The Unseen Wounds: A Deep Dive into First Responder Wellness
VFIS Presents: All Clear — Firefighter Mental Health, Trauma, and Wellness | Behind the Sirens VFIS of North Carolina presents this Behind the Sirens episode of All Clear: Firefighter Health and Wellness, where host Travis sits down with David “Nate” Nathanson (career Marine and trauma advocate with Sheepdog Impact Assistance) and Ashlea Dillard (former firefighter/paramedic and mental health professional) to talk straight about mental health, trauma, and resilience in the fire and emergenc...
VFIS Presents: All Clear — Firefighter Mental Health, Trauma, and Wellness | Behind the Sirens
VFIS of North Carolina presents this Behind the Sirens episode of All Clear: Firefighter Health and Wellness, where host Travis sits down with David “Nate” Nathanson (career Marine and trauma advocate with Sheepdog Impact Assistance) and Ashlea Dillard (former firefighter/paramedic and mental health professional) to talk straight about mental health, trauma, and resilience in the fire and emergency services. They explain how trauma can start early, compound over time, and show up as sleep issues, hypervigilance, anger, isolation, substance use, relationship strain, and loss of empathy—often hidden behind a “mask” reinforced by service culture and identity. They emphasize proactive, ongoing mental fitness and multidisciplinary support, including breathing/grounding, meditation, journaling, constructive storytelling, peer connection, and finding the right therapeutic fit, while urging leaders to invest in wellbeing as seriously as PPE and operational readiness.
00:00 Wearing the Mask
00:15 Show Intro and Guests
01:38 Nate’s Mission Story
03:57 Ashley’s Turning Point
07:00 What Trauma Looks Like
12:47 Stress vs Injury Line
18:00 Culture and Identity Barriers
22:58 Red Flags and Symptoms
29:47 Cumulative Trauma Effects
35:06 Stress Comes From Everywhere
36:26 What Treatments Actually Work
38:55 Try Everything Stay Open
40:28 Therapy Toolbox Mindset
44:08 Leadership Must Invest
50:47 Mental Fitness As Maintenance
56:27 Three Actions To Start Now
01:03:05 Closing Resources And Contacts
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Author / Director of Sheep Dog University
An avid cyclist, lifelong learner, Harley enthusiast, and lover of brown liquor, David “Nate” Nathanson served as both an enlisted Marine and an officer of Marines, having twice been selected for Brigadier General. He commanded a combat logistics battalion during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and supported many campaigns, operations, and humanitarian assistance operations during his more than 30-year career. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University, two Master's Degrees from the Marine Corps University, and one from the Naval War College. He lives in Texas with his loving wife, two pit bulls, and his cat.
Therapist / Podcaster / Firefighter
Before stepping into my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical & Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, I spent nearly a decade serving my community as a firefighter and paramedic. Those years on the front lines taught me profound lessons about courage, resilience, and the invisible weight so many people carry—especially those whose lives are shaped by service. That experience didn’t just change me; it became the foundation of my calling.
As a former firefighter–paramedic turned therapist, I remain deeply connected to the communities I once stood beside. I understand the identity shifts, cumulative stress, and unspoken grief that can accompany a life of service—because I lived it. Today, I bring that lived understanding into my work with first responders, military members, veterans, and their spouses, offering culturally competent, trauma-informed care that honors both strength and vulnerability as a part of the work that I do.
While I hold deep respect and understanding for the first responder and military communities, I genuinely enjoy working with people of all backgrounds, identities, and life journeys. I believe every individual carries a unique story, and it is an honor to walk alongside clients from diverse paths as they explore healing, growth, and self-discovery.
I hold an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in mental health and clinical counseling, and I’ve completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted therapy through Numinus. In addition, I have over 500 hours of interpersonal and transpersonal clinica… Read More
