Fire Service Psychology Association | Robert Avsec | Activity

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:51:41 -0700

FSPA Seeks Member to Serve as Newsletter Managing Editor

We are seeking an FSPA member to serve in a volunteer capacity as Managing Editor to create and maintain an online quarterly newsletter for…

Robert Avsec posted an update: Task Group DELTA has been given the 27 […]

Mon, 04 May 2026 23:36:49 -0700

Task Group DELTA has been given the 27 presentation proposals for the 2026 FSPA Conference in Portland, Oregon, October 15-16, 2026, that were received by the submission deadline of April 28, 2026.

Thank you to our five FSPA member psychologists who have volunteered to review those proposals and select the presentations for our conference!

Robert Avsec and Frank Dellucky are now connected

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:43:32 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: Picked up this one over on LinkedIn from my colleague […]

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:06:42 -0700

Picked up this one over on LinkedIn from my colleague and researcher extraordinaire, Sara Jahnke, PhD.

I’m going to say something that probably won’t surprise anyone in this space.

A peer-reviewed review (say that 5 times fast) published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry found PTSD prevalence rates of 6–32% among law enforcement officers,…

linkedin.com

ResponderStrong | LinkedIn

ResponderStrong | 1,133 followers on LinkedIn. RespongerStrong acknowledges and supports the common and diverse challenges of the Responder community. | ResponderStrong, a community of and for Emergency Responders, acknowledges diversity in the Responder community by providing Responders, Families, and Agencies … Continue reading

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:46:52 -0700

“We have to be held responsible for what we say”

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Sharing this post from a LinkedIn colleague, Bill Carey, Associate Editor for FireRescue1 and EMS1 at Lexipol. I heard…

Robert Avsec and Alison Fienning are now connected

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:50:04 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: In the fire service, most of us have seen it firsthand: […]

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:59:49 -0700

In the fire service, most of us have seen it firsthand: the quiet (or not so quiet) tension between EMTs and paramedics. Labels get thrown around. Egos get bruised. But when the tones drop, everyone knows the truth—the system only works because both roles matter.

That same lesson applies to how we support the psychological well‑being of…

firepsychology.org

Beyond “Paragods”: Why Fire Departments Need the Whole Team – Fire Service Psychology Association

Robert Avsec and Stacy Raymond are now connected

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:49:43 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: When topics like trauma, suicide risk, and behavioral […]

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:56:18 -0700

When topics like trauma, suicide risk, and behavioral health are presented by individuals without psychological training or licensure, the risk of misinformation—and unintended harm—is real.

In this article, I describe the position of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) that psychological content at major fire service conferences…

lnkd.in

Psychological Expertise Matters in the Fire Service

I recently attended a national fire service conference, along with several of my fellow Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) members, where we observed a presentation addressing a critical psychological issue in the fire service that was delivered by individuals who … Continue reading

Robert Avsec and Silvia DeGirolamo are now connected

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:12:17 -0700

Robert Avsec and Jeannelle Perkins are now connected

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:06:18 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: Our newest published author, our own Dr. Kristen Wheldon, […]

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:26:31 -0700

Our newest published author, our own Dr. Kristen Wheldon, is raffling off a signed copy of her book, Fire Service Psychology: A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Firefighter Health, Safety, and Longevity at the FSPA Meet & Greet at FDIC in Indianapolis!

See the link for details but hurry because the deadline to register for the raffle is…

facebook.com

Burton Clark

The FSPA will raffle a signed copy of Dr. Wheldon’s new book at our Meet & Greet. Sign up to attend, must be present to win.

Robert Avsec posted an update: Greetings FSPA Members! 😊 First, let me apologize to […]

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:05:34 -0700

Greetings FSPA Members! 😊

First, let me apologize to Dr. Elizabeth Ramquist for the technical glitch that didn’t allow for her “2nd day on the job” as the host for our Monthly Clinicians Consultation (MCC) session.

The link took for those who tried to sign in today’s session took them to the February 11, 2026session, which of course is in…

Robert Avsec and Blake Bidleman are now connected

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:44:01 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: A powerful piece of prose from one of our presenters […]

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:41:13 -0700

A powerful piece of prose from one of our presenters from our 2025 Conference, Dr. Kari Mika-Lude:

If any of you are wondering why fewer and fewer therapists are accepting insurance these days, this is why.

Imagine you have a job that pays you based on tasks completed. Pretty standard, right? But now imagine that up to a year later (or…

therapistresourceinstitute.com

Therapist Resource Institute – TRI

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:46:15 -0700

Some powerful prose from our Founder, Dr. Kristen Wheldon!

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Having spent the last couple of days with Dr. Wheldon at the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Annual Fire and…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:46:29 -0700

FSPA in Washington, D.C.

FSPA Represented at the 2026 Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief On…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:14:52 -0700

🔥 Call for Presenters: 2026 FSPA Conference | Portland, OR | October 15–16, 2026 🔥

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The fire service is evolving—and so is how we support the minds and hearts of those who serve. At…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:29:20 -0700

FSPA's New Continuing Education Manager

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief It give us great pleasure to announce that FSPA Member, Dr. Catherine Harris, Psy.D, has agreed to take on…

Robert Avsec posted an update: Check out this amazing article by a psychology […]

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:36:23 -0700

Check out this amazing article by a psychology student writing about her immersion into understanding firefighters and the fire service culture and how it has influenced her direction in her career pursuit.

Note to Fire Departments: If we want more culturally competent clinicinans, we need to start taking an active role in seeking them out.…

crackyl.com

An Aspiring Clinician’s Immersion in Fire Service Culture - CRACKYL

Strive A therapist-in-training discovers purpose, perspective, and a profound respect for the fire service through an immersive experience.

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:32:05 -0800

New Host for Our Monthly Mental Health Clinician Consultation

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief We at FSPA want to give our sincere thanks to Dr. Charles “Chuck” Allen, the fellow who got the…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:28:11 -0800

Let the Nominations Begin!

Honoring Those Who Serve the Fire Service: FSPA’s Annual Award Nomination Process is Open! By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Every year, the Fire Service…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:12:57 -0800

Keep 'em separate for better mental health balance

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Love this post from my fire service colleague and fellow member here at FSPA, Matthew Thorpe, @mthorpeoafm! Another great…

Robert Avsec posted an update: From Murphy Yarborough, one of our FSPA Psychology […]

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:39:54 -0800

From Murphy Yarborough, one of our FSPA Psychology Students, over on LinkedIn:

For my final quarter at Western Washington University and in anticipation of receiving my BA in Psychology, I’ve elected to take two 400 level seminar classes of interest. The two classes, Social Psychology: The Psychological Processes of Manhood, and Health…

Robert Avsec posted an update: Saw this over on LinkedIn today from Michelle DeCoux […]

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:09:57 -0800

Saw this over on LinkedIn today from Michelle DeCoux Hampton RN, PhD, Editor in Chief, Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

“Key contributing factors to nurse suicide include chronic occupational stress, compassion fatigue, workplace bullying, moral distress, and limited autonomy, all compounded by a pervasive stigma around…

journals.sagepub.com

Just a moment...

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:42:24 -0800

What Makes the Fire Service Psychology Association Different?

For decades, the fire service has operated without a formally recognized psychological specialty dedicated to its unique operational, cultural, and mental health needs. While the…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:49:39 -0800

Better together: Clinicians and firefighters

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The following was posted over on LinkedIn by a colleague, Dr. Kat Aguilera, a psychologist, trauma specialist, and military…

Robert Avsec and Greta Couper are now connected

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:43:58 -0800

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:05:37 -0800

FSPA's 2026 is Off to a Great Start

WOW! Already one of the twelve months of 2026 is already “in the books!” Loads of things currently happening and on the horizon for FSPA.…

Robert Avsec posted an update: From FSPA member, Greg Menvielle over on LinkedInA […]

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:40:05 -0800

From FSPA member, Greg Menvielle over on LinkedIn

A recent survey of 6,000 first responders in New York State highlights critical insights on mental health:

– 97% believe therapy would be beneficial if it were more financially accessible.
– 80% still express concerns about stigma surrounding mental health.
– 74% fear potential career consequences…

governor.ny.gov

Supporting First Responders: Governor Hochul Unveils Findings of New York State’s First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment

Governor Hochul unveiled the findings from New York’s first responder mental health needs assessment.

Robert Avsec posted an update: Emotional anchoring occurs when an emotionally charged […]

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:25:31 -0800

Emotional anchoring occurs when an emotionally charged image such as one evoking fear, sorrow, admiration or shock, becomes deeply associated with a specific event, behavior or role. The emotion and image become linked in memory, forming a powerful “anchor” that influences how we understand similar events in the future. This anchoring…

data-not-drama.com

How Emotional Anchoring Shapes Online Risk Perception and Fireground Decisions

Social media amplifies emotional anchoring: dramatic images paired with comments like “This should never happen again” or “Ban that tactic” create an emotional echo chamber. Over time, this can shi…

Robert Avsec posted an update: If you're in public safety (fire, law enforcement, […]

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:55:52 -0800

If you’re in public safety (fire, law enforcement, EMS, dispatch), or your a clinician that works with any of those populations, and there’s only one post your read today, make it this one by my colleague, Joseph Brigandi, Clinical Director at the The First Responder Behavioral Health Institute. Be prepared to…

brigandi.substack.com

They stole something from you before you could name it.

And charged you to get it back.

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:51:14 -0800

“Recruit Two, Make a Difference: FSPA’s 2026 Growth Goal”

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief As of today, January 7th, 2026, we are proud to represent a diverse and growing community dedicated to supporting…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:47:24 -0800

FSPA Calling! Calling for Conference Presentations!

FSPA Calling! Calling for Conference Presentations! 9th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychology Association October 15–16, 2026 | Portland, Oregon The Fire Service Psychology…

Robert Avsec: This post from over on LinkedIn from FSPA Member, Dr. […]

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:13:53 -0800

This post from over on LinkedIn from FSPA Member, Dr. Nicole Sawyer, @Drsawyerpsyd. ICYMI, Nicole has presented twice at our Annual Conference (2023 & 2024); the latter with two weeks notice as a “pinch-hitter!” Here’s her post:

Wise words from Gen Z first responders as they exit (a little early) their mandatory annual wellness consultation:…

Robert Avsec and Helge Nordtveit are now connected

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:06:08 -0800

Robert Avsec posted an update: This comes from FSPA's own Dr. Burt Clark who asked me […]

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 01:41:28 -0800

This comes from FSPA’s own Dr. Burt Clark who asked me to share with our FSPA Membership. This powerful video captures the stories and emotions of Los Angeles Fire Department personnel as they describe coming face to face with their own mortality, recover from devastating injuries, along with stories of how their families helped them make it…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 01:17:19 -0800

Meet Your Project Sentinel Task Groups!

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief What an exciting time for FSPA as we the 2nd quarter of the 21st Century, aka, the year 2026!…

Robert Avsec posted an update: This from my LinkedIn colleague, Dr. Rachel Wood, […]

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:42:09 -0800

This from my LinkedIn colleague, Dr. Rachel Wood, Ph.D.

“A true theology of machines begins not with what they are, but with who we become in relationship to them”.
We cannot divorce mental health from the AI conversation. Not when 2025 revealed this as our current reality:
▪️ the 33 million who use Copilot see it as more of a companion than a…

springhealth.com

8 Mental Health Trends for 2026 and What They Mean for Your Workplace

Discover five key workplace mental health trends for 2026—including the rise of AI, quiet burnout, and continuous care. Learn how HR and benefits leaders can get ahead of what’s coming next.

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:00:37 -0800

What is the ultimate goal of therapy?

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The following comes from Megan Cornish, LICSW over on LinkedIn where Megan Cornish, LICSW, is a mental health thought…

Robert Avsec: This one is from our own Sarah Mildrum, @SarahM, and […]

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:30:00 -0800

This one is from our own Sarah Mildrum, @SarahM, and her blog, Command Notes:

The first time I watched real command take shape, no one announced it.

There was no speech. No credentialing. No reminder of rank.

A structure fire had gone sideways. The water supply was compromised—low pressure, not enough volume—and everyone on scene felt it at the…

Robert Avsec: I watched this TED Talk a while back and the topic came […]

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 01:00:41 -0800

I watched this TED Talk a while back and the topic came up in a discussion I was having with fellow FSPA member here in Charleston, West Virginia, Christy Haynes, @Christy. I think you’ll find this to be an interesting talk from a psychology viewpoint. (Runtime 13:53)…

Robert Avsec posted an update: This from my LinkedIn colleague and "AI […]

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:47:17 -0800

This from my LinkedIn colleague and “AI Psychologist,” Rachel Wood, Ph.D.

Why am I die-hard about this statement?

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆.

Because I am looking down the road at the next generation who are outsourcing their entire lives to chatbots. When that generation starts raising a new generation, there will…

uk.news.yahoo.com

We failed Gen Z on social media – we cannot fail them on AI, too

Earlier this year I ran three focus groups with university students to answer what sounds like a simple question: how are Generation Z really using artificial intelligence (AI)?

Robert Avsec and Patricia O'Brien are now connected

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:03:46 -0800

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:28:27 -0800

Psychological Safety or Psychosocial Safety?

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Bringing this over from LinkedIn where it was posted by my fire service colleague, I. David Daniels, Ph.D 1stGlobal…

Robert Avsec posted an update: This one is shared from over on LinkedIn. The author […]

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:11:20 -0800

This one is shared from over on LinkedIn. The author is Sophie Frost, Psychotherapist and Founder of the Primrose Practice, and is based in Berlin, Germany. Link to the full article at bottom of Sophie’s post:

This has been a hard one to write. I genuinely love my profession and yet I would be lying if I didn’t admit that there is a creeping…

theprimrosepractice.com

Is Therapy Due a Correction? A Reset in Therapy Culture

Modern psychotherapy has grown fast and lost its depth. This essay explores why therapy culture is drifting and why a correction may be needed.

Robert Avsec: This from the University of Central Florida about […]

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 21:34:54 -0800

This from the University of Central Florida about FSPA Member, @Deborah

We’re proud to share that UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP has been named Big 12 Conference 2025 Faculty of the Year – University of Central Florida – an honor recognizing her extraordinary impact on trauma treatment and mental health care.

A…

ucf.edu

Deborah Beidel Named Big 12 Conference’s 2025 Faculty of the Year from UCF

Beidel is a Pegasus Professor internationally known for her ground-breaking research and effective treatments for veterans, first responders and emergency workers with PTSD.

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:03:33 -0800

Forge the Future: Join an FSPA Task Group and Help Shape the Future of Fire Psychology

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The time for critical examination is now. The core of our discipline, fire service psychology—where culture, tradition, progress, health,…

Robert Avsec: Thank you, @dr-kristen-wheldon for posting this over […]

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 01:10:10 -0800

Thank you, @dr-kristen-wheldon for posting this over on LinkedIn:

A recent study reveals a strong link between moral injury and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among U.S. military veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders.

Key findings:
12.1% reported suicidal thoughts in the past 2 weeks.

7.4% had attempted suicide…

nature.com

Moral injury is independently associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in high-stress, service-oriented occupations - npj Mental Health Research

This study explores the link between moral injury and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among US military veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders (N = 1232). Specifically, it investigates the risk associated with moral injury that is not attributable to common mental health … Continue reading

Robert Avsec posted an update: Here's a quick video showing the results from the […]

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:13:35 -0800

Here’s a quick video showing the results from the post conference survey that I sent out using Survey Monkey.

Watch the Video (1:30 min)