Front Line Therapy LLC

09/26/2025

We are so proud to partner with Waterloo Police Department!

09/26/2025

Front Line Therapy has been busy this past week! Summer, Lindsay, and Sheila spent time providing EMDR sessions & teaching on resilience and robust mental wellness at the annual Iowa Peer Support Foundation conference.

Then, Sheila flew out to work the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) surviving spouses retreat for widows and widowers of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

We are incredibly honored to be trusted to join our heroes on their path of fortitude, wellness and healing. Thank you!

09/15/2025

Come join us at the 2025 Peer Support Conference this Wednesday-Friday! There's still time to sign up for this incredible agenda of passionate speakers!

https://www.peersupportfoundation.org/wellness-conference

Meet Sheila Russell, LISW CADC, a dedicated therapist, consultant, and advocate for first responders, military personnel, veterans, and their families. At the Iowa Peer Support Wellness Conference, she will share her expertise and insights on trauma treatment and resilience. As a Certified EMDR Therapist and founder of Front Line Therapy, Sheila brings her passion and proven experience to the communities who need it most.

09/04/2025

Tonight's OIS Group Meeting is now virtual at 1700. Please email troy@frontlinetherapyservices.com for the private Zoom link.
Peer Support Foundation

08/21/2025

OIS group on 8/21/25 is cancelled for tonight.

Be on the lookout for a virtual meeting option in the near future! We have received interest in a virtual option to better meet the needs who are not local to the Des Moines metro and we hear you!

07/07/2025

We are seeking a fully licensed full-time therapist to join our dedicated team! Specializing in trauma treatment for First Responders, Military Personnel, Veterans, and their families, our practice offers a supportive and culturally informed environment to work with Iowa's heroes! This position includes a very competitive 70/30 split, and we are looking for a passionate clinician who shares our mission in serving those who serve their communities!

Interested applicants should send their resume to Sheila Russell at frontlinetherapy@frontlinetherapyservices.com.

07/07/2025

One of our favorite things to do at Front Line Therapy is community education for new police officers! Last month, we taught Crisis Intervention at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), and today we had the privilege of presenting on emotional wellness, stress management, and resilience for the recruits at Des Moines Police.

06/19/2025

Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) Support Group

Officer-involved shootings (OIS) are among the most challenging and life-altering experiences a law enforcement professional may face. At Front Line Therapy, LLC, we recognize the profound impact these incidents can have and are committed to supporting those who have been involved.

We are proud to offer a confidential support group designed specifically for law enforcement officers who have experienced an OIS. This group provides a safe, understanding environment to process, share, and heal among others who truly understand because they have been there.

Meeting Details:
🗓 When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month starting 7/3/25
🕔 Time: 1700 hours (5:00 PM)
📍 Location: Front Line Therapy, LLC – Lobby

Confidentiality is paramount. We ask all participants to honor the privacy of fellow group members and maintain discretion both during and after meetings.

You are not alone — we are here to walk with you through the healing process.

Peer Support Foundation

05/23/2025

Director, Sheila Russell, attended National Police Week in Washington D.C. to assist the families and departments of our nation’s fallen police officers.

In 2025, the names of 345 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. These 345 officers include 148 officers who were killed during 2024. An additional 197 officers died in previous years (historical) and through the tireless efforts of police officers and police advocates, their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

04/16/2025

With 2025 USPCA Region 21 K9 Detector Trials wrapping up today, we had to share that we had such a fun time supporting over 50 K9 handlers at trials this year in West Des Moines! Great company, delicious food, and tons of exciting raffle prizes!

Nice work to all the hard working pups and their handlers!

04/13/2025

We are thrilled to announce Troy Bliss, Mental Health Counseling Student Intern, has joined Front Line Therapy!

Troy’s diverse experiences as a first responder have made him intimately aware of some of the unique challenges and demands that this line of work can have on one’s life. Family stressors, substance abuse, burnout, trauma, compassion fatigue, and even su***de, are just some of the very real risks that first responders experience and are often all too familiar with. Troy operates from a person-centered approach believing that within each person exists everything that one needs to live a life of happiness, success, and fulfillment. Through empowering clients, emphasizing the power of positive relationships, and using trauma informed practices Troy aims to help other first responders become the best versions of themselves, and in doing so continue to serve and protect others in the most meaningful way!

Troy is accepting new clients Pro bono or $20/session at this time!

04/10/2025

Director Sheila Russell recently flew down to Warrior’s Rest Foundation in Oklahoma to teach advanced EMDR therapy skills when working with public safety and service members.

Warriors Rest is an incredible non-profit organization with intensely dedicated staff leading trauma intervention, Peer Support, and active improvement to end the stigma & support the resiliency of our heroes!

“Trauma is an injury and injuries can be healed.”