Instructors: Mike Wasilewski & Althea Olson

Counseling law enforcement officers can be uniquely challenging for the therapist. Policing is a demanding and often dangerous profession and its practitioners develop coping skills, and a physical and mental toughness, in order to meet those demands and dangers. Ironically, the very skills that enable them to survive street encounters often wreak havoc at home, in their personal lives, and within the political structure of their agencies. They can also be obstacles standing in the way of successful therapy.

In this course you will be introduced to the mindset and world of the cop, how they can impact the officer’s emotional and relational well-being and common obstacles you may encounter treating a police officer. And you will be introduced to the strategies and practices of a “Cop Friendly Therapist” designed to build rapport and respect between therapist and the police client, and to overcome the obstacles to successful therapy.