About Sara
Counselor. Former 911 dispatcher. First responder family.
Sara Rankin, MA, NCC
I have had the privilege of serving as a 911 dispatcher for police, fire, and EMS. My upbringing was steeped in the first responder lifestyle: both my parents retired after serving in their respective police and fire departments for a combined 60 years, and my husband of 25 years has worked as a law enforcement officer for over 20 of those years.
I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in trauma and resilience for first responders as well as communication. Combining my formal education with decades of personal experience, I have a comprehensive understanding of the family-system roles that come with first responder life.
I am deeply passionate about helping people who work in this field understand and cope with the unique stressors that come with the job. My goal is to give you a safe space to decompress, along with the tools and resources to navigate trauma and stress, while teaching healthy coping and resilience skills so you can find balance at home and at work.
In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our three grown children, and our two black labs, Raven and Maisie. We spend a lot of that time on our property at home, which is our forest paradise. I lap swim weekly and I love to cook for my family.
- Credential
- Professional Counselor Associate (Oregon)
- Degree
- MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling · NCC
- Supervisor
- Katy Ainslie-Wallace, LPC, CADC
- Focus
- Trauma and resilience for first responders and nurses
Who we are
The teaching side of the practice is dedicated to mental health awareness, trauma awareness, and first responder resilience and wellness. Classes are led by experienced, passionate instructors with years of teaching in the public service sector and lived experience in first responder culture.
The aim is to equip first responders with practical tools they can use in the field and at home, so they can make the most of their training and experience and find a balance that lowers stress and supports a healthier whole self.
I teach and lead every class, often alongside a highly trained officer with years of experience in mental health, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.
Start with a free consult.
A short telehealth conversation to see whether we'd be a good fit. I'm currently accepting new clients.