About

Deana Kahle M.S., LMFT

My purpose in life is to alleviate suffering.

The passion and commitment to first responders started with my grandfather. He was a WWII veteran and a law enforcement officer, moving up the ranks to Chief of Police. I knew he was important by the way he carried himself. To a small child he was as big as a tree and just as strong. How he looked in his sharply pressed uniform, the creaky sound his gun belt made and the taps on his shoes still makes me pause in remembrance.

My foundational perspective is that optimal wellness is an active pursuit to understand and achieve your full potential in all aspects of life.

You are the expert on your life and experiences, so I take a collaborative approach to assist you in overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. My role is to educate, offer perspective and suggest tools for you to live a fulfilled life with ease.

I have helped thousands of first responders and their families. I would be honored to help you too.

Association Details

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) 99258
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)
AICC POST Instructor

Partial listing of agencies I've served:

My Education & Experience

Having been married to a police officer, I have experienced law enforcement culture and learned of the unique challenges living life behind the scenes. I have vowed to be part of the solution toward officer wellness.

Attending graduate school at California Baptist University, my professors and mentors were among the most respected in their field. Completing an internship at the prestigious Betty Ford Clinic was one of the highlights of my education in counseling psychology.

Since 2011, my clinical practice has primarily focused on first responders and their families. I am trained in EMDR, certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and a trained instructor through AICC for Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).

I have worked closely with many law enforcement and fire service agencies, including the department of homeland security and the US Forest Service. I have responded to multiple major critical incidents and mass casualties including the 2013 Los Angeles International Airport shooting, 2017 Las Vegas shooting, and the 2018 Montecito mudslide in Santa Barbara County, Ca.

Basic Peer Support training, Resiliency 101 and Suicide Prevention are common courses of instruction as well as POST courses related to psychological concepts at basic and advanced officer training.

Speaking, leading workshops and trainings for large or small audiences at conferences, meetings and classes are among my favorite ways to empower and impart knowledge.

You are the author and director of your life. My desire is to provide valuable education and tools while challenging your thinking and offering perspective to give you all you need to be successful.