First Responder Program
Healing Wave Aquatics is committed to providing its highly referred and results-based program of aquatic therapy to First Responders. Built upon the same successful structure in our Veteran Program, our First Responder Program offers 8 weeks of successive sessions. These sessions provide a calming experience that helps reduce symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress (anxiety, depression, insomnia, anger, and stress) while regulating the nervous system and building trust.
How do I get started?
- First, apply on our website: Healing Wave Aquatics - Application
- Next, our Behavioral Health Specialist will reach out to you via email to request our required documents.
- You will then have an opportunity to come to our facility for an Orientation. This includes reviewing program forms, a tour of our facility, and answering your questions.
- After your Orientation, our Client Care Coordinator finds an available time and practitioner that works with your schedule, so you can begin as soon as possible.
Eligibility
- First Responders will apply by providing three documents:
- Proof of First Responder status (ID card with your job title clearly stated, a recent paystub from your employer, a professional certification document like an EMT or firefighter license, or a signed verification letter from your agency on letterhead)
- Proof of Post Traumatic Stress (benefits letter, letter from a caseworker or therapist, clinical note, etc.)
- Income Verification (W2, paystub)
What is provided?
Our therapeutic warm-water program includes:
- Eight (8) sessions of aquatic therapy (75 minutes each)
- Pairing with a skilled aquatic practitioner for weekly, one-on-one sessions in our private therapy pools.
- You will experience light stretching, massage, and deliberate movement through 96-degree water. Meant to bring about a significant state of relaxation and calm.
What to expect during a session
- The sessions include gentle stretching, twisting, and calm breathing
- Around 20 minutes into the session, breathing becomes longer and deeper, at this stage therapists provide movements tailored for the individual to be in sync with their pattern of breathing. This can produce a release from trauma that is held physically by the body, as well as clear a calm space in the mind.
