Mike Kotch

Get to know Mike

Why I specialize in trauma

I'm a former first responder, and I chose to specialize in trauma because of my experience doing that work. I saw colleagues and friends going through some rough times, and when they went looking for help, the support they needed wasn't available. When you're a first responder, or anyone who wears a uniform, you want a therapist who understands what you do and speaks your language, and there are very few of us out there. The culture doesn't always make it easy to open up. Having been a first responder myself, I've had to work through some of that trauma firsthand, and that experience helps me understand it and treat it in a way that's most beneficial for you.

How I create a safe, supportive environment

If you're in this to do the work, I'm with you 100% of the way. We won't walk in on day one and dive straight into the deepest trauma. First we build trust and rapport, so that when we get into the more difficult topics, you already feel safe and supported. This is an environment where you can talk about your experiences and the feelings that came with them. That support comes from me as your therapist and from the evidence-based model we use, which is Prolonged Exposure. Keeping you feeling safe and supported while you work through the trauma is my priority, and that's where we begin from day one.

What I want to help members see in themselves

I want you to know that what happened to you matters, and how you experienced it matters, no matter how it compares to anyone else. There's no such thing as your trauma being better or worse than someone else's. Everybody's trauma is different, and what matters is how you experienced it. I've worked with people who stood right next to each other through the same incident and experienced it in completely different ways. So we'll take the time to learn who you are: your life, your hobbies, your likes and dislikes, your personality, what your trauma was, and how you responded to it. From there we tailor the work to you. Even though Prolonged Exposure has its guidelines, this is never a cookie-cutter approach, and you're never getting fit into someone else's box.

My message to you if you are struggling right now

Reach out and give this a try. You're worth it. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness or that you can't handle things on your own. Trauma is significant, and you deserve support that meets it. I can't fix this for you, but I can guide you and give you the tools, and I'll work as hard as you do to get you through it. Take back the life you want, whatever that looks like for you. If you're ready to do the work, let's go. We've got this.

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