Deana Kahle M.S., LMFT

My purpose in life is to alleviate suffering.

My passion and commitment to first responders started with my grandfather. He was a WWII veteran and law enforcement officer, retiring as 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 make me pause in remembrance.

My foundational perspective is that it is my job to get you better, I don’t take this role lightly.

Therapy is a transformative experience. By fostering an environment of growth and self-discovery, I strive to unlock your full potential, enabling you to achieve remarkable results while cultivating a profound sense of personal fulfillment and holistic wellness.

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
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) vetted therapist

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 am deeply honored to have been selected as one of the elite, vetted therapists through the esteemed Fraternal Order of Police. This recognition is a testament to my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional therapeutic wellness services and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Being part of this select group is a profound privilege, and I am humbled by the trust placed in me by this prestigious organization.

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 casualty events including the 2013 Los Angeles International Airport shooting, 2017 Las Vegas shooting, and the 2018 Montecito mudslide in Santa Barbara County, Ca.

Basic & Advanced Peer Support, Critical Incident Stress Management for Supervisors, and Suicide Prevention are common courses of instruction in addition to providing SME instruction for learning domains at basic POST academies.

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

My mission is to provide you with invaluable knowledge, practical tools, and thought-provoking perspectives that will propel you towards success in your career and overall well-being.