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Firefighter and First Responder Counseling in Downers Grove

Jada Hudson (M.S., LCPC, CADC, RYT-200, TIYT) is a counselor and therapist working exclusively with first responders. Through Hudson Clinical Counseling, in-person appearances, and innovative wellness and first responder programs and publications, Jada helps people in uniquely demanding jobs heal, grow, and thrive.

In her therapy practice, Jada counsels first responders experiencing occupational stress and trauma who might struggle to manage life’s transitions or emotional challenges. She uses client-centered therapy, so clients take an active role in employing strategies for healing. Jada creates safe, non-judgmental, and open experiences to guide people to resolution or adaptation to their life challenges. In addition, she offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy for people experiencing trauma and PTSD and looking for swift solutions.

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A Compassionate, Licensed Counselor for First Responders in Downers Grove, Illinois

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Jada trained specifically to counsel firefighters, police officers, dispatch, emergency medical personnel, and other law enforcement officers. In addition, she works with ER doctors, nurses, EMTs, prosecutors, and first responder substance abuse programs. Serving departments of all sizes, Jada supplies mental health check-ins for law enforcement and designs wellness programs for first responders.

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Jada proudly served on the advisory curriculum committee for the Illinois Fire Service Institute and is currently on the advisory board for Cornerstone Retreat Center (a safe place for 1st responders and their families to connect, learn, and recover from the unique stresses of the job in a camp-like setting). In addition, she works with the Badge of Life as an Ambassador for the Chicago, Illinois region.  The Badge of Life educates and trains law enforcement about mental health and suicide prevention. 

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Author of the book Firefighter Emotional Wellness: How to Reconnect with Yourself and Others, Jada is a regular contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine and Fire Rescue Magazine and a popular speaker at FDIC (Fire Department International Conference), The Women in Fire Conference, The National Fire Academy, and other industry gatherings.

 

Jada was raised in a first responder family and is proud to support public safety professionals, always striving to understand what first responders experience in their jobs, minds, and hearts.

Education

 

  • Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology

  • Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Certification through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association) She is the creator of emotional wellness programs for fire departments.

  • Recovery Coach (Certification through the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse)  

 

Counseling Specialties

 

  • Behavioral management and mental health

  • Anger management

  • Addiction counseling

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Stress management

  • Suicidal ideation

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Grief and loss

  • Oncology counseling

  • Health diagnosis/adjustment

  • Loss of a child

  • Cumulative stress

 

Life & Strategy

 

  • Personality assessment

  • Empty nest adjustment

  • Career counseling

  • Retirement planning

  • Goal setting

  • Psychology of finances 

  

Also Providing

 

  • Mental health check-ins for law enforcement

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma and PTSD

  • Psychology of money, focusing on the emotional aspects of finances

  • Emotional wellness programs for fire departments

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