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Megan O’Connor was a 15-year career firefighter and medic when I met her; a woman of huge kindness and empathy while being equally determined and strong. AND she was suffering greatly. These things can be true at the same time.
Megan explains the struggle of putting on a brave face while wanting to disappear in plain sight - the sheer exhaustion and sense of hopelessness when searching for help. This is the experience of countless individuals affected by post traumatic stress injuries.
Megan also shares hopeful insight from her current perspective as a coach and group facilitator for first responder peer support, outlining the actions that helped her on her journey.
Guest Bio:
Megan is a PATHH Guide for the Boulder Crest Foundation guiding Veterans and First Responders through the Warrior PATHH Program - a week-long Post Traumatic Growth Training.
She spent 15 years in the Fire Service and retired as a Fire-Engineer/Paramedic after struggling with PTSD. Megan now runs her own First Responder Peer Support Group and has a weekly Zoom meeting where people from all over the country can voice their struggles, receive support, and find fellows and community.
In addition to being a Certified Life Coach, Megan also works as a Health Mentor and educates on using dōTERRA Essential Oils and holistic approaches to help with PTSD and everyday health concerns.
Megan lives in the Sierra foothills with her 2 dogs outside of El Dorado Hills, CA and has a vision of bringing people together for soulful gatherings, classes, in-person peer support groups, camping, and connection on her property.
Megan’s email is 4valiantcore@gmail.com
Website: https://www.4valiantcore.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megonfire/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-o-connor-b60577258/
Resources mentioned on this episode:
Bouldercrest.org Boulder Crest Foundation created the Warrior PATHH Training.
The Struggle Well Experience for first responders.
Struggle Well by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg - an excellent resource on Post Traumatic Growth
FRSN.org First Responder Support Network who puts on the WCPR the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat. They also have a great resource list of First Responder Meetings and Support Groups and calls on the website.
My website (although more coaching focused and still under construction) is 4valiantcore.com
The Body Keeps the Score and resources by Bessel Van Der Kolk MD
Resource lists created by Megan O’Connor:
Preview attachment Megan's Resource and Tool List.pagesMegan's Resource and Tool List.pages2 MB
About Jen Oliver:
I pursue and create environments where we explore the REAL stuff that changes us. I’m designed to bring others on my personal journey with honest admissions to help us all transform - that’s my sweetspot and I speak, lead, and write from that space.
REAL conversations stir deeper connection and community - to explore ways that you can work with me, go to:
email: jen@REALjenoliver.com
podcast website: ListenForREAL.com
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