Working Through Trauma

Footprints on the beach Traditions of rugged individualism and toughing it out leave far too many police officers socially and emotionally isolated…believing that the worst of all the four-letter words is “help.”

-Carol J. Johnston, Former Executive Director, New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Quoted in I Love a Cop by Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D.  

Finding Meaning in the Midst of Chaos

Trauma has the power to deeply affect and change our lives, though not always for the worse.

The real police, both males and females, are imprisoned by cultural imprints that treat police officers as though they are immune to the consequences of their work.  The police culture believes if things get tough on the street, it is just part of the job and it shall be borne in silence. 

How many more officers need to suffer before there is a culture change?

Both the conscious mind and the subconscious mind attempt to rationally protect us and does whatever it can to ensure comfort and survival.  Given sufficient information, an individual can develop a coordinated method of handling a situation.  Resilience is key, though it cannot always be accomplished alone.   During times of crisis simple solutions can be missed when the mind is clouded. Develop a support system–whether it is departmental Peer Support or seek support outside of the organization.

The essence of working through trauma lies in a change of mental attitude.  One must learn to live on a different thought basis, and even though thought change requires effort, it is much easier than to continue living as you are.  Living with excess and unhealthy stress is difficult.  The life of inner peace–being in balance is the easiest type of existence.  Simply, a peaceful mind generates power.  

Romans 12:2 “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” 

Hypnosis cleanses the mind of unnecessary thoughts. Hypnosis is to the mind, as a shower is to the body. 

Officers who apply self-regulating techniques, such as, self-hypnosis are able to function at a more optimal state during a crisis incident.  Aneta can assist you to maintain inner balance, mental clarity and the critical skills of rapid recovery and reset.