A TBI is brain dysfunction secondary to brain injury. The term mild brain injury is often used synonymously with concussion. Some individuals with TBI, even with relatively mild brain injuries can have long term affects that can affect their quality of life. At UNC, we specialize in and are passionate about making the diagnosis and treating traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Asad is one of very few Neurologists in Northeast Florida to be Board Certified in Brain Injury Medicine.

Recovery First offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help first responders process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

The Trauma Egg is a visual representation often used in trauma therapy to help individuals understand and process their traumatic experiences. It consists of three layers: the outer shell represents the coping strategies used to protect oneself, the middle layer holds the traumatic memories and emotions, and the innermost core symbolizes the deep-seated beliefs and feelings resulting from the trauma. By exploring each layer, individuals can gain insight into their trauma's impact and work towards healing and resolution.

At Recovery First, we utilize The Trauma Egg therapeutic technique to help first responders explore and process various aspects of their traumatic experiences.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to help individuals manage emotions and improve relationships. It is effective for conditions like borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

DBT is one of our evidence-based therapies, equipping first responders with skills to regulate emotions and manage stress and conflict effectively.

Group therapy is a therapeutic approach where a small group of individuals, usually led by a trained therapist, come together to discuss and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It offers a supportive and confidential environment where participants can share their challenges, provide mutual support, and learn from one another. Group therapy is effective for various mental health concerns and provides an opportunity for social interaction, empathy, and personal growth through shared experiences and feedback.

Group therapy sessions at Recovery First allow first responders to connect with others facing similar challenges, offering mutual support and insights.

Anger management is a structured therapeutic process aimed at helping individuals understand, cope with, and express their anger in healthy and constructive ways. It involves learning techniques to recognize triggers, manage intense emotions, and respond to challenging situations with increased self-awareness and self-control. Anger management helps individuals develop healthier communication and conflict resolution skills, improving relationships and more balanced emotional well-being.

Given the nature of their work, first responders often deal with intense emotions, including anger. Our anger management therapy helps them develop healthier ways to express and cope with these feelings.

Our equine-assisted therapy involves interacting with horses to promote emotional healing and personal growth, assisting first responders in developing trust, communication, and emotional regulation skills.