Wellness and resilience programs
Practical, evidence-based programs designed for first responders, departments, and families.
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Welcome to Tenacity Institute
Dedicated to supporting resilience and well-being.
Specialized support for first responders, emergency healthcare professionals, and the families who stand beside them.
Tenacity Institute's
Mission statement
The goal of the Tenacity Institute is to develop resilience, wellness practices, coping skills, and preventative behaviors for managing the occupational stress of first response. We also train mental health providers to work effectively with first responders and emergency healthcare professionals.
Call (319) 463-3860
They are the backbone of our communities, always ready to serve and protect. At Tenacity Institute, we are proud to support these brave women and men.
Darcie Davis-Gage, Ph.D.
20+Years of experience
FocusedFirst responder care
FlexibleSupport formats
TrustedConfidential approach
Specialized support
Debriefing and clinical services
A unique approach built around specialized expertise, a holistic perspective, confidentiality and trust, accessibility, and flexibility.
A variety of services for the unique needs of first responders
Debriefing and clinical services
Group and individual support with flexible options for processing difficult calls and occupational stress.
Learn moreWorkshops and retreats
Interactive learning opportunities customized for departments, peer teams, and organizations.
Learn moreEducation and public speaking
Training for providers and organizations that want to serve the first responder community effectively.
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Your work asks a lot of you. Support should understand that.
Why choose us
Prioritize your well-being and take action
First response can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Reliable, specialized support matters for responders, their departments, and their families.
- Practical strategies and evidence-based wellness content
- Services customized to first responder needs
- Experienced professional and peer-informed learning
- Flexible, interactive formats
Aligning to your purpose helps reframe difficult moments. Identify why you serve, a piece of wisdom you gained, and one small win from the call.
Darcie Davis-Gage, Ph.D.
Our steps
Tough Call Protocol
Three steps to help first responders process difficult calls and reduce the likelihood of compassion fatigue.
- 01
Purpose
Reconnect with why you serve. Identify a small piece of wisdom from the recent call and one small win.
- 02
Recharge
Restore mind and body. In a relaxed state, write down or voice-record current thoughts, images, and reactions to the incident.
- 03
Connect
Identify supportive people and your physical, emotional, and practical needs. Share what support would be helpful.
If you suffer, you are not alone
Find out more today
Group and individual debriefings are available, including support for local first responders and group debriefing coordination. Clinical and counseling services begin with a free initial phone screening.
Specialized counseling services
- Trauma-sensitive practices
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Writing Exposure Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Wellness and self-care planning
This website is not monitored for emergencies. Please do not send confidential health information by email.
