The CopDoc Podcast: Aiming for Excellence in Leadership Dr. Stephanie M. Conn, Police Psychologist, Ep 91
The CopDoc Podcast Episode Summary: Increasing Resilience in First Responders
Guest: Dr. Stephanie Conn, police psychologist and former police officer
Key Topics:
- Dr. Conn's Journey: The daughter of a police officer, Dr. Conn's personal experiences as a dispatcher and police officer, including the tragic deaths of two colleagues, led her to pursue a career in psychology to better support first responders.
- The Need for Specialized Support: Dr. Conn highlights the unique challenges faced by first responders and emphasizes the importance of culturally competent mental health care from clinicians who understand the specific stressors of the profession.
- Check-Ups from the Neck Up: The concept of regular mental health check-ups for first responders is discussed as a way to normalize seeking help and address the cumulative effects of stress before reaching a crisis point.
- Confidentiality and Trust: Dr. Conn emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in building trust with first responders and outlines the steps she takes to ensure their information remains private, especially in sensitive situations like worker's compensation cases.
- The Cumulative Effect of Trauma: The podcast delves into the "death by a thousand cuts" phenomenon, where the accumulation of traumatic experiences over time can lead to significant mental health struggles.
- EMDR as a Treatment Tool: Dr. Conn explains EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and its effectiveness in helping first responders process and heal from trauma.
- Overcoming the Stigma: The conversation addresses the stigma associated with seeking mental health care in first responder professions and the need for education and open dialogue to overcome these barriers.
- The Future of Wellness in Policing: The podcast concludes with a discussion on the growing emphasis on wellness programs within law enforcement agencies and the importance of ensuring these programs are evidence-based and tailored to the specific needs of first responders.
Overall: This episode of The CopDoc Podcast provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by first responders and offers practical strategies for building resilience and seeking support. The conversation is candid, informative, and highlights the critical role of mental health professionals like Dr. Conn in supporting the well-being of those who protect and serve our communities.
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If you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at stephen.morreale@gmail.com