Law Enforcement Officers

Law enforcement is a big part of my life.

I was privileged to grow up in a military and law enforcement family. My father was in the US Army as an Airborne Combat Medic, worked for the Sheriff’s Department, and then moved to the Police Department, where he retired after many years of service.

My son is currently serving in the US Army, where he has had two deployments and is serving his second term.

In my private practice, I have worked with Sheriff Department Officers and their families providing individual, couples, and family counseling surrounding various areas. In the past, I have supported critical incidents involving loss of life, discharge of firearms, and associated trauma.

In my clinical work, I continue to work onsite at the local county jail as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician working alongside Sheriff Deputies to support inmates’ mental health needs.

Don’t bottle up your experiences.

As a therapist, my heart is in my work with Law Enforcement Officers. I use a strength-based therapy that guides a retelling of your history of trauma, stressors, and pain, emphasizing your strengths and skills more than your weakness. The goal is to recognize that you already have the skills and power to cope with challenging situations.

As a Law Enforcement Officer, you make our communities stronger and safer daily. You see daily conflicts, accidents, incidents, and violence that you don’t discuss outside work. There is no talking about it at home; you want to protect your loved ones and not traumatize them with your experiences. This bottling up causes more stress and pressure that can impact your health.

Mental health issues like depression and PTSD leave individuals feeling alone or isolated. About 10-20% of our Law Enforcement Officers report struggling with PTSD, which means that actual numbers are likely much higher due to individuals not getting a diagnosis or not wishing to share their diagnosis.

Officers often underreport symptoms of trauma and PTSD, substance use among police officers often exacerbates the problem, and there is a ~70% higher risk of suicide than the average worker. This risk doesn’t have to be so high. Treating trauma through therapy, compassion, and empathy can significantly heal individuals, families, and communities.

Trauma is real – and treatment is required.

We must remove the shame and stigma surrounding getting help.

Law Enforcement Officers feel they need to be superheroes and even worry about their job security if they speak up and advocate for their own and others’ mental health. However, treating trauma and its effects is the only way to manage it.

Don’t keep those experiences and feelings bottled up. I understand your pain and have the expertise to help.

Let’s work together to get you where you need to be.