Mile in Our Boots Clinicians Academy 2026

The "Mile in Our Boots" Clinicians Academy is a four-day immersive training program designed for licensed counselors and clinicians who serve the first responder community. This academy offers a unique experiential learning environment, allowing participants to engage in interactive education, including wearing specialized equipment, experiencing sensory aspects of public safety, and navigating challenging scenarios faced by first responders. The program aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of the physical and emotional challenges unique to first responders, develop their resilience and coping strategies, and integrate these insights into their clinical practice to provide more compassionate and effective mental health support. The curriculum also explores the critical role of chaplains in offering holistic healing by bridging spiritual care with psychological support. Attendees can earn 17 CE's. The program is sponsored by the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association and focuses on improving the well-being of first responders through specialized clinician training.