Hillary Brundige, PhD, LPC-S
“Design the life and relationships you desire through intentional self-awareness and curiosity to continue growing”
As a therapist, I am committed to providing assistance to individuals as they navigate their mental health journey towards well-being and growth. With a focus on aiding clients in reaching their own unique goals, I acknowledge the challenges of feeling stagnant, despondent, or unfulfilled. Through compassionate support and guidance, I aim to empower individuals to cultivate a life rich in meaning and satisfaction within their everyday moments.
In particular, my experience is specifically focused on providing support to first responders and Veterans dealing with PTSD, as well as offering assistance to their families. First Responders face a constant barrage of both psychological and physical stress in their line of work. The challenges they encounter daily range from coping with death and severe injuries to being present in situations that require immediate action to prevent fatalities or provide urgent care for critical injuries. As a result of these continuous stressors, individuals may experience a decline in their everyday performance and, in some dire cases, may even consider suicide.
Research suggests that receiving social support, especially from a close partner like a spouse, can be beneficial in managing or easing PTSD symptoms if the support provided is of good quality (Gerlock, Grimesey & Sayre, 2014). Marriages where one partner is a first responder face distinct challenges compared to other relationships due to factors like erratic schedules, constant exposure to perilous situations, and the risk of experiencing secondary trauma. Many studies on PTSD have focused primarily on the individual, often overlooking the critical role played by the first responder's partner. In my own mixed-methods research, I found that having a strong support system at home significantly aids in reducing severe PTSD symptoms. This underscores the need to address PTSD not solely at an individual level but also through couple-focused therapy when suitable.
Education:
PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Texas Woman's University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) The University of North Texas
Bachelors of Art in Psychology (B.A.) The University of North Texas
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
Professional Memberships
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA)
Experience
Denton County Veteran’s Treatment Court
Dr. Brundige is honored to work with Denton County Veteran's Treatment Court, a specialized treatment court program for justice involved veterans which combines intensive judicial supervision and treatment programs that addresses veterans service-related experiences and enhances public safety by returning law-abiding and productive citizens to the community. Dr. Brundige is dedicated in helping these individuals find healing on their mental health journey through evidenced-based therapies and personalized care.
Local Fire Department, Law Enforcement Agencies, and First Responder Programs
Dr. Brundige collaborates directly with numerous local fire departments as well as law enforcement agencies, offering valuable mental health support to their dedicated first responders who bravely serve our communities.
Departments include, but are but not limited to: Denton Fire Department Roanoke Fire Department Cooke County EMS Little Elm Police Department 3FTL The Readiness Group
Presentations
Texas Council of Family Relations, 2022
Netterville, H., & Ladd, L. (2022, March 24-25). The Relationship of Partner Social Support and Marital Satisfaction with First Responder PTSD Symptoms – A Mixed Methods Approach. Texas Council on Family Relations, Plano, Texas. www.texas.ncfr.org