What is EMDR really like when you’re the person sitting in the chair?

In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we’re talking about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) from a perspective you don’t always hear: lived experience.

Rather than giving you a clinical lecture on how EMDR works, Becky and Traci share what it was actually like to experience EMDR themselves—and their experiences were very different.

Becky sought EMDR after a traumatic first-responder incident and describes a significant change in how she experienced the memory, her physical responses, and her ability to return to situations that could have triggered those memories. She shares what surprised her about the process, what happened with physical tension in her neck, and what it was like to return to CPR training afterward.

Traci shares a different perspective. After experiencing trauma during her military service and later developing symptoms that affected her life at home, she tried EMDR more than once. Her experience wasn't the dramatic success story she had hoped for—and that's an important story to tell, too.

We talk honestly about:

• What it feels like to actually go through an EMDR session
• Why you don't necessarily have to repeatedly talk through the details of a traumatic event
• Eye movements, tapping, sound, and other bilateral stimulation
• The connection between trauma, the nervous system, and physical sensations
• EMDR may help one person but not another
• The importance of finding a clinician you trust
• What happens when a treatment doesn't work the way you expected
• Why one therapy or treatment doesn't have to be the answer for everyone
• Mental health and trauma treatment for police, military, firefighters, and other first responders

Most importantly, this conversation is about removing some of the mystery—and some of the stigma—around asking for help after trauma.

If you've ever wondered what EMDR is actually like, are considering EMDR for yourself, or work with first responders and want to better understand their experiences with trauma treatment, this episode is for you.

Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness.

Remember to submit your questions to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com!

This episode reflects personal experiences and is intended for education and conversation, not individual mental health advice. EMDR should be provided by an appropriately trained professional.

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What does it really mean to be “cleared” to return to work after pregnancy?

In this episode of Ask the Tactical Trio, we tackle a question from a firefighter and new mom of twins who was medically cleared to return to work just six weeks after giving birth—but didn’t feel physically or mentally ready to perform the demands of the job.

We talk about the often-overlooked gap between medical clearance and true return-to-work readiness for female first responders.

Tracy shares her own postpartum experiences and discusses pelvic floor recovery, urinary incontinence, fatigue, strength training, and the importance of working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist when needed. We also explore how to progressively rebuild strength, recognize when your body is ready for more load, and regain confidence in your ability to perform physically demanding work.

But this conversation goes beyond postpartum fitness.

For firefighters, police officers, and other tactical professionals, returning to duty means being physically capable of performing the essential functions of the job—not simply having a healed injury or receiving medical clearance. We discuss what a more supportive postpartum return-to-work pathway could look like and why agencies should consider individualized return-to-duty plans for female first responders.

We also talk about:

• Postpartum pelvic floor health and urinary leakage
• Returning to strength training after pregnancy
• Progressive loading and listening to your body
• Fatigue and recovery after having a baby
• Rebuilding confidence after pregnancy
• The difference between “medically cleared” and “fit for duty”
• Why postpartum recovery is highly individual
• How organizations can better support female firefighters and first responders
• The importance of giving yourself grace during recovery
• Prehab and preparing the body for pregnancy and birth

Resources Referenced:

Navigating the 'new normal': what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review

www.birthfit.com

Perinatal Periodization: Trimester Phased Training for Beginner to Elite Athletes

Whether you're a female firefighter, police officer, tactical professional, athletic therapist, strength coach, healthcare provider, or leader responsible for supporting your people, this episode offers a practical and honest look at postpartum recovery and return-to-duty readiness.

Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness.

If you have a question for us, make sure to send it in to askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com!

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How do you actually pay for an athletic training, fitness, or wellness program in a police or fire department? In this episode of Ask The Tactical Trio, we tackle a question from a self-employed athletic trainer in Michigan who is looking to bring an on-site athletic training program to a police department and needs to figure out how to fund it.

We break down grant funding for law enforcement and public safety wellness programs, where to look for funding, and why grants are definitely not “free money.” From state and federal grants to COPS programs, insurance company funding, occupational safety initiatives, and department budgets, we discuss the opportunities and the fine print.

We also talk about an often-overlooked piece of the funding puzzle: proving the value of your program to department leadership. Whether you're providing injury prevention, early access to care, musculoskeletal assessments, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sleep support, or mental health and wellness services, understanding what a department actually needs is critical to finding the right funding source.

You'll hear real-world lessons from programs serving agencies ranging from small departments with just a handful of officers to large agencies with extensive wellness programs. We discuss:

• Where to look for law enforcement and fire department grants
• How COPS, AFG, NIOSH and other funding opportunities may fit public safety wellness initiatives
• Why you need to understand the purpose and requirements of a grant before applying
• What grants may, and may not, pay for
• How to conduct a needs assessment before designing your program
• Why department leadership, HR, legal and other stakeholders need a seat at the table
• How to demonstrate the value of athletic training and injury prevention
• Why relationships with police and fire leadership can be just as important as the grant itself
• How to build a program that becomes sustainable after the grant money runs out
• The responsibility athletic trainers have when representing the profession in public safety

And because we couldn't resist, we finish with a fun question: If you were given $100,000 for your agency tomorrow, how would you spend it?

If you're an athletic trainer, athletic therapist, strength and conditioning coach, tactical strength coach, police officer, firefighter, EMS professional, wellness coordinator, or public safety leader, this episode is packed with practical ideas for turning a great wellness program into a fundable and sustainable one.

Have a question for the Tactical Trio? Send it our way at askthetacticaltrio@gmail.com or connect with us on social media.

Real questions. Real experience. Real tactical wellness.

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