Dr. Robert Smith
When the Smoke Clears: Episode 4
In the fourth and final episode of When the Smoke Clears, we address a vital topic in first responder mental health: identifying the...
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Articles and Publications
Explore a collection of insightful articles and publications written by Dr. Smith, as well as digital media, delving into a range of topics about mental health and well-being. From understanding thought distortions to exploring the dynamics of shame in behavioral health, Dr. Bob offers valuable perspectives on navigating challenges like irritability as a symptom, expressing grief in high-stress professions, and the benefits of emotional intelligence. Discover these resources to enrich your understanding and support your journey towards mental wellness.
Dr. Robert Smith
- Aug 25
When the Smoke Clears: Episode 3
The third episode of When the Smoke Clears continues its important exploration of mental health within the fire service. Building on the...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Aug 25
When the Smoke Clears: Episode 2
When the Smoke Clears, revisits critical issues, this time focusing on whether real progress has been made in fostering open discussion.
Dr. Robert Smith
- Aug 21
When the Smoke Clears: Episode 1
Mental health challenges among firefighters and first responders are a critical issue gaining increasing attention across Indiana.
Dr. Robert Smith
- Jul 30
Stress Reading for Responders
IFD Lieutenant (Ret). Psychotherapist-Private Practice Clinical Director, Indianapolis Fire Dept., Local 416, Hamilton County, Boone...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Mar 9
Irritability as a Symptom
Irritability is defined as being easily annoyed. It can also be called grumpy, tense, uptight, and many other words in popular language....
Dr. Robert Smith
- Dec 12, 2023
Expressing Grief: Is There a Right Way or Wrong Way in the Public Safety or Medical Professions?
Many people have an idea about what constitutes “acceptable” and “normal” ways to grieve. In the public safety and medical professions,...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Nov 2, 2023
Understanding, Thought Distortions
Thought distortions can play a big part in PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other behavioral health disorders. Specifically, thought...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Apr 20, 2022
Shame and Behavioral Health
The discussion of shame is a frequent topic in the consulting rooms of most behavioral health clinicians. It is important to recognize...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Sep 2, 2021
Twelve-Step Groups and Learning
Twelve-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous have been known to be effective with many alcohol and substance disorders. In this...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Feb 19, 2021
Can Learning about Emotional Intelligence Benefit Us?
The concept of emotional intelligence has recently surfaced in popular and social media. What are the uses of emotional intelligence and...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Nov 6, 2020
The Science of Building Resilience: How to Build Habits to Lower the Risk for Stress and PTSD
Resilience building is a broad term for behavioral health wellness. It is composed of self-care health measures that can lower the risk...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Aug 17, 2020
What is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety and What Does It Look Like? Anxiety can range from a feeling of a small amount of uneasiness to a full-blown panic...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Jan 21, 2020
Looking Back to Stay Focused: 2001 Fire Chief Magazine Column: How Far Have We Come?
The Fire Chief Magazine announced that the December issue will be dedicated to the firefighters of New York City and Washington DC. In light
Dr. Robert Smith
- Aug 23, 2019
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-researched treatment for a number of types of issues and disorders. EMDR...
Dr. Robert Smith
- May 16, 2019
The Continuing Crisis of Firefighter Suicide
The issue of firefighter suicide continues to be a crisis-level problem in many cities. The gravity of the problem has caused many...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Apr 5, 2018
The Firefighter, Resilience and Post Traumatic Stress
The fire service is addressing behavioral health more frequently and firefighters are becoming very interested in the topic. The IAFF and...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Feb 9, 2018
Relationship Skills
The following are relationship skills for couples. It is important to note that information is often not useful if individuals do not...
Dr. Robert Smith
- Apr 27, 2017
Relationship Red Flags
These are a list of common problem warnings in relationships. If you and your spouse have several of these, it may be helpful to you too.
Dr. Robert Smith
- Sep 15, 2016
Probe Clients’ Work Identity to Improve Rapport
One initial challenge of working with clients is building rapport. Since clients' choice of work and their job loyalty can be...
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