My peers were thinking about the concept of flooding and the potential benefits/disadvantages of that for a disaster mental health worker. Perhaps some mental health workers are meant to be first responders and others are meant to be first responders back to their communities upon their return, their value being immense in both cases. After thinking and analyzing all of this, I still know unequivocally that being a first responder is what attracts me and what I want to do. My collective life experiences allow me to shift into a therapeutic mode in which I am able to sit with extremes of devastation and empathize deeply with individuals while still caring for myself. The SAMHSA (2005) guide for disaster responders to manage stress and Meggert's (2013) presentation, however, were very helpful in raising awareness of areas that need attention. Reflecting on these led me to realize the usefulness for me of using mindfulness techniques such that I could use a visualization of a therapy room that I would enter and exit in times of disaster to establishing the same inner boundaries for myself - of containing and leaving things in a room, as well as having a "room" for my own processing of my experiences in the moment. Self-care seems paramount, and I wonder about the possibility of disaster relief sites having an art or music therapy room where first responders could go if necessary to process what is happening. they have seen and experienced, much of which may be at a pre-verbal level. level. This could also serve to implicitly reinforce their own practice with survivors in terms of non-verbal techniques for processing experience. It appears there might be systems in place for the return of mental health workers in the event of a disaster... middle of article...... London: Sage Publications. Meggert, S. (2013). Not if, but when the professional reacts to a disaster. [Class document]. School of Applied Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy, AntiochUniversity, Seattle, WA. Meyers, D. (1994). Key concepts of mental health in disasters. In Disaster Response and Recovery: A Handbook for Mental Health Professionals. Retrieved November 23, 2009 from http://www.empowermentzone.com/disaster.txtSchor, L.I. (2002). What help should I provide? A therapist's journey to Ground Zero.Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, 38(3).Styron, W. (1990). Darkness Visible: A memoir of madness. New York, NY: Random House. SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2005). Tips for Managing and Preventing Stress: A Guide for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA.