First responders serve in stressful, sometimes traumatic situations which can impose heavy emotional burdens on themselves and their relationships. In addition, first responders usually have their own histories of pain and trauma which can be triggered by present-day, on-the-job experiences. By reacting in old, defensive or destructive patterns, first responders can create problems and conflict for themselves, their teammates, and loved ones. First responders are often unaware of the particularly destructive pattern called reenactment, which is related to the mind/body’s desire to resolve and heal old emotional wounds.

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