07/10/2026
Collaborative Care is proud to announce that our therapist Samantha O'Neal's book, The Weight We Carry, is now available on Amazon!
The Weight We Carry was created for those who have witnessed tragedy, loss, violence, suffering, and human resilience—and who often have little opportunity to process what they have seen. This workbook is not about reliving every difficult call. It is about understanding how trauma affects the mind and body, recognizing the cumulative impact of years spent in service, and learning practical tools to carry the weight without allowing it to define you.
Grounded in trauma-informed principles, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, resilience research, and evidence-based coping strategies, this interactive workbook guides readers through understanding occupational trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, burnout, grief, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, relationship challenges, and life after critical incidents.
Inside you'll find:
Psychoeducation about trauma, the nervous system, and the unique realities of first responder culture.
Guided journaling exercises to safely process difficult experiences.
CBT worksheets to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reduce anxiety.
Grounding and emotional regulation techniques for use on and off duty.
Reflection exercises addressing cumulative stress, grief, and moral injury.
Burnout and compassion fatigue assessments.
Sleep, recovery, and self-care planning tools.
Relationship and communication exercises for reconnecting with loved ones.
Practical resilience-building strategies for long-term wellness.
Space to honor the calls, people, and moments that continue to shape your life.
Whether you are new to the profession or nearing retirement, this workbook provides a private place to reflect, process, and heal at your own pace. It is equally valuable as a companion to therapy or peer support or as an independent resource for those seeking greater self-awareness and resilience.
You have spent your career carrying others through their worst days.
Now it's time to make space to care for the person who has been carrying the weight all along.
Because strength isn't measured by how much you can hold inside—it's measured by knowing when to begin putting some of that weight down.
https://a.co/d/00WdJfuS