Gary Watson
Tucson
Summary
Career first responder transitioning to behavioral therapist working primarily with first responders and their families. Extensive understanding of unique challenges of being a first responder on the individual and the family with training in how to manage the work/life balance and promote self-care. Specialized in treatment of trauma resulting from responding to emergency scenes as well as childhood trauma. Well versed in the sigma surrounding mental health and the need for client confidentiality. Experienced working with first responder agencies to develop mental health programs that focus on the wellbeing of the employee and the needs of the organization.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialty Therapist
Cottonwood Of Tucson
10.2023 - Current
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
- Improved patient outcomes by utilizing EMDR therapy for trauma treatment.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients in distress and connecting them with necessary resources.
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients recognize personal barriers to change and identify actionable steps towards improvement.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions through cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy.
Captain
Northwest Fire District
04.2004 - Current
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering trust and collaboration for public safety initiatives.
- Championed mental health initiatives among firefighters, establishing support networks for stress management and emotional wellbeing.
- Coordinated mutual aid agreements with neighboring departments, optimizing resource-sharing during large-scale events or emergencies beyond individual capacities.
- Oversaw scene operations and assigned firefighters to strategic locations.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
- Optimized fire services management with introduction of new systems, policies, procedures and tools.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL02.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Technology, Paramedic
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ12.2008
Skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- CBT Techniques
- EMDR
- CISM
- Peer Support
- Multicultural Competence
- Crisis Intervention
- Building rapport
- Client Confidentiality
- Trauma
Timeline
Specialty Therapist
Cottonwood Of Tucson
10.2023 - Current
Captain
Northwest Fire District
04.2004 - Current
Master of Science - Social Work
Western New Mexico University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Technology, Paramedic
Pima Community College
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