A Resilience-Building Program for Law Enforcement
Photo by Dylan Gillis
What is WELL?
Optimal physical and mental health, sometimes called wellness, is particularly important for police officers, as policing is one of the most stressful occupations there is. That is why we have developed the Wellness Education and Life skills for Law enforcement training program or WELL!
By utilizing the knowledge and skills learned in the WELL program, officers can build their resilience to stressors and better cope with the rigors of policing.
Schedule Training1
Education & motivation
We provide information about normal stress reactions and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and introduce the concept of wellness.
2
Preparation for a critical incident and its aftermath
We describe different types of critical incidents and promote active coping strategies.
3
Maintaining and enhancing daily functioning
We discuss how to deal with emotions in the context of police work, including anger management training.
4
Harnessing the power of interpersonal effectiveness
We teach interpersonal and assertiveness skills in the context of organizational stressors.
In The News
Police Shootings:
The Untold Story
Paul Smith talks about his career as deputy with the LA County Sheriff's Department and then a Madison Police officer and his goals for the WELL training program.
See NBC Story
Fighting Stigma: Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Wellness for Law Enforcement Personnel
Simone Hoermann, Ph.D. talks with Dr. Christie Jackson about the benefits of WELL Training and its effects on reducing the stigma still associated with seeking mental health services.
Read Interview
Publications: Psychological Survival
Paul Smith discusses officer survival training within the law enforcement community for the Wisconsin Police Journal.
Download Article