Verbal First Aid
Healing Through Words
About Us
Verbal First Aid teaches healthcare providers the four pillars of therapeutic communication: Rapport, Authority, Expectancy, and Suggestion. Our evidence-based approach helps medical professionals create healing environments through language, reducing patient anxiety and promoting positive outcomes.
Cheryl Bemel, PhD, LP
Cheryl Bemel, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and families. In her private practice she treats problems related to anxiety, depression, habit control, and pain management with evidence-based practices including EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota's School of Dentistry, training dentists and dental students in psychophysiological management techniques for pain. She is known for combining evidence-based practices with compassionate, personalized care
Lisa Lombard, PhD
Lisa Lombard, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist with over 30 years of clinical, teaching, and supervisory experience. She integrates mind–body skills into therapy with children, families, and adults coping with anxiety, stress-related health concerns, pain, and grief. She trains healthcare providers in stress and pain management, serves as a psychological advisor to a food allergy health tech start-up, and co-founded Comfort Kits for Children®. She maintains a private practice in Chicago offering in-person and telehealth services and is known for making comfort skills concrete, accessible, and developmentally attuned.
Learn Our Approach
Our workshops guide health care providers to develop healing communication skills with:
Evidence-Based Methods
Transform patient interactions with scientifically-proven communication techniques that reduce anxiety and improve healing outcomes.
Techniques Specialized for Children
Learn age-appropriate language patterns and techniques specifically designed to calm and reassure young patients during medical procedures.
Practical Training
Interactive workshops with real-world scenarios, role-playing, and hands-on practice to build confidence in therapeutic communication.
Immediate Results
See instant improvements in patient cooperation, reduced distress, and enhanced healing responses through the power of words.
Ready to Transform Patient Care?
Our training programs provide immediate, practical skills you can use with every patient interaction. Reach out to us to schedule a workshop!
