I’m Gina Rivera Sokolich, a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Responding First Counseling in Ballwin, MO. As a retired First Responder with over 14 years of experience as an LPC, I specialize in working with First Responders to help them process stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and grief, along with navigating other life-altering challenges. My goal is to ensure my clients feel centered and clear, empowering them to perform at their best both at work and in their personal lives. Additionally, I work with individuals experiencing domestic violence, empowering them to regain control and purpose in their lives. I bring a deep passion to my work, rooted in my own experiences and commitment to supporting mental health in our community. I work collaboratively and attuned to my clients' needs, drawing on my extensive training in EMDR, Brainspotting, and CBT. As a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), I help clients address trauma in a focused, compassionate way. I do challenge my clients to get to the deep things which sometimes means noticing the trauma they are feeling in their body. Since they are connected, what we feel in our brain, we feel in our body and vice versa. This may be difficult for some, but also healing as well. Processing in this way has helped many of my clients to feel less stressed on the job and in their personal lives. In addition to being Provider for the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (FRPN), I am a member and presenter of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), a member of the St. Louis Hero Network, and currently serve as Vice President of the American Counseling Association of Missouri. I am contracted with local fire and EMS departments to assist in crisis situations and/or present workshops on various mental health topics. Please reach out if I can help you or your department. I look forward to hearing from you!