When a fellow firefighter confessed suicidal thoughts to Adam Neff one night at the firehouse, it changed everything. Despite his decades of experience handling emergencies, Adam found himself unprepared for this particular crisis. That moment became the catalyst for his remarkable transition from assistant chief of operations to licensed professional counselor specializing in first responder mental health.
During our conversation, Adam reveals the profound disconnect between traditional therapeutic approaches and the needs of emergency responders. Drawing from his 38 years in the fire service and his clinical training, he illuminates why cultural competency isn't just helpful – it's essential for effective mental health care in this population. His colorful anecdotes highlight how clinicians who can't navigate firehouse humor, understand departmental hierarchies, or recognize the language of the profession will struggle to build trust with these clients.
Adam's approach bridges these worlds perfectly. He describes teaching somatic awareness – helping responders recognize when their "check engine light" is signaling emotional distress – in a way that resonates with tactical professionals. His strict confidentiality boundaries protect the vulnerability of clients who may work alongside referral sources, while his fourth-floor perspective training (offered free to departments nationwide) makes mental health concepts accessible to those who've traditionally avoided seeking help.
Perhaps most powerfully, Adam challenges the myth that because firefighters work in teams and talk around the kitchen table, they're naturally more connected to their emotions. The reality is more complex – these heroes need therapists who understand when to push, when to use humor, and when to simply sit in the discomfort together. His insight that "unexpressed expectations is premeditated resentment" captures the importance of directness in this work.
Whether you're a first responder struggling with your mental health, a clinician wanting to better serve this population, or someone who cares about the wellbeing of our emergency services personnel, this episode provides invaluable perspective on what healing looks like when the rescuer becomes the one in need of rescue.
Adam can be reached on his website at www.agoodspacetherapy.com
Adam also founded and continues to coordinate the Springfield Area Memorial Stair Climb- http://springfieldmemorialstairclimb.org/
Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!