Jessi G.

First Responder Peer Support Specialist

My journey toward healing has been shaped by a combination of personal trauma, professional experiences, and the profound impact of both traditional and emerging therapeutic treatments. I’ve experienced significant suffering from narcissistic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, suicidal ideations and self-harm, which left deep emotional and psychological scars. Over time, these traumas led to the diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), conditions that often felt impossible to overcome.

Throughout my career as an EMT and paramedic, I witnessed the raw intensity of human suffering. I was exposed to trauma daily, navigating life-or-death situations. While I was often the one offering care to others, I struggled silently with my own emotional and psychological pain. The weight of the trauma I experienced, both personally and professionally, took its toll. The most heartbreaking part was witnessing many of my colleagues in EMS, brothers and sisters in the field, also suffering from mental health challenges, with some tragically succumbing to suicide. Their loss highlighted the urgent need for mental health support, not just for the patients we cared for, but for the first responders who often carry the heaviest burdens.

Amid this chaos, I sought help through therapy and medication, but it wasn’t until I found psychedelic-assisted therapy, specifically ketamine-assisted therapy, that I truly began to experience healing. My journey as a patient in this field marked a turning point. The profound shifts I experienced with ketamine therapy helped me unlock parts of myself that I thought were permanently buried. For the first time, I could see a way forward—one that was free of the debilitating hold of anxiety and trauma. This experience inspired me deeply, both in my personal recovery and in my professional aspirations as I decided to further my education and skills.

My background in the mental health field, along with my training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, has equipped me to guide others on their own journeys. As someone who has walked through the darkness of trauma and mental illness, I understand the unique struggles that first responders face. The emotional toll of the work is immense, and for many, it leads to a sense of isolation and hopelessness. It is my mission to change that.

Through sharing my story, I hope to create a space where others, especially my fellow first responders, can begin to heal. The power of vulnerability, connection, and support can break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, allowing others to feel seen, heard, and understood. My experience has not only shaped my path to recovery but has fueled my commitment to helping others navigate their own journeys, empowering them to find hope, healing, and strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.