Why Should a First Responder Ride Along with Jill Peeler, LMFT?
(Also known as: “Why is there a therapist in my car?”)
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You get to know me as a human—not just a therapist.
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No pressure, no agenda—just real talk (or no talk, your call).
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You’ll walk away with tools, not trauma.
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I speak fluent “I’m fine” and dark humor is welcome.
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Snacks may or may not be involved.
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Because your life outside the badge matters too.
Why I Ride with You:
I ride along because I believe in seeing what this job actually takes from the inside. It helps me support your team better—with real insight, not assumptions. It builds trust the old-school way: one ride, one conversation at a time.
It’s a chance for you to get to know me—and for me to understand what you face every day. It reminds us both that we’re just humans trying to do the right thing in a hard world.
There’s no therapy. No clipboard. Just one person riding along because I care. And if something isn’t working—I want to talk about it. That’s how we figure it out. Because I’m not here for any other reason than I care.
I’m not checking boxes, writing a report, or trying to get in your head. I’m here because I believe this job changes people—and I want to help make sure it doesn’t break you.
The Benefits:
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We build trust the old-school way: with time and shared experience, not forced vulnerability.
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No “tell me your feelings” unless you’re ready. Just time in the car, real talk, and maybe arguing about where the best tacos are.
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I’m not here to fix you—I’m here to ride with you. If you’re good, I’ll respect it. If you’re struggling, I’ll notice. And if we don’t talk about anything deep the whole shift, that’s okay too. But if you do decide to open up, you’ll already know I’m someone you can trust.
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You’ll walk away with tools, not trauma—coping skills for stress, tips on sleep, ways to reset after a rough call, how to stay grounded, and maybe a different way to look at the anger, anxiety, or numbness that’s been creeping in.
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It’s also about normalizing that having someone to talk to doesn’t have to be formal or clinical—it can just be a real person in the car who gets it.
I’m walking into your world, and I know trust isn’t handed out easy. I just want to be someone who earns it.
My Services
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Briefings and debriefings to process critical incidents and transitions
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Ride-alongs to see the job from your perspective and build real trust
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One-on-one check-ins for confidential support and stress relief
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Micro-trainings on emotional regulation, sleep, burnout, and coping strategies
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Support for allied agencies and community events to foster a culture of wellness
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Crisis management briefings and critical incident stress debriefings
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Critical incident scene response for immediate, compassionate support
My Credentials & Philosophy
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Trauma-Informed Care Specialist
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Deep understanding of first responder culture through direct experience, ride-alongs, and ongoing partnerships
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Commitment to culturally sensitive, practical support – not therapy in a box
I believe that trust isn’t handed out—it’s earned. That’s why I show up as someone who’s real, relatable, and always willing to meet you where you are—whether that’s talking about the job, life outside the badge, or nothing at all. I’m not here to “fix” anyone. I’m here to walk alongside you and make sure you feel seen, supported, and able to thrive in the work you love.
Here’s How We Can Work Together
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Intro Call or Email: Let’s connect and talk about what your department needs.
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Custom Fit: I’ll work with you to customize services that match your culture, team, and priorities.
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Contract & Start: We’ll put it in writing—then get to work, one conversation and one ride at a time.
Let's Connect
Your mental health matters, and I’m here to help make sure you—and the people you serve alongside—never forget that. Let’s build something that truly fits your department and shows your team that their mental health matters as much as their physical safety.
JillPeelerTherapy@gmail.com
(510) 630-0831
www.JillPeelerTherapy.com
Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Support for First Responders
Hi, I’m Jill Peeler, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting the mental health and resilience of first responders. For years, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with police, fire, and public safety agencies across the Bay Area. Currently, I’m contracted with several local departments, providing trusted support that’s grounded in real understanding of what you face on the job.
I know firsthand how isolating and demanding this work can be—and how important it is to have someone in your corner who truly gets it. My approach goes beyond traditional therapy: I show up consistently, learn your culture from the inside, and meet you where you are—whether that’s at a briefing, during a debrief, on a ride-along, or in a one-on-one conversation.
When you work with me, you’re not getting a stranger you cold-called—you’re getting someone who already understands the job, the culture, and the unique stressors you face. Agencies I’ve partnered with often tell me that having a therapist who knows the job and the culture has made all the difference for their teams. First responders share that I meet them where they are and understand how important it is to feel safe and supported.
Agency Partners
