Today, we’d like to introduce you to Erin Maccabee.
Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Perspective–Perspective, to me, is one of the most powerful tools there are. Often, it’s one of the only things we actually have control over. Use it for “good” or “bad.” The choice is up to each of us. Growing up in the peaceful streets of Dublin, Ohio, my life looked pretty picture-perfect from the outside. I had all the good stuff: a loving family, great friends, and a solid community. But, digging a bit deeper, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I was quietly fighting my own battles, dealing with fears and doubts that didn’t exactly make the evening news but were pretty deep and raw for me. It was like I was on this endless loop of questioning my worth and shying away from the spotlight I secretly knew was mine to step into.
This whole inner turmoil thing wasn’t just about tackling the stuff life threw my way; it was more about wrestling with the stories I told myself. You know, those tales of not being good enough that kept me playing small and often led me down paths of self-sabotage. But here’s where the story takes a twist: I discovered that vulnerability, which I once saw as my greatest weakness, actually became my secret weapon. Through deep reflection and navigating through heartache, I began the process of healing—not just for myself but also to serve as a beacon for others wandering in their own shadows.
The game changer for me was this leadership training that kind of knocked down the walls around my heart. It showed me that my knack for connecting with people, seeing through their masks, was something special. It made me realize we’re all crafting our stories, and we can either let our past and fears run the show or use them to lift ourselves and those around us up.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve found my calling working with folks who’ve pretty much mastered the art of putting others first and also consider the word vulnerability a curse word—first responders. As a Chemical Dependency Counselor and an Integration Coach, I’m right there in the trenches with these folks, helping them tackle their demons, especially when it comes to substance abuse, and guiding them toward rebuilding a life that feels worth living.
And then there’s “After the Tones Drop,” the podcast I co-host that’s all about bringing mental health into the living room (or the car, or wherever you listen) of first responders and their families. We’re not about making it feel like a lecture. Instead, we keep it real with a mix of humor and straightforward talk, breaking down the big, scary world of mental health into bite-sized, relatable pieces. Our goal? To show that it’s okay to be vulnerable, that it’s actually a strength, and to create a community where understanding and healing go hand in hand.
This journey, from battling my own shadows to helping others step into the light, is a powerful reminder of how embracing our vulnerabilities and fears can transform lives—not just our own but those of the people who spend their days saving others. It’s my story, but it’s also an open invitation to anyone out there wrestling with their own doubts: stepping into your power is possible, and using your struggles as a beacon for others is one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on. If I can do it, so can you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I said before, looking back on my life, so much of it is about perspective. There would have definitely been a time when I would have said that most of my obstacles were nothing but challenges filled with negative self-talk, sadness, guilt, and shame. Even now, I wouldn’t use the words easy or smooth to describe things. I would use the words educational and enlightening. There is no doubt that every single hurdle I’ve experienced has led me to be exactly where I am today. It’s allowed me to be able to serve our population in a much deeper way because I, too, have experienced my own hardships, some of them parallel to theirs. I have a quote that I have used often over the last few years–“I have yet to find an obstacle in my life that I haven’t turned into an opportunity.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Whole House, we’re not just a private practice; we’re a beacon for first responders navigating the complexities of mental health. Our unique approach stems from a combination of personal experience and a profound understanding of the first responder lifestyle. Founded on the insights of Cinnamon Reiheld, who spent eight transformative months with a fire department during a critical time, we saw firsthand the gap in culturally competent mental health care. This wasn’t just about offering support; it was about understanding and addressing the unique pressures and challenges first responders face daily.
Our mission is clear: to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health care and provide first responders with the tools they need for improved well-being and community service. We pride ourselves on offering transformative therapy and specialized training designed with the first responder culture in mind.
What sets Whole House apart is our depth of therapy. We delve into the root causes of emotional and behavioral patterns, offering more than just a space to talk. We’re about confronting and changing those deep-seated stressors, using a blend of personalized strategies, from reprocessing techniques to coping skills, all aimed at guiding our clients to a more fulfilling life.
Our commitment extends beyond therapy sessions. We equip our clients with tools and assignments for between sessions, supporting their journey every step of the way. Many of our clients transition to our coaching services, where they find the support they need to move from surviving to thriving.
In addition to therapy, Whole House offers engaging talks and our mental health podcast, “After the Tones Drop.” Our goal is to cut through the jargon and provide clear, relatable insights into mental health, catering to a broad audience. Whether through therapy, our talks, or the podcast, our aim is to educate and inspire.
As an Integration Coach with over seven years of experience, I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding to my role at Whole House. My background as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and 12-step mentor, combined with specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), positions me to offer impactful guidance. My work is further enriched by my personal connection to the first responder community, having been closely involved with Law Enforcement and the Fire Service for over a decade.
My co-hosting role on “After the Tones Drop” allows me to extend our mission beyond individual counseling sessions. Together with my co-host, we aim to demystify mental health for first responders and their families, creating a platform for understanding and community support.
My approach transcends traditional coaching and counseling. My journey, marked by personal loss and professional growth, informs my dedication to supporting clients through substance misuse and towards building fulfilling lives. I am a guide, a supporter, and a partner in resilience and recovery. Through Whole House, I stand as a testament to the power of transforming personal challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change. If you’re on the path to recovery and seeking a transformative journey, I’m here to offer unwavering support every step of the way.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
One of the biggest challenges that the population we work with seems to have is they feel like they are alone. Another common thing we hear is they feel like there aren’t professionals out there who actually “get it.” That’s just not true. This time last year, we had a count of approximately 2000 culturally competent clinicians across the country. That number just continues to grow. Helping us spread the word that people like us do exist, we do “get it,” and we genuinely care would be the greatest gift ever.
Additionally, we are always looking to invite guests from the first responder community onto our podcast, After the Tones Drop, to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with our listeners. My business partner and co-host, Cinnamon Reiheld, is one committed note-taker, so we love to squeeze all of the knowledge and experience out of our guests possible. Everyone has a story that is important and valuable. We have seen the differences it makes when one of our listeners hears a similar story to theirs on our show. People have no clue how their experiences can affect others…even maybe save a life. If that happens to be one of your readers, we would love to help share their story and message.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthetonesdrop/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/After-The-Tones-Drop-100078098165402/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maccabee-8a369160/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@afterthetonesdrop
- Other: https://whole-house.com/
