Wow, what an inspiring conversation with this police veteran, Force Science Institue educator, and therapist! It covered the well-being and physical and mental health of police officers, including DBT and self-regulation techniques (breathing, bilateral stimulation, etc.). But also about Critical Incident Debriefing. It also touched on how police officers are sometimes judged unfairly and what a fair way to debrief after an incident looks like!
Nicole has extensive experience as an educator, police officer, and therapist. She provides front-line instruction in de-escalation, crisis communications, and force encounters investigations.
With over 25 years of experience, she has held positions including communications specialist, patrol officer, patrol sergeant, investigator, and acting chief. She has held previous roles as a Law Enforcement Subject Matter Expert at VirTra and as the Executive Director for the Verde Valley Sanctuary; a shelter dedicated to providing services for victims of sex trafficking, sexual violence, and domestic violence.
Nicole is currently working on her doctorate in clinical psychology. She holds two post-master’s degrees; one in Human Factors Psychology and one in Trauma Counseling; an M.S. in Professional Counseling; and a B.S. in Public Safety Administration and Emergency Management.
Podcast video
Topics
Officer Health and Well-Being
Mental Flexibility and Resilience
Introduction of “brain flexibility” alongside “resilience.”
Collaboration with Dr. Robbie Adler Tapia.
Therapy and Treatment Methods
Experience with EMDR and DBT therapeutic approaches.
Experience as a Police Officer and Therapist
Education and Training
Advocacy for more education and mental health skill integration in first responder training.
Cultural Change within Law Enforcement
Research Techniques and Training in Interrogation Strategies
Training and Education Programs
Well-Being and Trauma
Specific Well-Being Techniques
EMDR and Other Therapies
Brain Health and Flexibility
Bilateral Processing
Tools for Stress Management
Depression and Physical Health
Integrated Approach
Critical Incident Debriefing
Debriefing Techniques
Socratic Method and Framing Questions
Distinguishing Freeze from Problem-Solving
Addressing Trauma and Mental Health in Law Enforcement
Psychoeducation and Support
Continuous Training and Trust in Clinicians
Recourses
Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia: One Badge. One Brain. One Life: https://www.drrobbie.org/product-page/one-badge-one-brain-one-life
Man’s Search for Meaning. VIiktor Frankl
Resmaa Menakem: My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies (helpful for people who don’t really get racial trauma from an different perspective)
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/practicing-for-real-life-reality-based-scenario-training: PRACTICING FOR REAL LIFE: REALITY BASED SCENARIO TRAINING
by Dr. Troy Rodgers
Living the Martial Way: Forrest E. Morgan
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Book by Bessel van der Kolk
Gabor Mate: The Myth of Normal
Stephanie M. Conn: Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel
The Gift of Gear: Gavin de Becker
Way of the Peaceful Warrior: Dan Millman
A User’s Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain: John Ratey
Paul Bloom: Against Empathy, The Case for Rational Compassion
Elliot Weiner, PhD. Kiki Fehling PhD: Self-directed DBT Skills
Websites
Nicole Florisi, Ph.D. Candidate, Sgt. (Ret.)