Mental Visualization and High Performance: Psychological Tools for First Responders
Mental Visualization and High Performance: Psychological Tools for First Responders. In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and resilience coach Arjuna George sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Brendan Guarino, Director of Guardians for Guardians at Baker Street Behavioral Health. Together, they explore the cutting-edge mental performance tools used by athletes, military professionals, and now first responders.Dr. Guarino reveals how mental visualization, biofeedback, and SMART goal setting can help firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel enhance their mental resilience, manage operational stress injuries, and prepare for life beyond the badge.From helping clients mentally rehearse critical incident scenarios to transitioning out of high-performance roles after retirement, this conversation delivers practical strategies for maintaining peak performance while protecting your mental health.💡 Topics Covered:How first responders can use mental visualization to build confidence under pressureThe role of biofeedback in regulating stress and nervous system responsesCreating structure and identity after retirement or injuryThe importance of goal setting, celebrating wins, and having a self-care blueprintHow to separate work and home life using transition rituals like the “hat on the hook” techniqueWhether you're preparing for a high-stakes call or planning your next chapter after a career of service, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive.00:00 Visualizing Success: Mental Techniques for First Responders Brendan Guarino Ep00:23 Meet Dr. Brendan Guino01:30 Dr. Guino's Background and Journey03:35 Challenges and Realizations10:25 Biofeedback and Visualization Techniques18:12 Transitioning from Athlete to Psychologist19:33 The Importance of Structure and Finding New Passions24:44 Planning for the Future and Gap Years28:43 Understanding the Blueprint of Life28:49 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach29:20 Teaching and Developmental Psychology30:40 Planning for Life After First Response31:55 Finding Purpose Beyond Work34:14 Setting and Achieving Goals42:39 The Importance of Self-Care54:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement📞 Connect with Dr. Brendan GuarinoDr. Brendan Guarino, Psy.DLicensed Psychologist | Director of Guardians for GuardiansBaker Street Behavioral HealthServing First Responders and Their Families Across the U.S.Website: Baker Street Behavioral Health https://bakerstreetpsych.com/ Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshorts 📨Linkedin Podcast Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321📝Join the BTH Newsletter at https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe📺Watch or Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com
Connect with the Host:
Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.
www.silverarrowco.com
www.burntaroundtheedges.com
www.beneaththehelmet.ca
