Finding the right support isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. I’m here to work with you, knowing firsthand the courage it takes to reach out.

Naomi Laurin

MSW, RSW, B.A Psych

Dedicated to closing the gap in mental health support for first responders, informed by both personal experience and professional expertise.

My goal is to empower first responders to not only cope with the demands of their work but to thrive, knowing that they have the tools and support to navigate the complexities of both their professional and personal worlds.

Throughout my experience as a paid-on-call firefighter and current work in the Emergency Department, I have observed the far-reaching effects that traumatic incidents can have—not only on the individuals involved but also on their families, colleagues, and entire communities. It was heart-wrenching to recognize the lack of specialized support available, particularly for those in high-stress professions like firefighting, healthcare professionals and emergency response. This realization drove me to become the kind of support that is often missing, and I was determined to bridge the gap between mental health care and the unique culture of first responders.

I actively seek training tailored to the specific challenges faced by first responders and with the utilization of modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) that are proven to aid in trauma recovery. I understand the importance of addressing issues such as burnout, organizational stress, compassion fatigue, and anxiety—common struggles in this line of work. My commitment to this mission has led me to maintain a strong connection to the field, as I continue to collaborate with various first responder professions personally and professionally.

Building inner knowledge & trust

Understanding your unique needs as you face the challenges of your role.

Finding relief from anxiety

Cultivating self-regulation techniques and supporting your nervous system in high-stress situations.

Turning off the work brain

Developing techniques to create mental boundaries, allowing you to disconnect and recharge outside of work hours.

Addressing burnout

And organizational stress to help you regain balance and resilience in your work.

Healing from trauma

Whether from past incidents or ongoing exposure, to foster emotional well-being.

Managing compassion fatigue

And restoring your sense of purpose and connection to your work and community.

Specialties

Training

  • EMDR for First Responders, May 2025

  • ERAC - Critical Incident Stress Management, May 2025

  • EMDR 2.0 Special Techniques, October 2024

  • EMDR 2.0: Enhancing EMDR Therapy, October 2024

  • Caps-5 Training: Best practice method to diagnose PTSD by Suzy Matthijssen, July 2024

  • EMA First Responder License Issuance (Renewed) - License #: 150934, May 2021, June 2024

  • Occupational Awareness Training: Understanding Fire Culture -First Responder Health, November 2023

  • EMDR Trained Clinician - EMDR Consulting, July 2023

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy - CPT for PTSD, April 2023

  • Motivational Interviewing Strategies & Application (CCMI), April 2023

  • Serious Illness Conversation Workshop (CPD Faculty of Medicine, UBC), August 2022

  • Trauma-Informed Care Certificate (Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute), January 2022

  • SWKNAQINX Aboriginal Health Modules (Cultural Safety Curriculum), April 2020

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps the brain deal with trauma.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy designed to help people heal from distressing memories and experiences that may feel "stuck." When something deeply upsetting happens, your brain might not process it properly, leaving you feeling like you're reliving it whenever something reminds you of it.

During EMDR, we work to focus on a specific upsetting memory while guiding you through a series of eye movements, taps, or sounds. This back-and-forth motion (called bilateral stimulation) helps your brain "reprocess" the memory, so it feels less intense and loses its grip over time.

Think of it like organizing a messy filing cabinet. Right now, the upsetting memory is like a loose paper on the desk, always in your way. EMDR helps file it away properly—still there, but no longer disrupting your life. It doesn’t erase the memory; it helps you feel calmer and more in control when you think about it.

Throughout these steps, you’re always in the driver’s seat, and I’m here to guide and support you. The process may feel intense at times, but it’s designed to leave you feeling lighter, more in control, and less impacted by the memory over time.

This 10-minute video from the International Association explains how EMDR works, what to expect during a session, and how most people feel after completing the treatment.