Immersive Healing: VR Therapy for Anxiety, Phobia and PTSD
By Derek Sienko, M.A., in Military Psychology, BSW., RSW, Chaplain, RTWDM, & CVRP. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and operational stress injuries can profoundly impact our ability to thrive, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed. However, the power of 21st-century technology, combined with the guidance of a highly experienced clinical therapist, can help alleviate emotional […]
Strong, Steady, Ready: Regulating Stress in Real Time Policing
Published in National Police Federation (npf-fpn.com) August 18, 2025 For police officers, the job demands split-second decisions, high-stakes encounters, and repeated exposure to human suffering and conflict. These stressors can push the mind and body outside what psychologists call the “Window of Tolerance” the optimal zone of arousal where we think clearly, feel grounded, and respond effectively.
Beyond the Surface: Why Residential, Holistic, and Trauma-Focused Treatment is Essential for First Responders and Veterans
Author: Brady Thompson, MSW, August 14th, 2025 First responders and veterans experience disproportionately high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance misuse, and suicide due to repeated exposure to traumatic events, moral injury, and occupational stress (Berger et al., 2012; Petrie et al., 2018). Despite this, many trauma programs do not meet their specific […]
Beyond the Call: The Weight of the Badge, Trauma & Healing (Uncensored)
Interview with retired firefighter Steve Farina and Derek Scienko, chief mental health officer at Diversified.By Steve Hewitt at the iHeartOriginally aired on May 2, 2025 Retired firefighter Steve Farina and Diversified Rehabilitation Group CEO Derek Scienko discuss the profound impact of trauma on first responders, highlighting the critical need for accessible mental health support and […]
Spirituality for Resiliency
Spirituality is an essential coping method that helps military personnel in building and maintaining psychological resilience. Spirituality means something different to every single individual.” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Brown, 628th Air Base Wing Chaplain. There is no one standard answer that fits all. It is important to note that spirituality does not necessarily involve […]
Recovering from Nightmares
Sleep is one of the most healing and natural medicines for the body and mind. During the time that your head is peacefully cradled in the embrace of your pillow and you are safely enveloped by the gentle weight of your blanket, your body is healing, restoring, and energizing itself. However, sleep does not always […]
Exploring Compassion Fatigue
For decades, groups of women and men have been innately drawn to professions which help their fellow human beings. Many first responders find themselves in their professions due to an inherent wanting to help others. These individuals have been known to have high levels of empathy, compassion, and sense of caring. These characteristics are crucial […]
Webinar – PTSD vs PTSI With Capt. Steve Farina
We sat down with Steve Farina and discussed the topic of PTSD versa PTSI and Compassion Fatigue. Steve is a VP on the BC Professional Fire Fighter Association (BCPFFA) which represents over 4,000 professional firefighters across BC. He chairs both the BCPFFA’s Health and Safety Committee and their Mental Health Task Force. Steve is a […]
Webinar – Meditating for the Mind, Body & Soul
Dr. Haile Michaelson is an intuitive coach, a naturopathic doctor, a meditation teacher, and the Founder of SoulStrong®. She has practiced naturopathic medicine for 10 years and have studied the body, the mind, and the soul for more than 20 years. In her years of intuitive coaching and naturopathic medical practice, she has seen many […]
Webinar – Eating in Isolation – Food for Mental Wellness
Looking through the lens of Emergency Doctor and his wife, a Doctor of Psychology, during COVID-19 pandemic. Brigitta Beer is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Blood analyst in Kelowna, BC. She works for Diversified Rehabilitation Group as a Nutritionist for Traumatic Stress Recovery Program and Anxiety & Depression Recovery Program. We’ll explore the impact […]