Dr Jena Casas (Mental Health in First Responders, School Psychology and Retirees) - Episode 967

Dr. Casas is a Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist in the State of Nevada. She also holds a PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Psychology license that allows for the practice of virtual practice in 32 additional states. We discuss her experience in EMT school, clinical psychology, first responder mental health, entrance testing, dispatchers, retirees and so much more.

"I use a cognitive behavioral framework in my clinical practice. It provides a rich context to understand the client’s presenting problems and to generate comprehensive case conceptualizations. A cognitive behavioral framework allows me to make connections between thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and maintaining stimulus properties, when examining problematic behaviors. This is useful as I can consider the client’s learning history and what their experiences mean to them. I also take an idiographic approach with clients. I believe honest cultural appreciation is in the details and this approach has allowed culture to remain rich and nuanced in my clinical work. I find myself being investigative and placing value in the client’s understanding of themselves and their problems. My therapeutic relationships are collaborative, where the client is seen as an expert in their experience and the therapist an expert in clinical psychology. This has been an effective way to align with clients from dissimilar backgrounds as it has allowed me to be an active listener and learner to their experience."