Joanne Hird

If you're a physician, nurse, EMT, firefighter, police officer, or other medical professional or first responder feeling overwhelmed by chronic stress, burnout, or anxiety, know that you're not alone—and these struggles do not mean you're failing. The demands of your work are extraordinary, and it's common to carry the weight of long shifts, high-stakes decisions, and emotional exhaustion long after you clock out.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience, I specialize in supporting healthcare workers and first responders just like you. Having worked in a hospital setting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I deeply understand the unique pressures you face—the relentless pace, moral distress, compassion fatigue, and the challenge of switching off hypervigilance when you finally get home.

My approach is practical, evidence-based, and tailored to your fast-paced life. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, Polyvagal Theory to regulate your nervous system and move out of fight-flight-freeze mode, and mindfulness practices to build resilience and restore balance in the midst of chaos. Together we'll develop concrete tools you can use on shift, between calls, or in those rare quiet moments.

You will walk away from our first session with tools to use immediately. Clients describe my style as collaborative and gently direct—I listen deeply without judgment, offer clear insights when helpful, and partner with you to create real, sustainable change at a pace that feels right for you.