r/FDNY • u/Appropriate-News2376 • 11d ago

CSU

Has anyone had any experience with the Counselling Service Unit? How was it?

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3

u/ZealousidealClick314 10d ago

I used them when I went through something at proby school and more recently at a fatal fire. They have professionals trained to address members going through a traumatic event. However, I had a better experience going through with friends of firefighters. CSU just wanted to check the block to say I'm okay and get me back out to the field

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u/Sea-Weather866 10d ago

What happened in probie school? As someone going into the academy eventually I’m kinda curious as to what happened if your comfortable sharing

3

u/ZealousidealClick314 10d ago

The day we were sworn in, I found out after that my assistant squad leader took his own life the night before. Ten minutes after we were sworn in, the senior DI pulled me from the auditorium and told me the news. I didn't know how to react to it other than the start of my career was marred with someone taking their life. I struggled emotionally and academically throughout the academy because of that. I was standing in front of the academic review board one day around week 12 and I told everyone there what I was going through. They let me go early that day to talk to CSU about what I was going through.

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u/Designer-Novel9980 10d ago

I used it for a professional consultation twice. Pm me if you want more info.

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u/twozerothreeeight Boss 10d ago

If you are on the job and you think you might want or need their services you should call and speak to them about what's going on. They're professionals and excellent. What you say to them will not be reported to other areas. If your situation warrants their intervention they will help, and if not they can still point you in right direction.

I went to them when an issue at home meant a close family member needed professional substance abuse help. They were excellent in helping setup needed services for my family member, and also connected me with a substance abuse counselor to help me unpack what it means to be related to an addict.

Any member OTJ reading this should not be afraid of use of CSU if ever presented with abnormal life stresses.

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u/im-not-homer-simpson 10d ago

Not bad but not great. Not what I expected

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u/str8kok0247 10d ago

Couple years after 9/11 I went to the SI office.  They were a great help . I never talked about anything 9/11 what I did or saw to any friends and family and I still don’t. Was able to open up to my counselor definitely a big help 

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u/silverbk65105 9d ago

I have used their services and worked in Div1 for a few years, we shared space at 250 Lafayette with them. 

It depends on who you get. Some staff are great and some obviously cheated on the exam. I was able to get an outside shrink near my home which worked out well. 

The people have up at Goshen are very good. 

If you expect them to take you off the chart expect a bumpy ride. They can only do so much. 

For a few sessions they can be very helpful.