Why the Holistic Approach?
Mental, Physical, and Essential Actualization must be aligned in order to create a new and improved mental health journey. Addressing all mental health stressors through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), physical education and a higher sense of self will result in transcendence: The individual will be motivated by beliefs, which excel beyond their personal self. Indeed, the thought process will lead towards Problem-centered and not self-centered with strong reliance on addressing issues with strong moral/ethical standards in their personal and work life.
Benefits for Officers
*Reduced Stigma: Engaging in therapy alongside civilians can help reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support among law enforcement professionals. When officers see civilians participating in therapy without judgment, they may feel more comfortable seeking help themselves.
*Shared Learning: Officers can gain insights and perspectives from civilians' experiences, providing them with a broader understanding of the challenges faced by the communities they serve. This can enhance officers' empathy and cultural competence, ultimately improving their ability to interact with community members in a positive and constructive manner.
*Enhanced Coping Skills: Participating in therapy alongside civilians can help officers develop and strengthen coping skills that are applicable both on and off duty. By learning and practicing stress management techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and healthy communication skills in a mixed group setting, officers can improve their overall well-being and resilience.
*Community Building: A combined therapy program creates opportunities for officers to connect with civilians in a non-adversarial context, fostering positive relationships and building trust between law enforcement and the community. This can contribute to improved community policing efforts and enhance public safety outcomes.
*Shared Learning: Officers can gain insights and perspectives from civilians' experiences, providing them with a broader understanding of the challenges faced by the communities they serve. This can enhance officers' empathy and cultural competence, ultimately improving their ability to interact with community members in a positive and constructive manner.
*Enhanced Coping Skills: Participating in therapy alongside civilians can help officers develop and strengthen coping skills that are applicable both on and off duty. By learning and practicing stress management techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and healthy communication skills in a mixed group setting, officers can improve their overall well-being and resilience.
*Community Building: A combined therapy program creates opportunities for officers to connect with civilians in a non-adversarial context, fostering positive relationships and building trust between law enforcement and the community. This can contribute to improved community policing efforts and enhance public safety outcomes.
Benefits for Civilians
*Increased Trust: Engaging in therapy alongside law enforcement officers can help civilians develop trust and confidence in law enforcement personnel. By participating in shared therapeutic experiences, civilians may gain a deeper understanding of officers' perspectives and challenges, leading to greater trust and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
*Empowerment: Civilians can benefit from learning coping strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and stress management skills alongside officers. This can empower civilians to navigate challenging situations more effectively, whether in their personal lives or when interacting with law enforcement.
*Community Support: Participating in a combined therapy program allows civilians to connect with others in their community who may have similar experiences or concerns. This sense of solidarity and support can be invaluable in fostering resilience and promoting community well-being.
*Reduced Fear and Anxiety: For civilians who may have negative perceptions of law enforcement, engaging in therapy alongside officers can help alleviate fear and anxiety by humanizing law enforcement personnel and promoting positive interactions. This can contribute to a safer and more cohesive community environment.
*Empowerment: Civilians can benefit from learning coping strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and stress management skills alongside officers. This can empower civilians to navigate challenging situations more effectively, whether in their personal lives or when interacting with law enforcement.
*Community Support: Participating in a combined therapy program allows civilians to connect with others in their community who may have similar experiences or concerns. This sense of solidarity and support can be invaluable in fostering resilience and promoting community well-being.
*Reduced Fear and Anxiety: For civilians who may have negative perceptions of law enforcement, engaging in therapy alongside officers can help alleviate fear and anxiety by humanizing law enforcement personnel and promoting positive interactions. This can contribute to a safer and more cohesive community environment.
Essential Actualization
Essential actualization is the process of reflecting on your own behavior and feelings and the motivations behind them. In addition, one’s work will become meaningful to them and reflect who they are within the community creating awareness and cohesions through one’s service. This person will ultimately have a higher mission to assist their community which goes far beyond their own personal gain, or power.