Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human. I'm Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS, and the host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast—where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect.

Today's episode is especially for first responders—and the loved ones who support them. Whether you serve as police, firefighter, EMS, paramedic, military, nurse, therapist, or teacher—you know the toll trauma takes. Even those of us who aren't running into burning buildings feel the weight of vicarious trauma in our daily callings to serve.

That's why I'm honored to welcome Steve Campana, Hanley Foundation's First Responder Liaison and retired EMS Captain from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Alongside his therapy dog, Mac, Steve now helps first responders and veterans struggling with addiction, PTSD, and substance use disorders find healing and hope.

• Steve's journey: From a 12-year-old police cadet to serving 30+ years in Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

• The hidden toll of trauma: Pediatric codes, car wrecks, shootings, and vicarious trauma that first responders carry.

• Addiction in the firehouse culture: Why "suck it up, buttercup" led to self-medicating and how recovery changed Steve's life.

• The Big Book of AA: Why recovery is a spiritual program rooted in humility, not just abstinence.

• Hanley Center's approach: Trauma-informed, 12-step immersive care that includes CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy.

• The Patriots Initiative: Specialized peer groups for first responders, veterans, and ER professionals.

• Therapy dogs in recovery: How Mac the therapy dog provides comfort, connection, and hope on campus and in children's hospitals.

• Tools for leaders: How firehouses, EMS teams, and police departments can create cultures where "I'm not okay" is safe to say.

• Hanley Foundation & Hanley Center

  • Website: Hanley Foundation

  • Programs: Hanley Center Treatment Services

  • Alumni Services & Patriots Initiative information available through Hanley

• Recovery & Trauma Resources

  • Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book: Read Online

  • EMDR Therapy: EMDR International Association

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Learn More Here

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Patient Pamphlets

• Therapy Dogs & Certification

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs

  • Paws & Stripes

• Emergency Support & Peer Groups

  • Alcoholics Anonymous – Find a Meeting

  • Al-Anon Family Groups

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Contact Steve Campana (Hanley Center First Responder Liaison)

  • Phone: 561-841-1171

Steve is a retired EMS Captain with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and now serves as the First Responder Liaison at Hanley Foundation. With over 30 years of frontline experience, he understands the culture, struggles, and resilience of first responders. Having overcome his own battles with addiction, Steve now walks alongside first responders and veterans in recovery—offering practical resources, peer support, and hope. Together with his therapy dog, Mac, he brings comfort to those carrying invisible wounds.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), and Qualified Supervisor (QS). Through The Holistic Counselor Podcast, I explore the intersection of faith, science, and holistic healing. My mission is to break the stigma around mental health—especially in faith communities and BIPOC cultures—and empower people to heal with evidence-based tools and Christ-centered hope.

• Website: Through the Valley Therapy

• YouTube: The Holistic Counselor Podcast Playlist

• Email: [email protected]

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