Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Rivas.
Elizabeth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all began straight out of high school, I got involved with the Garden Grove Police explorers and it was truly a great experience. Many years later, I volunteered as a Domestic Violence victim advocate with the police department. I would counsel victims of abuse of resources or take them to a shelter.
I ended up getting a job as a corrections officer, went thru the corrections academy but was medically retired from a back injury six years later. I ended up going back to school and received my Bachelor and Masters in Psychology and am currently a trauma therapist. I have always had a heart for assisting first responders and now I can assist them in a way that can literally save their lives. I work with first responders with PTSD and I also focus on the spouses and children. First responders do so much and risk their lives, we now need to support them. I am also married to a police officer who has been on the force 28 years. I have seen first hand how this job affects them emotionally, physically and psychologically. Blue Anchor Wellness will be the anchor for those families going thru rough stormy waters.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
So far the concept has been received with open arms from everyone I come in contact with. The community is very grateful for all first responders. The challenge has been first responders admitting they are going through something difficult. PTSD is a silent illness and there is a big stigma surrounding this. Divorce rate is 70-90% in the law enforcement community so we know there is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. There is also high suicide rates, alcoholism and other addictions.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We provide therapeutic and educational services to all first responders and their families. We will be doing workshops, conferences, and trainings to equip first responders with tools to focus on their mental wellness. I specialize in trauma and do individual, family and couples therapy. I also teach an 8-hour course on mental wellness. What sets me apart is I have law enforcement background and I am married to a law enforcement officer so first responders are more willing to come see me than a regular therapist that does not understand the culture of first responders.
What were you like growing up?
I was always fascinated with law enforcement and getting involved in volunteering to help others. My favorite movie is Silence of the Lambs and loved the character of the FBI agent and Quanico. I was in college my last year of high school taking criminal justice classes. I am currently finishing my doctorate degree at Brandman University.
Contact Info:
- Address: 250 El Camino Real, Suite 213, Tustin, CA
- Website: www.blueanchorwellness.org
- Phone: 714-274-5744
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Blue Anchor Wellness
- Facebook: Blue Anchor Wellness
Image Credit:
Google Images
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