Navigating Relationship Challenges of First Responders Families: Insights from Delilah Ortiz, First Responder Therapist in Chicago
As a therapist offering Christian Counseling in Chicago, I support clients in navigating a wide range of relationship challenges, including lack of communication, intimacy issues, trust concerns, and the desire to feel more connected, appreciated, or understood. Whether in romantic partnerships, or relationships with family or friends, we all share the human need for secure and meaningful bonds.
But what happens when powerful external factors, such as the demanding lifestyle of first responders and their spouses, compound these challenges?
In this blog series, I’m highlighting several professionals in the Chicago area who share how their distinct work with clients can help cultivate thriving relationships. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce my colleague, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and first responder therapist in Chicago.
Meet Delilah Ortiz, LCSW, a First Responder Therapist in Chicago
Delilah has over 10 years of experience and as a therapist is dedicated to helping clients find their strengths and resilience, empowering them to become agents of change for their well-being. She specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, navigating life transitions, and facing relationship challenges, especially those who are first responder spouses.
If you're looking for a First Responder Therapist in Chicago, Delilah offers a deep understanding of the unique stressors faced by this community.
Q&A with Delilah Ortiz
How did you choose your line of work?
My passion for supporting police wives stems from my understanding of the unique stressors and dynamics that come with being a first responder spouse as I am one myself. I understand firsthand how the unique challenges of a first responder spouse can affect an individual's mental health and relationship.
As a therapist and person of faith, I have found ways of navigating these difficulties for me and my family, and because of this, I want to be a resource for others so they too can have this peace. I have always been passionate about helping people find resilience and strength within themselves. Rather than seeing challenges as mere obstacles, I aim to help people draw strength from these areas and find resolutions within themselves.
Why did you decide to practice in Chicago?
I chose to provide therapy services virtually because I know how challenging it can be to take the first step toward therapy. The idea of leaving home to attend sessions can feel intimidating. By offering virtual services, I aim to make therapy accessible and convenient, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to seek support from the comfort of their own space.
While my services are available to anyone living in Illinois, I’m particularly drawn to serving people in the Chicagoland area. I’m familiar with the unique stressors, traumas, and barriers that one can experience living in a city.
What kind of services do you provide, and to what ages?
As a Christian counselor, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds, offering Christian counseling upon request. I provide individual counseling, couples counseling, and group therapy for adults. I’m deeply committed to creating a therapeutic environment where all individuals feel safe, heard, and welcomed. Especially for people from the BIPOC community, as I strive to provide culturally competent care that respects and honors diverse backgrounds. My services are open to adults 18+.
What do you love about working with First Responders’ wives?
I love working with first responders’ wives because they can often feel isolated as spouses and isolation tends to make our issues feel magnified when we have no one to help us carry the load. Working with these wives brings me joy because I want to be someone who they can feel supported by, and who helps provide guidance and knowledge. I believe that when a wife is doing well mentally and emotionally, she is much more likely to be able to help her husband cope with his own mental health as well as to keep the home in balance.
I enjoy working with my clients because it allows me to witness their growth and resilience firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to help them navigate their challenges, find inner strength, and achieve a greater sense of peace and well-being. Each session is a chance to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and that brings me immense fulfillment and purpose.
How does your service help people with relationship issues or trauma?
My service helps people with relationship issues or trauma by providing a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their feelings and experiences. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, we work together to heal emotional wounds, improve communication, and build healthier relationship patterns. By addressing the root causes of their struggles, clients find lasting relief and a renewed sense of hope and connection in their relationships.
For the spouses of first responders, I focus on educating them about the physiological responses their partners experience due to the stress of their jobs. By understanding this, wives can better care for and respond to their spouses. This also helps them assess how the stress has affected them personally and how they can adjust their own reactions. This often leads to improved relationships, greater self-awareness, and increased self-esteem.
In your experience, what are some important considerations when working with first responder spouses?
When working with first responder spouses, it’s essential to recognize the unique stressors they encounter, such as irregular schedules, constant worry for their partner’s safety, and the impact on family dynamics. Providing a compassionate, non-judgmental environment allows them to express their emotions and challenges openly.
Understanding the physiological responses that first responders experience due to the demands of their jobs, which significantly affect their spouses and families, is crucial. Educating and supporting spouses as they navigate these changes is vital. Spouses can experience secondary trauma from their partner’s stories or emotional experiences. It's crucial to recognize and address these feelings, as they can impact their mental health and relationships.
It is also vital to understand that first responder spouses may feel isolated because their partner’s job can make it difficult to maintain social connections. The nature of the job can also lead to a lack of understanding or empathy from those who haven’t experienced similar situations.
Sometimes, joint sessions with the first responder can help address relationship issues and improve understanding and communication. For spouses, individual therapy can offer an opportunity to explore personal feelings and develop strategies for managing stress. By addressing these considerations, first-responder spouses are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their unique situations, build resilience, and maintain healthy relationships.
What would you say to someone hesitant about seeking your services?
If someone is hesitant to seek services, I would tell them that it’s much harder to keep things inside than it is to let them out. The longer we hold our burdens, the heavier they become to carry. Remember, all of our services are confidential, providing a safe space to share and heal.
What do you wish people knew about your services?
I wish people knew that my services integrate a holistic approach, addressing mind, body, and spirit, with a faith-based approach for those who seek it. I create a confidential and trusting environment where you can explore your challenges comprehensively, knowing that your privacy is respected, and your values are honored. My goal is to support your overall well-being and help you find peace and balance in all aspects of your life.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services for first responder spouses?
People can visit my website, http://selahtherapyllc.com, or call me at (773) 217-0651.
More About Delilah Ortiz
Delilah’s approach is rooted in the belief that everyone has the ability for growth and transformation. Her goal is to make therapy a collaborative and empowering process, where clients can discover their potential and achieve lasting positive change.
Final Thoughts from a Christian counselor in chicago
Navigating the unique challenges that come with being a first responder spouse can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Delilah Ortiz, a First Responder Therapist in Chicago, is dedicated to providing specialized support tailored to the needs of first responder families. With her deep understanding of the stressors, trauma, and dynamics that come with this lifestyle, Delilah offers a compassionate and empowering approach to help you and your loved ones build resilience, keep emotional balance, and foster healthy, supportive relationships.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this specialized care, don’t hesitate to reach out to Delilah for guidance and support. Her commitment to helping first responder families thrive is a testament to the power of therapy in transforming lives and relationships.
You can find additional support for First Responder Families here.
Schedule a free consultation for Christian Counseling in Chicago
If you want to overcome relationship anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself, create stronger connections, and deepen your connection to God, schedule a free 15-minute consultation today! Discover how Christian counseling in Chicago can help you connect more deeply with yourself, others, and your faith.
As a therapist offering Christian Counseling in Chicago, Lisaura specializes in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply. She provides individual relationship counseling, dance therapy, and couples workshops. Whether you’re seeking faith-based therapy, culturally sensitive support, or services in Spanish, she’s here to help.
