responders experiencing PTSD and related mental health disorders. Erica comes from a first responder household, her father being a career firefighter and paramedic and her mother an EMT. This upbringing has ignited a passion in her to one day provide services to those on the front lines, a population that is often overlooked.
When she is not studying, Erica spends her time making art and reading books. She is also a huge fan of music and its therapeutic qualities.
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.
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.
Our licensed specialists are dedicated to supporting your unique challenges and building resilience against Emergency Responder Exhaustion Syndrome.
Take the first step to healing—reach out today.
Located in Windham and serving all of Maine online, we’re ready to help you regain balance and feel more like yourself. Contact us now to start your journey.
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