In this powerful second episode of Kitchen Table Talk, hosts Michael Long and Nick Robben sit down with two exceptional clinicians — Dena DiStefano, LCSW, C-DBT, CCTP, founder of Balanced Therapy & Wellness, and Lindsay Simons, LCSW, founder of The Empowerment Spot. Together, they break down the unique mental health challenges that first responders and their families face, from relationship strain and communication barriers to the emotional weight of constant exposure to high-stress environments.

Dena shares insight from her 20+ years working with adults, couples, and many first responder families, highlighting the ripple effects the job has on partners and home life. Lindsay brings her wilderness-therapy background and explains Brainspotting, a powerful trauma-processing method that helps clients safely access and heal emotional wounds ...