Gina Rivera Sokolich is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Responding First Counseling in Ballwin, MO. With over 13 years of experience. As a retired First Responder, she specializes in helping First Responders process stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and grief, as well as navigate difficult, life-changing situations. Gina is also the Author of Stepping Through Grief, Rediscovering Life After Loss - a memoir. Gina’s passion for mental health is fueled by her personal experiences and deep commitment to her community's well-being. Her approach is collaborative and highly attuned to each client's unique needs, ensuring they feel centered, clear, and ready to perform at their best in both their professional and personal lives. Gina is a Certified Brainspotting Consultant, a Certified CBT Therapist, and trained in EMDR. She is also a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). She is a member of ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association), a First Responder Provider for the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (FRPN), and part of the St. Louis Hero Network. She serves on the board of the American Counseling Association of Missouri. Also, she is contracted with local fire and EMS departments as well as St Louis County PD to assist in crisis situations and/or present workshops on various mental health topics. Gina works hard and is fully committed to guiding her clients toward clarity, resilience, and empowerment.