We were lucky to catch up with Meredith MORAN recently and have shared our conversation below.

Meredith, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

When I was 15-year-old, I thought I had it all figured out career wise. I was going to work in local law enforcement, then move to Federal law enforcement and once I retired with my Doctorate, I was going to teach at a University. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and went to work for my local police department. 6.5 years in, 2 things happened that changed the “life plan” trajectory. I developed severe test anxiety and could not qualify on my firearm, which is a pretty important part of the job. During this time a collogue of mine also died by suicide. I had to leave the police department because I couldn’t do an integral part of my job. I ended up working at the local police academy and completed my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. I knew that I wanted to help first responders like my friend deal with the trauma involved in the work they do, but had no idea what the journey to become a therapist entailed. My trajectory shifted again when I lost the job at the academy due to internal politics.

. I was unemployed for 1.5 years, with a Doctorate wondering what to do with my life. I found a job working as a research assistant at Operations PAR. Twelves and a half year later, I was a licensed therapist, working with clients who had trauma and substance use and preparing to open my own private practice focused oin first responders and trauma.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I have been a Licensed Therapist for 3 years, but have been doing counseling in an agency since 2010. I got into the field of counseling to help people, specifically first responders deal with the trauma they experience in their daily work. As part of my private practice, I work with people who have experienced trauma including, first responders, and military personnel. As a former police officer myself, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to help first responders. I have the common knowledge, understanding and language to know what other responders are going through.

I give my clients education about the way trauma, stress and anxiety shape the brain for survival and how we can re-wire that same brain to do things differently. I am certified in a procedure called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which utilizes bi-lateral brain stimulation, through back and forth eye movements to help clients address common problems such as depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I have thought a lot about this question recently. As I was approaching my 55th birthday and the 1 year anniversary of being in private practice full-time, I thought that if I had to go back, maybe I would pick therapist as my first career choice. I would have more time to grow in the field and establish myself.

The reality is that I probably wouldn’t change anything. Everything I have done in my past has led to this moment. If I had not been in law enforcement or taught law enforcement, I would not be in the unique position to counsel first responders, especially law enforcement. I had to have the experiences I had in order to be the therapist I am today. Without them, I would have probably failed at being a therapist, or at least not have enjoyed it as much as I do.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

This goes back to my past reputation. When I was working at the police academy, as well as the CISM team, I developed a good reputation with the local agencies. I have maintained that reputation and have built upon it over my time with Operation PAR and in private practice. These past positive interactions have allowed me to develop clientele with in the first responder community. Over the past year, I have also made contacts with other providers who work with first responders which has expanded my market and reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.flwellness.org