The lived experiences of emergency medical technicians when seeking individual counseling

This research explores help-seeking behaviors among first responders through a phenomenological lens, aiming to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application. The study seeks to contribute to the understanding of help-seeking behaviors among first responders and highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns in this population. Employing van Manen's (2015) guidance, conversational interviews were conducted to delve into participants' experiences. Data collection involved demographic questionnaires and interviews, which were transcribed for accuracy. Participants were encouraged to freely express themselves. Rigorous methods, including verbatim reporting and peer debriefing, were utilized to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. Analysis was conducted using Dedoose, with van Manen's six-step phenomenological method guiding the process. Transcripts were coded individually, and common themes were compared across participants to understand their help-seeking experiences. Throughout the process, personal reflections were noted to refine ideas and understand the researcher's emotions and identities. The analysis identified themes such as social stigma and feelings about seeking counseling. These themes provided a deeper understanding of participants' lived experiences and their help-seeking behaviors. This study contributes to the understanding of help-seeking behaviors among first responders, emphasizing the need to address mental health concerns within this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).