TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — In 2020, during the COVID shutdown, the Terre Haute Fire Department welcomed a new member to their team, through the employee assistance program.
Dr. Julie Wernz is a psychologist and trauma specialist, that is assisting Terre Haute Fire Fighters.
Wernz said her main focus is on post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and marriage counseling.
Members of THFD SEE Dr. Wernz at Crosslane Church, where she practices EMDR.
The practice forces fire fighters to train their brain to visualize their traumatic memories, but associate them with different emotions.
Dr. Wernz said the nature of fire fighter causes disruption in all aspects of their lives.
“They’re in life-or-death situations on a daily basis”, Wernz said. “They’re exposed to traumatic events constantly, high stress situations where they have to make a decision on the spot. That just creates a cumulation of stress that makes it difficult for them to have a work/life balance. It impacts every aspect of their lives.”
THFD PIO, Nick Arnold, says their relationship with city officials allowed this to be included in their yearly budget and they are proud to put their fire fighter’s mental health first.
“Mayor Sakbun, the city council, the current administration felt it was so important, this need was so important that they put our members at the top of their budgetary concerns”, Arnold said. “This service isn’t free. The fire department has budgeted for Dr. Wernz to be here and provide those services to our members.”
The employee assistance program is completely confidential, as the THFD continues to try and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
