A Mile in Our Boots, April 3-6, 2025 is a four-day weekend training that will offer you a very different educational experience. Wearing specialized equipment designed for first responders. Individuals engaged in this training program will gain invaluable hands-on experience navigating a variety of challenging scenarios that may compel first responders to seek assistance from a mental health clinician. These immersive experiences will not only test your physical endurance but also elicit a range of complex emotions, including stress, empathy, and resilience. As participants confront the difficulties inherent in these simulated situations, they will be encouraged to reflect on their emotional responses, fostering a deeper understanding of the psychological toll that high-pressure environments can impose on the responders. While the training will undoubtedly be demanding, it promises to be profoundly rewarding, offering fresh perspectives that enrich your approach to mental health care. The insights gained may enhance your treatment modalities, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate interplay between physical exertion and mental well-being, ultimately enabling you to provide more compassionate and effective support to the responders.
Mile in Our Boots
Clinicians Academy
The purpose of this academy is for the clinicians to:
Enhance Understanding of First Responders’ Experiences: Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that first responders face by engaging in immersive, hands-on training scenarios. This will enable clinicians to better empathize with the unique psychological stresses experienced by these professionals, fostering improved therapeutic relationships.
Develop Resilience and Coping Strategies: Through exposure to demanding simulated situations, participants will reflect on their emotional responses and develop personal resilience strategies. This objective aims to equip clinicians with tools to better support first responders in managing stress and emotional challenges, ultimately improving their mental health outcomes.
Integrate Training Insights into Clinical Practice: Participants will learn to apply insights gained from the immersive training to enhance their treatment modalities for first responders. This objective focuses on enabling clinicians to navigate the intersection of physical exertion and mental well-being, leading to more compassionate and effective mental health support strategies tailored to the needs of this population provide more compassionate and effective support to the responders.
South Carolina Clinician Cost – $300.00. Cost to include full conference and all meals; partial registrations are not permitted. Lodging is not included and is the sole responsibility of the participant. Accommodation recommendations will be given at the time of registration.
Out of State Clinician Cost – $500.00. Cost to include full conference and all meals; partial registrations are not permitted. Lodging is not included and is the sole responsibility of the participant. Accommodation recommendations will be given at the time of registration.
For more information or questions, contact Patti Graham, SCFAST Statewide Director.
Contact Jana Kassianos or 800.277.2732 to secure your sponsorship opportunity
