First Responder Counsellor & Therapist
Registered Social Worker & Pyschotherapist
At McKechnie Counselling Services, we have years of experience specializing in military and first responder counselling and therapy, offering dedicated support to those who serve and protect our communities, as well as their families. Our virtual practice makes compassionate, convenient care accessible across the province. Through Heart to Heart Healing, you’ll be met with empathy and deep respect for the courage it takes to seek support. We are committed to creating a personalized space of safety and comfort where your healing journey can begin, knowing your story will be heard, valued, and held with confidence.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, lonely and heartbreaking.
It can feel like the weight of the job never really lets off, and that hope or calm are out of reach. McKechnie Counselling Services was created to offer a safe, confidential space where the unique challenges of service life are met with genuine understanding and respect. You don’t have to carry the difficult decisions, the long shifts, or the silent aftermath alone.
My goal is to walk beside you as you navigate the impact of the work and life beyond the uniform, helping you find steadiness, connection, and renewed purpose. Together, we’ll work toward restoring a sense of peace, fulfillment, and balance in both your personal life and your relationships.
We specialize in counselling for first responders, military personnel, and public sector employees across Canada, supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.
Benefits of Counselling for First Responders
Processing Traumatic Experiences
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to unpack difficult decisions, incidents, and cumulative trauma that can build up over time. Discussing these experiences helps reduce the emotional burden and prevent long-term distress.
Reducing Stress and Prevent Burnout
The demands of shift work, exposure to emergencies, and the constant state of alert can take a toll. Counselling supports first responders in managing stress, improving sleep, and developing coping strategies to maintain well-being.
Enhance Emotional Regulation
Therapy can help first responders recognize and manage strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or guilt, improving emotional balance and helping maintain professionalism and calm in their high-stress environments.
Strengthen Relationships
The nature of emergency work can put a strain on family and peer relationships. Counselling offers tools to improve communication, develop trust, and create healthy, strong connections at home and in the workplace.
Promote Mental Resilience
Developing a regular counselling routine can help build psychological resilience, allowing first responders to recover more effectively from challenging situations and maintain a sense of control and purpose.
Mental Health Stigma
Participating in counselling can set the tone, strength and openness in the workplace, helping to break the stigma around mental health. It encourages others to seek help early and fosters a culture of mutual support..
Interested in learning more about therapy?
Check my FAQ page for answers to get you started, but I encourage you to reach out directly. Connecting in conversation is the best way to explore your options and see if I’m the right fit to support your needs.
Specialties
Military & Veteran Counselling
Life in the military often requires operating under intense pressure, spending long stretches away from loved ones, and facing experiences that few outside the service truly understand. These demands can take a real toll on mental and emotional well-being. Our counselling team has years of experience and is here to help.
First Responder Counsellor
First responders face intense situations that can take a real toll over time. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to process those experiences, manage stress, and strengthen resilience, helping you find balance, protect your well-being, and continue the work you’re proud to do.
Public Sector Counsellor
Public sector professionals often carry heavy workloads, high expectations, and the constant pressure to serve others. At McKechnie Counselling Services, we offer a supportive, confidential space to help you manage stress, find balance between work and life, and navigate the challenges that come with workplace demands.