Episode Summary:
Today, we welcome Dr. Katherine Kuhlman to the Guardian Mindset podcast. As a distinguished police and public safety psychologist, Dr. Kuhlman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our exploration of wellness and resilience in law enforcement.
Our conversation takes us back to the history of mental health in the folds of law enforcement, highlighting the deep-rooted mantra of "suck it up, buttercup" and its lingering influence in many departments. We shed light on the preventive measures that can act as anchors during times of crisis, such as the power of simple conversations and building direct contacts. Dr. Kuhlman articulates the importance of mental health support in law enforcement, debunking common misconceptions and emphasizing the crucial role of family support in an officer’s well-being. The episode concludes with a focus on self-care practices and resilience strategies for officers, showcasing the crucial role of mental health professionals in supporting those who protect our communities.
About the Guest:
Dr. Katherine (Katie) Kuhlman, ABPP, is a board-certified psychologist in Police and Public Safety Psychology, and has expertise in the treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and general life stressors. She has worked since 2014 providing services to first responders and their family members, truly understanding the unique stressors inherent in these occupations. She has presented nationally on wellness issues related to law enforcement, as well as school safety. She served as a subject matter expert on traumatic stress on the Colorado Governor's Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee prior to moving to Arizona. Dr. Kuhlman has responded and provided debriefing services to critical incidents including officer-involved shootings, suicides, line-of-duty deaths, and mass shootings. Understanding trauma, keeping schools and workplaces safe, and helping first responders are her true passions.
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