Hidden Gems: Meet Amy Bock of Resilience Counseling and Consultation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bock.

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified First Responder Counselor with a private practice in Westerville, Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health and wellness services to first responders. About half of my time is spent in individual counseling with police officers and firefighters, and the other half is spent out in the field—delivering trainings, responding to critical incidents, and facilitating wellness programs at local police and fire departments.

Before opening my practice, I worked as a child forensic interviewer at the Franklin County Child Advocacy Center, where I conducted forensic interviews with children ages 3 to 17 in cases involving concerns of sexual abuse. In that role, I collaborated closely with Columbus Police Special Victims Unit detectives, which gave me a firsthand look at the complex and often difficult realities first responders face. That experience helped shape my understanding of their unique needs.

After leaving that role, I opened my practice, Resilience Counseling and Consultation, where I’ve dedicated my professional career to providing culturally competent mental health support for those who serve and protect our communities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—there have been some bumps along the way. First responders face unique and complex experiences throughout their careers, which can make it difficult for them to trust others, especially when it comes to mental health support. When introducing wellness programs to a department, there’s often some initial skepticism about the goals and intentions behind them.

I’ve learned the importance of building mutual trust and being transparent about my role—what I do, and just as importantly, what I don’t do. That trust isn’t given easily, but when it starts to grow, it’s incredibly rewarding. Some of my most meaningful moments have come from seeing a once-reluctant officer or firefighter open up and share something they’ve been carrying for years. Those moments make all the challenges along the way worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Resilience Counseling and Consultation?
Resilience Counseling and Consultation is my private practice dedicated exclusively to serving first responders—law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers. I provide culturally competent mental health care tailored to the unique challenges faced in these professions.

While people often associate first responder mental health with single-event traumas—like critical calls or tragedies involving children—those are only part of the picture. One of the most overlooked risks is the physiological toll of chronic stress. Prolonged exposure to elevated stress hormones can impact every system in the body, significantly increasing the risk for mental health conditions as well as serious physical health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer.

What sets my practice apart is a deep understanding of the first responder culture and the cumulative impact of occupational stress. In addition to therapy, I offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce the long-term risks associated with this line of work. I’m most proud of building a space where first responders feel safe, understood, and supported—and of offering services that go beyond treatment to focus on prevention and resilience.

What’s next?
I’d love to see this practice continue to grow—there’s such a significant need for the specialized care that first responders not only need, but truly deserve. As more departments reach out for support in developing wellness programs, there’s a clear and exciting opportunity to expand our reach and increase access to these vital resources across more agencies.

One of the most exciting recent developments is the addition of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to our team. She shares the same passion for serving the first responder community, and her presence allows us to offer more comprehensive, integrated care that includes both therapy and medication management when needed. It’s a big step forward in meeting the evolving needs of the first responder population.

Pricing:

• Most major insurances accepted

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resiliencecounselingohio.com
• Instagram: @resiliencecounselingohio
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/resiliencecounselingohio
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amy-bock-lpcc
• Other: https://linkedin.com/company/resilience-counseling-and-consultation