Cover My Six
with Dr. Lea Sullivan
What is cover my six?
Cover My Six is the headquarters for fire service specific mental readiness and training resources. We deliver practical, evidence-based tools built for the culture and operational demands of the fire service.Firefighters face challenges unlike any other first responder. They have earned more than generic “first responder” support—which misses the mark. They deserve care that speaks their language, respects their culture, and meets the realities of the job.Founded by Dr. Lea Sullivan, Cover My Six brings together fireground experience with trauma science to deliver mental readiness that actually works in and for firefighters. Our mission is to equip firefighters—and those who support them—with evidence-based tools that speak their language and hold up under pressure.This work focuses on firefighter peer support teams, chaplains, and crisis intervention teams. Through training, books, and vetted resources, the goal is to strengthen mental readiness, reduce the impact of trauma and moral injury, and prevent compassion fatigue before it compromises our members serving on the frontline.The approach is practical, tactical, and personal—designed to help firefighters stay steady through every call, every shift, and every season of the job.Fire specific. Because one size doesn’t fit all.
About Lea
Dr. Lea Sullivan is a nationally recognized fire service mental health expert, private practitioner, founder of The Resilience Academy, and retired volunteer first responder chaplain. With a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies and dissertation research on firefighter attachment and resilience, she brings both academic insight and boots-on-the-ground experience to her work.As the Director of Mental Wellness and Mental Health Professional (MHP) for a fire district, Dr. Sullivan developed the nation’s first attachment-based mental health program for firefighters. She trains peer support teams, chaplains, and fire families with a focus on resilience, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care. Through speaking, training, and agency consultation, she equips fire service professionals and their families with tools to protect their mental health—so they can keep showing up strong.
Credentials
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: LH 60601865
Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC)
Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling, Concentration in Trauma and Crisis Counseling (Regent University)
Master of Arts in Counseling, Summa Cum Laude (Multnomah University)
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Dean’s List (University of Washington, Tacoma)
Master Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Counselor
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT)
Certified First Responder Chaplain (Cental Pierce Fire and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department)
Dr. Lea regularly attends and presents at lectures, conferences, and workshops focused on working with couples and peer support trainings.
Books
COVER MY SIX:
A Comprehensive Guide to Firefighter Care
Firefighting isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. But the demands of the frontline don’t stay at the firehouse. Long shifts, high-pressure calls, and the unseen toll of the job cuts deep, not only eroding a firefighter’s mental and emotional resilience, but also straining the stability of their family and the brotherhood they rely on.Cover My Six is a direct, no-nonsense guide to firefighter mental wellness—written for those who charge into danger when others retreat. Written by culturally competent expert Dr. Lea Sullivan, this essential resource delivers cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies grounded in the latest mental health research. No fluff—just the tools you need to take charge of your mental well-being, strengthen your crew, and lead with clarity and confidence. In a profession upheld by trust and toughness, protecting your mind is just as critical as protecting your crew.This isn’t just a book—it’s a tactical roadmap to help you stay strong, focused, and ready for the job’s daily demands. Because when you protect your own well-being, you’re stronger for others.
In Cover My Six, you'll find:
An inside look at the fire service and its unique challenges with critical incident trauma
Hard-hitting truths about mental health in the fire service—and how to break the stigma
Real-world tactics for handling stress, trauma, and moral injury
Templates for a mental wellness preplan
Tools to strengthen your family relationships—both at work and at home.
Evidence-based support for on-going maintenance, treatment, and prevention of trauma
Actionable steps to keep your peer support team sharp, both on and off dut
If you’re ready to take care of yourself as well as you take care of others, this book is your next must-read. Because in the fire service, watching each other’s backs is not just part of the job—it’s the only way to survive.
Are you ready to Cover Your Six?
COVER MY SIX—The Playbook
Twelve Essential Trainings for Firefighter Peer Support
This “workbook” is a comprehensive, hands-on training tool designed specifically for firefighter peer support teams to navigate the complex mental health challenges inherent in your profession. The Playbook emphasizes peer support as a critical, culturally competent intervention that bridges the gap between trauma exposure and formal mental health care.Filled with clear and engaging exercises you can start today. Cover My Six: The Playbook is not only a great companion to and next step after the Cover My Six guidebook, but as a stand-alone and foundational resource.
In The Playbook, you'll discover:
Tactical listening and resilient responding skills
Detailed guidance on crisis response, including how, when, and who to bring in for mutual aid
Recognizing red flags for suicide risk and activating emergency protocols
Navigating confidentiality with care, especially with the top brass
How to get leadership buy in, confidentiality protection, and cross-agency collaboration
And much more, including self-care and mental armor for peer supporters to help you navigate the demands of the job with strength and clarity.
Through exercises, partner practices, and group discussions, peer supporters learn to build sustainable teams, rotate responsibilities, and celebrate wins, and keep thriving in the demanding fire service environment.
Order your copy today and begin your journey to sustaining the mission of caring for those who serve on the front lines.
The Resilience Academy
Not all first responder work is the same—and neither is the toll it takes. Here at The Resilience Academy we specialize in the mental health needs of firefighters, fire service leaders, chaplains, and their families.Firefighting brings its own mix of pressures—the strain of shiftwork that disrupts sleep and relationships, the emotional residue of close proximity to patient care, and the cumulative impact of the duration of time on-scene which tests endurance and empathy. Those realities require more than generic “first responder” care—they demand fire service–specific care that speaks the language, honors the culture, and accounts for the operational cost of the job.Everything we offer—from peer support team training and fire couple workshops to clinical consultation and department-wide education—is built with firehouse fluency. Rooted in cultural competence, trauma-informed practice, and practical tools that work on the frontline and in the real world.Whether you are building a peer support team, carrying the weight of the job, or trying to stay connected at home—you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s build something strong—and sustainable—together.
book dr. lea
Bring Dr. Lea to Your Agency for Live Peer Support Training.
Here’s What You’ll Get:
Dr. Lea comes to your agency – hands-on, on-site training designed for your team
12 Core Sessions from Cover My Six: The Playbook
20 Hours of In-Person Training with the author
Flexible Scheduling to fit your shift calendar
Real-World Firefighter Scenarios & Tools you can use immediately
Printable Checklists, Guides, and Resources for continued learning
Graduation ceremony & certificates of completion issued by The Resilience Academy
more trainings
Peer Support Teams
Dr. Lea trains fire service peer support teams to do the job well—through evidence-based tools, real-world scenarios, and a deep understanding of firehouse culture.Your team will learn how to:
Establish trust and psychological safety
Navigate boundaries and ethical gray zones
Recognize early warning signs and act early
Refer with confidence and clarity
Build a sustainable peer support culture rooted in preventative resilience.
These trainings are 100% developed from the most current scientific research to equip firefighters with the tools and skills to support their crewmates—before, during, and after the call.
Chaplains & Critical Incident Response Teams
Chaplains and Critical Incident Teams play a vital frontline role—but they often lack training in mental health strategies. Dr. Lea provides specialized instruction for chaplains and critical incident response teams who serve our fire service agencies.These training workshops cover:
Boundaries of the role
Moral injury and a trauma impact
Effective listening and emotional containment
Referral pathways and collaboration with peer support and executive leadership
Supporting families through grief, loss, and critical incidents.
This training bridges the gap between caring for the spiritual component of a firefighter and mental health response—ensuring chaplains serve with both compassion and clarity.
Fire Service Couples
Fire service life inevitably comes home. Dr. Lea offers couples-focused training that helps partners navigate the unique challenges of shift work, trauma exposure, and emotional disconnection.These sessions help:
Strengthen communication and trust
Address the impact of cumulative stress
Create shared strategies for resilience and repair
Foster mutual understanding between home and the firehouse
Couples workshops are tailored, interactive, and grounded in evidence-based attachment science applied to couples with one or both partners serving in the fire service.
free resources
CM6
Newsletter
The Cover My Six Newsletter delivers real-world mental wellness strategies made for the fire service—no fluff, no lectures, just straight-up tools you can use on shift and at home.Designed by someone who understands the job. Backed by research. Tailored for the red line.What you’ll get:
Resources for emotional recovery
Tactical Tools for resilience
Final Thought from Dr. Lea
free starter bundle
Start strong with a Free CM6 Starter Bundle. Zero fluff. Straight talk. This is tactical support that cuts through the noise and helps you hold the line—mentally, emotionally, and professionally.What you’ll get:
Chapter 22 of Cover My Six: “Vetting a Therapist” (PDF)—How to find a therapist who actually gets the job, and what to avoid. Cut through the guesswork and take control of your mental health support.
Workout #10: Tactical Self-Awareness (PDF)—Firefighters often face emotional numbness—remember, “numb” is still a feeling. Use this workout to explore your internal experience and enhance your self-awareness. This is also a great tool for peer support teams!
Audio Grounding Exercise: Hold the Line—A short, powerful tool to reset your nervous system and stay mission-ready—even after a tough call or long shift.
Contact
Have a question? Let's connect!Dr. Lea is in your corner! Whether you are a firefighter seeking support, an agency interested in our training programs, or just have a question about the services we offer, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to provide the information and assistance you need.Call us directly at (253) 363-0337 or send us an email here:
Thank you
Thank you for reaching out! Please note that while we strive to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible, response times may vary. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you soon.