How Do You Help Police Officers Address Trauma?

During this course we will look into the mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding world of a law enforcement officer that rarely gets examined in a solution-based way. We will explore a career choice that requires “Protecting and Serving” others before self, and what impact that has on the individual and the family system. This training will examine the significant and unique ways that law enforcement officers experience their career and how stress impacts them. Participants will learn how repeated exposure to extreme and continuous job-related stress and personal stress can alter the neurophysiology of law enforcement officers over time. We will explore the idea of stress vs. trauma, and the perceptual & cognitive impacts of continuous exposure to human tragedy and extreme emotions, experienced by first responders. We will look at how the internal politics of law enforcement agencies, societal views, and the internal leadership structure of agencies can help fuel hypervigilance and create negative pressure on mind/body balance. This course will look at emotions, their biological roots, and their purpose for our survival and healthy existence. At the end of this course, participants will have a better understanding of themselves, their peers, and the public at large. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify the unique mental health challenges and taxations faced by law enforcement officers operating in today’s society.
2. Participants will be able to identify the commonly held myths about emotions, their function for us as biological organisms, and how they impact mind/body health.
3. Participants will be able to assess the different impact of job-related stress vs personal life and the cumulative impact of both on the individual.
4. Participants will be able to illustrate an understanding of the human nervous system that can be utilized to help craft more effective programs of intervention & assistance for employees and the general public.
5. Participants will be identify tools, tips, strategies for working with vs against the human mind/body’s naturally capability to restore balance.
6. Participants will be able to evaluate participants individual & environmental challenges and formulate direct strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving an empowered perspective.