WEBVTT 00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:04.180 Alright. 00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome everyone to today's webinar. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:10.100 We're just allowing a few more folks to get into the room. 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:13.220 We're excited about today's topic. 00:00:13.835 --> 00:00:16.175 A lot of information to share with you. 00:00:16.395 --> 00:00:18.495 Just some housekeeping items. 00:00:19.275 --> 00:00:23.055 So as you can see, someone just, wrote everyone in the chat. 00:00:23.275 --> 00:00:25.675 That's actually an option that you'll have today. 00:00:25.675 --> 00:00:30.790 So feel free to, chat amongst each other, share where you're from. 00:00:31.410 --> 00:00:37.190 And this is also a space where you'll be able to ask any questions that you do have. 00:00:38.370 --> 00:00:43.465 We'll allow for questions to be answered at the end of today's webinar. 00:00:44.325 --> 00:00:52.345 And, you can also use the q and a function, which is more so, how we'll be able to filter through those questions. 00:00:55.050 --> 00:00:58.910 So I'm pleased to have doctor Michael Ah with us today. 00:00:59.770 --> 00:01:06.910 He's actually working for the Montgomery County Police Department, and, he has a lot of experience. 00:01:08.225 --> 00:01:20.645 I have here his experience being with the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, court services, and offenders supervision agency. 00:01:21.520 --> 00:01:27.060 And, he also has a background in clinical psychology and a master of divinity. 00:01:27.760 --> 00:01:46.485 And with just that, I'm sure that he has a lot of, different experiences in so many different areas of, the law and just, you know, the county level that I'm happy to have him here to share with us. 00:01:46.705 --> 00:01:54.770 So, without further ado, I'll go ahead and allow for doctor Ah to speak, and I will mute myself. 00:01:59.150 --> 00:01:59.390 Hey. 00:01:59.630 --> 00:02:05.550 So thank you so much, miss Schramberger, and thank you, so much to, Divine Mercy University for having me. 00:02:05.550 --> 00:02:07.145 It's, my name is Michael A. 00:02:07.145 --> 00:02:40.315 I'm the psychologist, with the Montgomery County Police Department, and it's it's, it's an honor for me to be here with you, today and sharing with you some information about police psychology and working with law enforcement, and even some general questions and some general information about working as a psychologist, and working with law enforcement, working with first responders, and the kind of environment that we're in right now, with with COVID, and some of the some of the implications of working with this type of population. 00:02:40.855 --> 00:02:48.200 But just it's, it's, it's always a joy for me to be amongst students, in providing as much information as possible. 00:02:48.260 --> 00:02:56.680 I always found that even just myself as a grad student, it was always helpful for me to get a sense of what kind of the future holds. 00:02:57.790 --> 00:03:13.980 As As a student in psychology, you know, we look at, you know, classes are great, but just, it was it wasn't always until, I got to see kind of firsthand, what the what the job looks what some of these, job opportunities look like for me. 00:03:14.060 --> 00:03:17.260 And then some of the class material started to come to life even more. 00:03:17.260 --> 00:03:29.765 So, it's always, I always consider a privilege to be, helping out in in any way I can with with students and young people who are looking to careers in psychology. 00:03:31.025 --> 00:03:45.010 So so I'll be speaking with you today about just my own experience as a police psychologist, and some information about the Montgomery County Police Department and my work with them, and I'll be happy to field any questions towards the end. 00:03:46.670 --> 00:03:51.250 So, the first thing I want to discuss is what is police psychology. 00:03:52.110 --> 00:04:00.545 And the first thing I want to do that about police psychology is maybe dispel some myths about what police psychology is. 00:04:01.085 --> 00:04:03.905 I mean, there's there's a lot of TV shows out there. 00:04:04.445 --> 00:04:20.790 There's, we, you know, we we watch TV shows about, you know, like, there's there's there's there's there's there is a lack of, like, you know, TV shows about, like, serial killers and detective movies about going after these really dangerous criminals. 00:04:21.330 --> 00:04:42.055 So we might there might be some, there might be some perception about police psychology being, police psychologists being the ones, going out and solving crimes, helping detectives, you know, profile killers, and going to crime scenes, and trying to figure out what happened, and what's going on with these really dangerous individuals. 00:04:42.890 --> 00:04:48.330 So, that's, most that's probably not the real picture of what police psychology looks like. 00:04:48.570 --> 00:04:56.990 I could tell you, with 100% certainty that, at least in my experience, that I do not help solve crimes. 00:04:57.895 --> 00:05:06.555 I don't go out there, I don't go out to the actual crime scenes to look at, look at those, look at those situations and actually help these investigations. 00:05:07.735 --> 00:05:09.835 So that's not what police psychology is. 00:05:10.430 --> 00:05:23.570 So police psychology, what it is, is it's basically the simplest way to describe it would be, just you would you were acting as a clinical psychologist, working with law enforcement officials. 00:05:23.870 --> 00:05:48.450 It's almost as if you're taking your work as a clinician and helping people, overcome certain certain issues with life, whether if it's, like, mental health issues or, whether if it's mental health issues or or life issues, and then you're you're you're helping them to, you're helping with these issues to help them do their job up to the best of their capacity. 00:05:49.150 --> 00:05:57.525 So it it's just it's just it's just it's just general clinical psychology work, but you happen to be working with a very very specific population. 00:05:58.545 --> 00:06:08.960 So, just to go over some of these points in the slide, it's basically practicing psychology with police officers, and it can, it can cover a diverse skill set. 00:06:08.960 --> 00:06:15.220 So whether if it's like experimental psychology, research psychology, industrial org, these aren't requirements. 00:06:15.440 --> 00:06:41.140 But, as you basically when you work in a very complex organization such as a police department or even something like when you work with the military populations or when you work with, let's even state hospitals, you are going to have to be some at least somewhat versed in how organizations work, in an organizational structure, and there's definitely going to be research involved in these works as well. 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:51.525 But the primary work is definitely clinical psychology, and that you don't have to have any specialization in industrial org or research or anything like that, although it helps. 00:06:51.525 --> 00:06:56.185 And you will be you will be covering some information related to those fields. 00:06:56.805 --> 00:07:02.265 And and so you're just basically applying your clinical expertise, to police officers. 00:07:02.885 --> 00:07:21.760 So some of these, so the last point here is that these services can include, in addition to providing clinical general clinical services, there's also there's elements of, basically just pre employment assessments is, something that psychologists do. 00:07:23.555 --> 00:07:26.055 Educating and training is also a big part of it. 00:07:26.435 --> 00:07:27.955 Evaluating job tasks and duties. 00:07:27.955 --> 00:07:41.740 So if there's a new program that that's month that, maybe the the police department wants to roll out, then then psychologists can certainly, jump in and provide their expertise in what some of those tasks would look like from a psychological perspective. 00:07:42.520 --> 00:07:47.500 And a fitness for doobie evaluations are also something that clinical psychologists can do. 00:07:47.595 --> 00:08:00.335 So if there is, if there is some questions about an officer's ability to return to work because of a health related or not a health related issue, then psychologists would step in and and provide that service. 00:08:01.140 --> 00:08:05.640 So there's a there's a pretty wide range of services that's provided to to the police department. 00:08:08.020 --> 00:08:14.360 But in terms of my my own work with the Montgomery County Police Department, we are called the Stress Management Team. 00:08:14.655 --> 00:08:21.135 And and these are the, this is just the the basic background of what we do. 00:08:21.455 --> 00:08:28.575 We provide confidential and free psychological services to the police department and their immediate family members. 00:08:28.575 --> 00:08:30.700 So that's that's a big kicker right there. 00:08:31.180 --> 00:08:32.700 Not all counties may do that. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:48.455 Not all police departments may, reach that that wide in terms of the services, but basically, our team, is designed to cover cover, police officers and their family members as well. 00:08:48.755 --> 00:08:54.215 And, it's and it's basically just a wide range of expertise. 00:08:54.355 --> 00:09:02.430 So whether it be, whether it be for something like trauma related work, it could just be even, it could be work related, it could be home related. 00:09:02.890 --> 00:09:21.685 If if an immediate family member, let's say for, let's say an officer has a teenage daughter or teenage son or maybe, or or or the officer's wife or husband is having some issues, then we would we covered, we cover services for them as well. 00:09:21.685 --> 00:09:24.485 So it doesn't have to be related to the police officer's work. 00:09:24.485 --> 00:09:28.240 So we're just the psychologists available to police officers. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:37.060 It's it's not it's not we don't we don't fit into any kind of a specific service, service kind of a, I guess, category. 00:09:37.760 --> 00:09:49.745 And so confidentiality is also something that we emphasize in our services, because in an organization like this, and just, psychologists in general, it's it's always good to talk about confidentiality. 00:09:50.765 --> 00:10:07.020 But basically all our services are confidential, And so if an off if a police officer work to seek our services, then then we the psychologist wouldn't be reporting to the police leadership about that officer who visited our office. 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:26.700 And, they're so we're independent from that, and it would it would just the the limits of confidentiality are pretty much, on standard with, with the laws of of Maryland, and with the APA in in protecting the the officers from, certain consequences of of, of a breach of confidentiality. 00:10:26.920 --> 00:10:44.015 So let's say, for example, if supervisors in the police department can certainly recommend, that officers if a officer that they supervise, they could certainly recommend those officers to see a psychologist, to help address maybe some issues that they're seeing. 00:10:44.875 --> 00:10:53.620 But, as psychologists, we are not obligated to report back to that supervisor, whether they even made that contact with us or not. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:56.560 So so, like, let's say a sergeant might say, hey. 00:10:56.560 --> 00:10:58.020 Might call me and say, hey. 00:10:58.400 --> 00:11:04.900 I I I I'm having I'm having some difficulties, or this officer that that's in my district is having some difficulties. 00:11:06.065 --> 00:11:09.265 I think it might be helpful for him to go see you or her to go see you. 00:11:09.505 --> 00:11:11.525 And I'll be like, okay, well I'll keep an eye out. 00:11:11.905 --> 00:11:16.225 But, that sergeant could call me back and say, hey did this person see you? 00:11:16.225 --> 00:11:28.620 Then I, I would not, I would not I would tell them that I can't tell them whether that that person can consult me or not, because that's that would be a breach of confidentiality, from a client clinician perspective. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:52.270 So we so there's no we wanna we we try to assure these officers as much as possible that that they wanna they, if they have any concerns about, them seeing a psychologist or, so or any kind of personal issue or mental health issue that it doesn't go back to leadership, which then there might be some concerns about what kind of consequences to their career that that might occur because of that. 00:11:52.270 --> 00:11:54.450 So confidentiality is a big thing for us. 00:11:56.750 --> 00:11:59.570 And then here are the specific services that we provide. 00:12:00.605 --> 00:12:08.225 So the first is counseling, so just general clinical counseling, clinical therapy work, that that consists of most of our work. 00:12:08.445 --> 00:12:13.985 So what, and we'll cover what some of the specific issues that we address, later, in a later slide. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:19.160 Mental health consultation is probably our second most, request to service. 00:12:19.700 --> 00:12:26.900 So whether if it's questions about another officer's potential issues that they might they might notice. 00:12:26.900 --> 00:12:48.920 So if it's, if it's through a supervisor, let's say if, if a supervisor were to have some concerns about an officer mentioning maybe, like, a suicidal thought, or if, if if they notice some some behavioral indicators from another officer that there might be some, difficulties that need to be addressed, or that might be helpful. 00:12:49.140 --> 00:12:59.815 Well, so so if they can't actually make somebody go go seek seek help, then they might come to us and ask, well, how do I how do I best, show my support to this officer? 00:12:59.995 --> 00:13:15.050 And and, and if it's and what are the signs that we should look for that this is some this is, this is an issue that's that's bigger than maybe, my that officer's area of expertise in trying to help, help that officer. 00:13:15.050 --> 00:13:18.810 So basically, it's like, well, you know, what what signs do I see? 00:13:19.130 --> 00:13:25.150 What signs should I look forward to to tell that if this person is really actually, pretty seriously suicidal? 00:13:25.210 --> 00:13:27.975 Or if this person is really, like severely depressed. 00:13:28.355 --> 00:13:32.195 And so what how do what are these and what are some other indicators that I should be looking for? 00:13:32.195 --> 00:13:36.055 So those are those are the types of consultation calls that we might get. 00:13:36.755 --> 00:13:39.975 And then the next one is something called the traumatic incident program. 00:13:41.890 --> 00:13:49.270 So that this is something that's initiated, with the police department here when an officer involved shooting occurs. 00:13:49.970 --> 00:13:54.390 That, what happens then is that we get everybody involved in that incident. 00:13:54.885 --> 00:14:13.340 So, even, to the officer that was directly involved in the shooting, and then even down to the per the officers that provided backup, the and and all the way down to the emergency communications, communications, communications, operator. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:23.760 So the 911 so we want so, so, basically, they're they would be required, in this case, to make an appointment with the stress management team. 00:14:24.095 --> 00:14:30.115 And so basically, they would be they would call me or they call the or, another psychologist in the stress management team. 00:14:30.255 --> 00:14:56.545 And what what what that consists of is that we would ask them questions of some some questions about how they've been, how how have how have they been since the incident, asking some specific questions about maybe some reactions that they might be having, some physical reactions, maybe some some some reactions in their in their mind, some thoughts, or maybe some if they've have if they've been shown any signs of maybe depression or traumatic stress or anxiety. 00:14:56.925 --> 00:15:04.705 So we would ask some of those questions, and provide a recommendation on when when it might be good for them to return to work. 00:15:05.085 --> 00:15:09.070 So so I I mentioned that, that they are required to do so. 00:15:09.070 --> 00:15:15.710 And the only, all the only information that that the administration will get is just that the fact that they met with us. 00:15:15.950 --> 00:15:26.345 There wouldn't be any information about, oh, this this, this client was exhibiting anxiety, or this this client was, tearful, this client, was very angry. 00:15:26.645 --> 00:15:28.805 None of those that information would be shared. 00:15:28.805 --> 00:15:31.625 So just to make sure that the confidentiality is still protected. 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:45.340 But the reason why this is required is because, something like an officer involved shooting is a very, very, it's it's it's a very big deal in terms of the potential trauma, traumatic reactions that it that could occur to everyone involved. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:50.815 So so we we wanna make sure that nobody falls through the cracks when something like this happens. 00:15:51.195 --> 00:16:10.630 And and we wanna make sure that if if somebody does have an adverse reaction to enough officer involved shooting, even down to the the the communications, the the nine one one dispatcher who was who was directing the whole situation to the officer who was directly involved to the people providing backup. 00:16:10.930 --> 00:16:14.450 The the the trauma could be something that affects everybody involved. 00:16:14.450 --> 00:16:21.905 So we want if it does affect them, we wanna make sure that they're they're informed about some of the traumatic reactions that could take place. 00:16:21.905 --> 00:16:29.605 And if they feel like they need some additional assistance based on their reactions to that incident, we wanna make sure we provide that assistance as soon as possible. 00:16:30.030 --> 00:16:40.370 So just we're making sure that nobody's falling through the cracks, and we want because and and this is all done with the purpose of officer wellness in mind, to help them build resilience, which we'll also be talking about. 00:16:40.750 --> 00:17:02.360 And then there's also something called the disciplinary diversion program, where instead of if an officer is having some difficulties, instead of putting them through the disciplinary process, maybe there could be an initiation of, well, why don't you go see stress management, and and see if things improve from there as opposed to going straight to the disciplinary action. 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.740 So again, it's confidentiality. 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:10.280 It's a it's a priority, so we want to be reporting back about what what the contents of those sessions were. 00:17:10.280 --> 00:17:12.945 It's just the fact it's just the fact that they didn't meet with us. 00:17:13.665 --> 00:17:16.305 And then, we also have a peer support team. 00:17:16.545 --> 00:17:21.025 So these the peer support team consists of officers who support each other. 00:17:21.025 --> 00:17:38.660 So it's it's an organized group, a team within, the police department, consisting of all all officers who are ready and on standby to provide just, just emotional support and any kind of other support, to to fellow officers who are having difficulties. 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:46.785 And so the stress management team, the psychologist will be providing the clinical supervision, clinical guidance to them as well. 00:17:46.785 --> 00:17:55.820 And the education training, year round, we're always trying to cater our trainings to the current issues at hand with law enforcement. 00:17:55.820 --> 00:17:57.920 But that is also a major role that we play. 00:17:59.580 --> 00:18:09.180 And so some of the examples of issues that we address, so these would be pretty, these would be mostly aligned with the general population. 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:16.515 But then again, it's there are specific, ways that these issues manifest themselves in in law enforcement. 00:18:16.515 --> 00:18:20.455 So this, so that's where some of the specialization comes in. 00:18:20.755 --> 00:18:31.870 But, but in terms of, the the difficulties that law enforcement, first responders go through, it's it's very similar to just, you know, similar to you and me. 00:18:31.870 --> 00:18:48.395 So difficulties on the job, anger issues, chronic pain could be something that's unique to law enforcement, and and for cis law owners because of the physical nature of their job, marriage issues, anxiety, difficulty coping with stressors, substance abuse. 00:18:49.015 --> 00:19:11.585 So, but when it comes to the type of stress for law enforcement, that's when things get a little bit, things get more or less unique, because, I mean, the traumatic stress is definitely, something that exists in law enforcement, because they, day to day go through at any given moment for them, they could experience something really, really traumatic, right? 00:19:11.585 --> 00:19:33.280 So whether if it's responding to a car accident, and, and, and seeing just, you know, body parts severed, or whether if it's responding to a call where, they might respond to a domestic violence call where actually the person might have been killed, or maybe even a child abuse call, and they they witness a child status. 00:19:33.280 --> 00:19:38.615 These are these are what we would call critical incidents where, where something really, really severe happens. 00:19:38.615 --> 00:19:47.515 So something similar to the traumatic response program, where it's critical incidents are something that we would consider to be on the on the higher end of the traumatic spectrum. 00:19:47.575 --> 00:19:58.070 So again, death, murders, dead children, or abuse, child abuse, domestic abuse, things like that are pretty, are a big deal. 00:19:58.070 --> 00:20:13.215 So that's when the oftentimes the peer support team would go in, to, what's called a roll call, basically, when when, when the the officers get together at the start of the shift to go over the agenda for the day and and and and any kind of administrative issues. 00:20:13.215 --> 00:20:28.580 So, so so the psychologist might go on go there during that during that shift meeting, or the peer support team might go there and say, hey, like, look, you know this was something that you encountered today, and we're here to support you if you need it. 00:20:29.120 --> 00:20:37.665 And then compassion fatigue has definitely been a a big topic of focus, especially in the last couple years, with COVID going on. 00:20:37.965 --> 00:20:42.445 And with just a lot of, a lot of just, issues coming around. 00:20:42.445 --> 00:20:52.320 And even just, with all the stuff, all the negative news about police officers, and, you know, making national headlines, that's, that's certainly the elephant in the room. 00:20:52.780 --> 00:20:56.860 That's always kind of there, and when it comes to talking about law enforcement. 00:20:56.860 --> 00:21:07.885 So oftentimes, the officers can feel pretty burned out, from, from their work, from from all the negative, the negativity they receive from the public. 00:21:07.885 --> 00:21:16.385 So when we when I mentioned something like cumulative stress, it's certainly, one of the bigger issues, that we try to address in law enforcement. 00:21:16.525 --> 00:21:34.735 Just because, it's not sometimes it might be that big incident that causes, causes an officer to, basically, to for them to kind of reach, the end of their the end of their tolerance level for their own stress. 00:21:36.075 --> 00:21:44.655 But oftentimes, in my own personal experience, one officer actually described to me as it could feel like a death by a thousand paper cuts. 00:21:45.035 --> 00:21:59.110 And so what that means is it's just every single day going out there, they just receive, you know, whether if it's just, encountering something really negative just from every single encounter that they incident that they go into. 00:21:59.775 --> 00:22:04.115 And then social media is is very, very negative towards them. 00:22:04.655 --> 00:22:06.995 And then the news isn't kind to them either. 00:22:07.615 --> 00:22:13.380 And and maybe on top of that, maybe they're having some difficulties in the home and maybe some work related stress. 00:22:13.380 --> 00:22:21.160 So all these are just it might not be something so all of these things might not be that one incident that that puts them over the edge. 00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:34.115 But over, let's say, a period of two weeks, over a period of having having these little experiences over and over over a period of two months, two years, twenty years over the career. 00:22:34.655 --> 00:22:38.735 That that's that's what we mean by death by a thousand paper cuts. 00:22:38.735 --> 00:22:43.350 And at some point, at some point, it just becomes too much all that accumulation. 00:22:45.250 --> 00:22:51.590 So so that that's something that that's that's the big type of stress that officers may feel at some point in their careers as well. 00:22:54.050 --> 00:23:01.065 And so when we look at general stressors for first responders, these are also, law enforcement will also be included in this. 00:23:01.065 --> 00:23:16.270 So these are just management issues, especially when when we work with complex organizations such as, law enforcement and county, basically government, even with military organizations or or any of those large organizations, there's always going to be management issues. 00:23:16.490 --> 00:23:25.210 Because, you know, one person at the top makes a decision and it's kind of all the implementation has to, has to trickle down into all the the rank and file. 00:23:25.210 --> 00:23:30.685 So there's always going to be some kind of, conflict with that, to some some degrees. 00:23:30.905 --> 00:23:39.830 Equipment could be, a stressor, the lack of equipment, or maybe some, lack of updates, or just yeah. 00:23:39.830 --> 00:23:44.490 So just first responders all around use a lot of equipment, and so that could be a stressor. 00:23:44.710 --> 00:24:03.215 Over time definitely has been a an issue for first responders, during the during COVID, just because when when one person has to quarantine, for fourteen days because they've been they've tested positive, or they've been exposed to somebody who tested positive, that pretty much affects the entire shift. 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:09.220 And so somebody has to fill in that time, or somebody has to fill in that, that time, the work time, right? 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:20.795 So sometimes officers, first responders, paramedics, and medical workers certainly, have been put in situations where they're putting in a lot of overtime rotating shifts. 00:24:21.115 --> 00:24:38.800 So long Montgomery County law enforcement that they we go by shift work, and so some sometimes sometimes somebody might be, somebody might be told to to change to an overnight shift when they when they've been used, when they've been working in a day shift for an x amount of years. 00:24:38.800 --> 00:24:45.940 And so then that changes the whole, scheduling dynamic with with family and with other things that they have going on. 00:24:46.335 --> 00:24:49.395 And change in duties is also definitely a stressor as well. 00:24:50.015 --> 00:24:58.195 And then, other some individual factors, family issues can definitely contribute, and especially with COVID as well. 00:24:58.735 --> 00:25:17.030 When you're a first responder, going out there and just encountering all sorts of stress because of the kind of things you have to enforce, the things the kind of, the people that you have to, to interact with, who may be, who may be contagious and whatnot, and so you just don't know. 00:25:17.030 --> 00:25:30.155 And And then you have all the stress around it, and then so you come home, and then sometimes maybe a little bit, maybe even just a little bit of a family stress could sometimes feel really really big, because because of the amount of stress that you you have to endure at work. 00:25:30.530 --> 00:25:34.390 Financial problems, kind of go in hand in hand with the second job. 00:25:34.770 --> 00:25:49.535 So, I mean, for for us living in the the DMV area, whether if it's a Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Howard County, you know, living cost of living can certainly be at a pretty high level. 00:25:49.915 --> 00:26:01.990 So people, it's it's not uncommon for first responders, because of the shift work, they're able to manage maybe a second job, maybe on their on their off days, to help supplement their income. 00:26:01.990 --> 00:26:11.350 Because the the county that that they live in, quite frankly, does the cost of living is just too high, to be sustainable, to live on their on their salary. 00:26:11.350 --> 00:26:18.665 So, it's it's certainly a thing that it's certainly a issue that exists among first responders and depending on the location that you live in. 00:26:18.665 --> 00:26:22.025 So, that might be a cause of stress as well, and a health problem. 00:26:22.025 --> 00:26:25.645 And then all of these things can certainly lead to health problems as well. 00:26:27.970 --> 00:26:39.350 So going along the themes of, working with so as clinicians, what is it like to work with first responders these days and who in this COVID-nineteen environment? 00:26:40.125 --> 00:26:49.085 And so I did mention a little bit before about the unique challenges of being a first responder and COVID, and I wanted to talk a little bit more about that. 00:26:49.085 --> 00:26:57.200 So, one thing of at least in terms of the law enforcement end is that these COVID nineteen policies are changing nonstop. 00:26:57.340 --> 00:26:57.740 Right? 00:26:57.740 --> 00:27:00.700 And every month from a week to week basis, something could change. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:04.400 And so it's up to the law enforcement officers to enforce those laws. 00:27:04.780 --> 00:27:21.055 But then if they're constantly changing, then it just it just becomes a source of stress because, well, one day we're you're telling, you're telling citizens that you you can't do x y z, and the next week you you let them go because they can do x y z, and then suddenly the week after that you can't do it anymore. 00:27:21.515 --> 00:27:30.180 And so that's, again it's just a way and that's and that's always been a general issue, the source of stress for law enforcement in general. 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:34.760 Just always keeping up with the laws and changing laws and the ebbs and flows of that. 00:27:35.300 --> 00:27:39.160 And certainly there is a push and pull, in their work life balance. 00:27:40.035 --> 00:28:02.470 And even just, even just the kind of stress that they might feel, I, certainly, in the beginning when when COVID first hit, there were instances where, you know, first responders have had to decide whether to quarantine themselves away from their families, because they were exposed to people outside in their first responder work, and they were exposed to people who were positive. 00:28:03.010 --> 00:28:08.115 And then, so it's they had to decide, well, do I go back home, or do I do I quarantine myself somewhere else? 00:28:08.275 --> 00:28:15.735 And so that's a separation from the family, and the isolation that they might, that that comes from that is definitely a source of stress for them. 00:28:16.435 --> 00:28:25.370 And and so that's those are the type of contexts that the clinicians are the type that the type of stress that clinicians have been have been trying to trying to assist. 00:28:25.830 --> 00:28:29.750 And then there's also this cultural competence piece, and the bubble of trust, right? 00:28:29.750 --> 00:28:44.555 So as a, as a as a clinician who works with these first responders, there there certainly is a cultural element to it where, maybe it's not it's not something that you would see in a typical workplace, that's that's outside of the first responder bubble. 00:28:44.555 --> 00:28:53.540 So, certainly during the these COVID, these times of COVID-nineteen issues, death is a topic that comes up frequently. 00:28:54.320 --> 00:29:38.595 And so if, as a clinician, we there is a certain element of understanding the culture, you know, so if we're uncomfortable with the idea that somebody's constantly talking about that and seeing bodies and dealing with that, especially if you work with first responders or current medical, medical professionals, then, then the then in terms of the building rapport, if you if you are uncomfortable hearing about these things, then, then it's certainly, there's that element of maybe it'll be more difficult to build that rapport with that first responder, because they, you know, because they themselves feel might feel uncomfortable with the fact that, they deal with so much debt. 00:29:38.595 --> 00:29:45.735 And then so and maybe they're they're already having enough trouble talking to their families about the fact that they see death every single day. 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:55.180 And so then if the clinician is sitting there cringing because they're, you know, there's so much talk about death, then it's a little bit difficult to build that and build that rapport. 00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:57.100 So there's definitely a cultural element to that. 00:29:57.100 --> 00:30:07.035 So I'll be talking a little bit more about, just about the the unique qualities about what if you're thinking about becoming a police psychologist or psychologist that works with first responders. 00:30:07.095 --> 00:30:09.275 And those are the things some of the things to think about. 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:16.340 So, resilience is something that we encourage as clinicians. 00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:24.400 So this is something that even goes back to my days at Walter Reed, working with working with, service members, military service members. 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:37.985 Resilience is something and just in mental health circles this is a very very important term to learn, and to encourage anyone that you work with who are who might be under a lot of stress when you work with people who are under a lot of stress. 00:30:38.365 --> 00:30:52.560 And so resilience is basically, but at least the functional definition is it's both being, strong and flexible being able to take the hits, but not being not letting those things, not letting those things, put you in a in a overly negative place. 00:30:52.560 --> 00:31:05.735 So it's not so much that you resist, these negative experiences, but you allow yourself to feel these negative experiences, but you, you let those kind of, the bounce you let those things pass after you feel those emotions. 00:31:05.735 --> 00:31:12.260 So one example that I always like to give is just the the comparing the the oak tree with the bamboo tree. 00:31:12.260 --> 00:31:16.360 So if if the oak tree resists the wind, then it's gonna break. 00:31:17.300 --> 00:31:25.455 And otherwise, so we encourage people to be like the bamboo tree where you you bang with the wind, but you bounce back. 00:31:25.695 --> 00:31:48.900 And so because stress is going to be something that happens no matter what, and so when it when it happens, then we draw upon our resources to, to be able to handle to be able to to be able to cope with it and to be able to to address it in a healthy way, as opposed to resisting it, and then not in alignment, and then repressing it, and then breaking when it becomes too much. 00:31:49.565 --> 00:31:57.165 So here are some of the, ways that we encourage officers and first responders to to build their resilience. 00:31:57.165 --> 00:32:04.540 So these are all just ways to help, we don't we acknowledge the fact that work related stress is there. 00:32:04.540 --> 00:32:19.200 We acknowledge the fact that certain things related to work, can't be changed, and it is always going to be a source of stress until someone so maybe some, some administrative things change, or maybe some, some things change maybe within the work environment itself. 00:32:19.575 --> 00:32:33.360 But then what we can control then is the way that we manage our time, the way we manage our our social network resources, not necessarily social network, in the on like Facebook kind of sense, but like the friends that we have around us. 00:32:33.600 --> 00:33:00.395 So whether if it's, we're looking at social support, or whether if it's using our free time to do things that are healthy for us and helps us to recover from the work related stress, or and then and whether and if we have spiritual values, always looking looking to find ways to draw upon our our our spiritual connections to, to be able to, to overcome some of these, really, difficult stressors. 00:33:03.210 --> 00:33:13.870 So, so then I want to I want to talk a little bit about becoming a police psychologist, if you're interested in working with first responders, or if you're interested in becoming a police psychologist. 00:33:14.090 --> 00:33:19.245 So at least in Montgomery County, you're required to have a PsyD, or a PhD. 00:33:19.245 --> 00:33:24.305 So you have to have a doctorate's degree, as a psycho and licensed, as a clinical psychologist. 00:33:24.365 --> 00:33:31.540 There's certainly exceptions to some agencies, so it's going to vary, from police department to police department on their minimum requirements. 00:33:32.400 --> 00:33:42.900 So there are instances where you could also be a licensed clinical social worker, and work as a therapist, working with first responders or police officers. 00:33:43.495 --> 00:33:50.315 So you I would recommend that you look into all the the, the departments that you are interested in working in, what their requirements are. 00:33:50.695 --> 00:34:02.160 But, but some, hands on things that you can do now or I don't know about now because, just because of what the policy has changed about just direct contact with, police officers. 00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:05.580 But you could look you could reach out to local police agencies. 00:34:05.580 --> 00:34:26.480 There's something called a citizen's academy, where citizens are invited to join a class, where officer police officers will provide education on what it what a police officer job looks like, and some of the, some of the things that they do on a day to day basis. 00:34:26.940 --> 00:34:39.180 And there's some also something called a ride along, where you could ask, where where you could ask, to basically spend a few hours riding alongside a police officer in their patrol car. 00:34:39.180 --> 00:34:44.915 So you so and you're just basically shadowing them, and do doing their work in the daytime. 00:34:44.915 --> 00:34:49.315 So with, so basically, the the shifts could vary also as well with that. 00:34:49.315 --> 00:34:54.115 Sometimes, there are certain shifts that aren't as active as other shifts. 00:34:54.115 --> 00:35:01.250 So so like an evening shift or night shift might see more activity, from police officers than a day shift, but I mean you can never tell these things. 00:35:01.250 --> 00:35:07.935 Sometimes day shifts get pretty hectic as well, but you'll, you know, you'll see firsthand, them, you know, making a traffic stop. 00:35:07.935 --> 00:35:19.455 Or if there's something suspicious going on, then you'll, you'll, you'll, they'll probably ask you to stay in the car, but then they're gonna go and and and have the interactions with with, an individual, and you get to see all that in person. 00:35:19.455 --> 00:35:25.400 And they'll, you know, it's a good it's a really good way to ask them questions about their work, and just see these things firsthand. 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:35.140 And then if you're already a licensed clinician, there's definitely opportunities to provide, teaching classes something like maybe the Montgomery County Crisis Center. 00:35:35.940 --> 00:35:50.395 I believe they they have some classes that are taught by clinicians on trauma and working with working in a in a crisis setting, but just volunteering is always something that helps, you to get kind of your foot in the door. 00:35:50.395 --> 00:36:06.825 I remember, just, one of somebody who, back in the day, when there was the Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Building, bombing, and there were a couple psychologists that I met, just recently who basically said this happened. 00:36:06.825 --> 00:36:10.745 And I just went there and asked them, like, what can I do to help? 00:36:10.905 --> 00:36:15.545 And so that pretty much kicked off their career, in working with police officers. 00:36:15.545 --> 00:36:29.540 And they just made themselves available to help, and the rest is history in terms of how, how they've been able to work with police officers and assist, assist their assist their work, through the through the years. 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:52.920 And then just self assessment and kind of examining yourself whether you think it's something that interests you or if it's something that you might want to stay away from, just because it is it is a very it could the topics that that are discussed can get pretty heavy, and and you will hear about that, you will hear about, some, you know, gruesome details sometimes about things that the officer went through. 00:36:53.460 --> 00:36:57.960 And and also there's also that cultural element to it as well. 00:36:58.545 --> 00:37:12.150 The way that officers might describe certain things might not be something that you're used to, but, it's all part of that cultural competence piece as well, such as maybe like a dark sense of humor, or anything like that. 00:37:12.150 --> 00:37:16.650 So just, things, so things to think about for sure. 00:37:17.110 --> 00:37:20.970 And then, some other examples of psychology jobs in law enforcement. 00:37:21.190 --> 00:37:39.235 There's certain the correctional services has jobs available for counselors, a case managers working whether you're working with correctional population, law enforcement populations, victims advocates, police and fire psychologists, a crisis response team members, then employee assistance program. 00:37:39.235 --> 00:37:53.040 So while you might not necessarily have to have a county job with the police department, there are certainly cases where private practitioners might have a, have some kind of a contract in place with a county government. 00:37:53.315 --> 00:38:05.095 So if you're a private practice person and you have, some sort of a contract to work with the county workers, including police officers, as part maybe as part of their employee assistance program, then that might be a way to work with first responders. 00:38:05.730 --> 00:38:10.630 So there's, you know, so you don't necessarily have to have like a direct job as a quote unquote police psychologist. 00:38:10.690 --> 00:38:12.210 There's always opportunities to do so. 00:38:12.210 --> 00:38:31.055 And I would also suggest that, in terms of specific skills, as a clinician to build, I think just going as building as Y as diverse of a skill set as a clinician is probably the most helpful because, working with first responders at least with Montgomery County because we cover families as well. 00:38:31.275 --> 00:38:35.550 Couples therapy is something that we we provide, relatively frequently. 00:38:36.170 --> 00:38:40.570 Family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, all of those things are covered. 00:38:40.570 --> 00:38:51.445 So, and so and work addressing trauma, substance abuse, depression, suicide, suicide management, those things are, again, very wide. 00:38:51.745 --> 00:38:56.645 So it would be helpful for to learn just the wide range of skill sets as a clinician. 00:38:59.665 --> 00:39:04.080 So just some, some things about clinical work and COVID-nineteen as well. 00:39:04.080 --> 00:39:12.400 So as clinicians, there's definitely been a COVID-nineteen has certainly affected clinicians and health care workers. 00:39:12.400 --> 00:39:18.115 So just looking at even just physicians alone, there's a higher rate of suicide, higher rate of burnout. 00:39:18.895 --> 00:39:33.370 Just if you were at the APA conference last, a couple weeks ago, was it last week, the COVID-nineteen was pretty much the the hot the major topic and how it's how it's been affecting clinical work and and education for psychology students as well. 00:39:33.370 --> 00:39:43.070 But, so I anticipate that there will be more and more statistics, more and more articles to come out about how how specifically psychologists have been affected by COVID-nineteen. 00:39:43.290 --> 00:40:09.020 But just from an anecdotal perspective, I can tell you that, that psychologists have been, have been for sure dealing with just being overworked and asking to stretch your boundaries, because of the demand for clinical services, especially when it comes to assisting frontline, first frontline, first responders and health care workers too. 00:40:09.185 --> 00:40:33.370 So if you are a psych if you are a psychologist working in a hospital, for example, I know that they have been asked to, on top of their current case though, they've been they're being asked to provide clinical services to their, their co workers because the nurses and nurses and the doctors, the physicians are under so much stress and so much burnout that they also need therapeutic services as well. 00:40:33.370 --> 00:40:37.690 So then that raises all sorts of questions about about, you know, about ethics and all that. 00:40:37.690 --> 00:40:51.345 And so, and so I know that the APA has been and has been working hard to provide guidelines for those things, but, so clinicians have been under a lot of a lot of pressure as well, and when as people who are assisting those frontline workers. 00:40:52.845 --> 00:41:20.035 So so something to think about then is, so yeah, so these are all so think about just, how you might be, in the future, how when because you are you are just, you know, as you think about your careers, soon, about how you're going to take the direction that you'll be taking your careers as clinicians and health care workers, these are things to think about especially when you look at the kind of world that you'll be entering into. 00:41:20.575 --> 00:41:35.610 So these are just self care, could be something that leads to stress and burnout, caseload management is going to be a major factor to think about, being working a lot of hours, and then just the compassion fatigue is another thing as well. 00:41:35.610 --> 00:41:45.985 Just, folk always feeling like you have to focus on other people, and then that might end up, neglecting yourself and and and end up getting, into poor self care. 00:41:45.985 --> 00:42:14.345 So these are things to think about, and then so here are ways that you could start building your self care, now and building that resilience for yourself, so you can you can go out there and be ready to serve those who are out there and doing the the really, really, stressful work and keeping the keeping our, keeping our keeping our society safe, keeping people healthy, keeping people, you know, basically keeping the world running, to be frank. 00:42:14.345 --> 00:42:24.080 So, you know, we want to if you're if you want to be out there helping those people, then, you know, we we we always we have to be, healthier ourselves to provide help to those people. 00:42:24.480 --> 00:42:33.300 You know, so I think just think about, like, the kind of self care advice or recommendation that you would give to these first responders, and then we want to practice what we preach. 00:42:33.360 --> 00:42:55.100 So whether if it's just being able to engage in our own self care through our stress management, just deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, and making sure that we balance our time with healthy activities, and practicing our own kind of, a positive, positive self talk and things like that. 00:42:55.100 --> 00:42:58.960 So, it's never too late to get started on self care. 00:43:00.220 --> 00:43:08.295 And so these are, just to, just lastly, these are just some examples of resources that are available to police officers in Montgomery County. 00:43:08.835 --> 00:43:12.755 So these are numbers that they can call in addition to the stress management team. 00:43:12.755 --> 00:43:34.365 So, so basically the goal is for officer care and officer wellness, and helping helping them, so that basically helping those, in the front lines, and so that so that they can they these stressors don't affect them, to a point where where it might affect their personal lives, where it might affect their work. 00:43:34.685 --> 00:43:41.905 And just, we want to make sure they're, that, you know, these these stressors don't they're able to be resilient to these stressors. 00:43:44.820 --> 00:43:45.060 Okay. 00:43:45.380 --> 00:43:59.635 So, I want to, leave it over, to some some questions and answers, and guess I will, yes. 00:43:59.635 --> 00:44:05.895 I'll I'll, have, either, miss Schamberger or somebody can moderate some of the questions that I can answer for you. 00:44:07.475 --> 00:44:07.875 Alright. 00:44:07.875 --> 00:44:12.730 And first, we want to thank you for taking the time to do this, doctor Ah. 00:44:13.030 --> 00:44:19.850 We know that you're busy and, you know, the times are changing, so we appreciate, you for joining us today. 00:44:19.910 --> 00:44:26.855 And, I do wanna make a note that, we'll allow for fifteen minutes of question with with doctor Ah. 00:44:27.235 --> 00:44:30.595 He does have another obligation, following this. 00:44:30.595 --> 00:44:41.050 So if you do have your questions now, don't hesitate to put them in the chat, or write down his email address or phone number so you can contact them if the time doesn't allow. 00:44:41.750 --> 00:44:45.370 And we also have, staff from DuVernworks University. 00:44:46.895 --> 00:44:51.215 If you wanna learn more about our our programs, we're here to answer any questions. 00:44:51.215 --> 00:45:00.915 So we'll be able to stick around just a little bit longer if that is the case that you're trying to figure out how your education can help lead you to working with law enforcement. 00:45:02.950 --> 00:45:10.250 So in order of the questions that have come in so far, the first one was about the traumatic incident program. 00:45:10.710 --> 00:45:14.170 Is it individual or is it held as a group? 00:45:14.710 --> 00:45:16.250 Oh, that is, it's individual. 00:45:17.435 --> 00:45:17.675 Yeah. 00:45:17.675 --> 00:45:17.835 Yeah. 00:45:17.835 --> 00:45:19.435 So thank you for that that question. 00:45:19.435 --> 00:45:20.715 So it's, it's yeah. 00:45:20.715 --> 00:45:22.475 So I'm glad I wanted to clarify that. 00:45:22.475 --> 00:45:24.815 So it it would be all done one on one. 00:45:25.355 --> 00:45:28.735 And so that's that's again to to protect protect the confidentiality. 00:45:30.750 --> 00:45:31.250 Okay. 00:45:31.470 --> 00:45:31.970 Awesome. 00:45:32.590 --> 00:45:44.930 The next question I have is how do you handle law enforcement clients who have displayed instances of police brutality in the past, especially racially driven? 00:45:46.905 --> 00:45:47.305 Okay. 00:45:47.625 --> 00:45:55.245 Let me just get to so can I'm gonna I'm gonna pull up the chat as well so I I get the, I can read the question specifically. 00:46:01.070 --> 00:46:01.310 I'm sorry. 00:46:01.310 --> 00:46:03.250 Can we repeat that question one more time? 00:46:04.110 --> 00:46:08.030 So how do you how do you how do you, okay. 00:46:08.030 --> 00:46:08.190 Yes. 00:46:08.190 --> 00:46:09.730 I'll just I'll just hear it again. 00:46:10.430 --> 00:46:19.565 How do you handle law enforcement clients who have displayed instances of police brutality in the past, especially racially driven? 00:46:21.065 --> 00:46:21.305 K. 00:46:21.305 --> 00:46:36.340 How do you handle so that would be, so how do you handle a client a a law enforcement client who have displayed police brutality in the past, especially if it's racially driven? 00:46:37.840 --> 00:47:07.880 So what I could talk what I could say about that is is that we the the primary focus is to address, address so it's not it's not basically, as as clinicians, we're helping to, we're helping to we're we're helping the officers to be able to, basically navigate and navigate through the stress that they're experiencing through that. 00:47:07.880 --> 00:47:08.120 Right? 00:47:08.120 --> 00:47:28.380 So, basically, if it's if it's something about, like, providing, it's so there's a we're talking about two separate things here, I think, because there is an element of training that comes, with, with topics like, with topics like encountering, like, what's the what's the term for it? 00:47:29.080 --> 00:47:39.500 Like diversity training, right, or maybe something like implicit bias type of training, to address the the police brutality, you know, some of these issues where there might be police brutality involved. 00:47:39.855 --> 00:47:41.635 And so that would be a separate thing. 00:47:42.015 --> 00:48:02.290 And so it's it's it's it's, so it's a it's a rather challenging, kind of a line to try to try to navigate through as a clinician because you don't want to cross that line into being, like, an educator about, like, not being a trainer versus being a clinician, if that makes sense. 00:48:02.670 --> 00:48:24.660 And so if so if, for example, if the officer, is trying to become educated about their we about their behaviors in certain situations that we might talk about, well, you know, we might talk we might talk about, like, processing some of the things that they were thinking at the time, and then and then see where they're at in terms of, like, what what they're I'm sorry if there's, like, a, if there's a dog. 00:48:24.660 --> 00:48:38.155 So I probably didn't, but, but I think we we want to the the priority is to address, the officers' issues and what they are presenting with. 00:48:38.315 --> 00:48:44.175 And I apologize I can't really provide a specific response to that because every case is different. 00:48:44.795 --> 00:48:54.290 And so I can't really provide, like, a general, general, like, like, a sweeping answer to that question because it's it, like, it it covers so many different things. 00:48:54.290 --> 00:49:11.595 But I will say that there is a there is an element of education that does take place, when it comes to, when it comes to training officers and providing some of the information about maybe some of the biases that they, they may or may not have when it comes to encountering, like, certain populations. 00:49:12.215 --> 00:49:29.250 And then there's also the piece, so there's different scenarios that may or may not happen where an officer might come in come in and say, like, well, look, like, I I really want to make sure this is done correctly, and and and let's, you know, do I do I do I have any, like, implicit biases myself? 00:49:29.625 --> 00:49:35.005 And I want to process that for myself and help and to help them be in a better place about it. 00:49:35.305 --> 00:49:51.550 And then there might be also instances where, certain feedback is provided, and maybe, but the officers themselves may or may not, may or may not have, like, the specific, goal in mind for them, when it comes to addressing that issue. 00:49:51.550 --> 00:50:08.545 But then we we try our best to, reach while we try our best to meet them or where they're at, we still we still try to provide some insights into, how they might have, you know, about, like, what what caused this incident to take place, and what how they're reacting to it. 00:50:08.545 --> 00:50:25.060 So, yeah, I really apologize for this type of, like, very, kind of a non specific answer, but it's just, it's just, there are so many different, there's so many different ways, that, it there's such a case by case kind of a thing that I can't provide that kind of a specific answer. 00:50:25.060 --> 00:50:26.920 So I double apologies about that. 00:50:28.885 --> 00:50:29.385 Okay. 00:50:29.845 --> 00:50:38.885 And, again, if you do have any more questions about that, feel free to email, Michael, doctor Paul. 00:50:38.885 --> 00:50:45.420 I'm sure he could maybe pass that on to someone else as well, and his and his team. 00:50:45.960 --> 00:50:49.820 The next question I have is, how did you go about getting started? 00:50:51.640 --> 00:50:55.420 It says with this program, but I believe they mean, like, you know, with your career. 00:50:56.325 --> 00:51:03.385 Did you start from the ground up, or did you base it on the needs that we're seeing in Montgomery County specifically? 00:51:05.605 --> 00:51:05.925 Yeah. 00:51:05.925 --> 00:51:11.380 I actually, so I started, my my first interest was in forensic psychology. 00:51:11.440 --> 00:51:25.125 So I, I did most of my training as a student in state hospitals working with, working with people who are in the criminal justice system and having mental health issues at the same time, so in the legal system. 00:51:25.825 --> 00:51:44.540 So it came out of it, so yeah, I it wasn't something that, law enforcement, psychology wasn't something I wasn't necessarily interested in, but I was always interested in working with, kind of, how psychology and the law interacted. 00:51:45.320 --> 00:51:53.605 So that's where I got my foot, got my foot in the door with the state hospital system and working with those populations there who are in the legal system. 00:51:53.605 --> 00:52:09.030 And then it's, and then just the the my interest started shifting over because, when I work when I started working with, like, Walter Reed, then because I then I started getting more interested in trauma, doing trauma type of work. 00:52:09.270 --> 00:52:14.310 And so that led me to working at Walter Reed, and working with the military service members. 00:52:14.310 --> 00:52:20.295 And then so that's, and then that kind of spurred my interest in working with first responders. 00:52:20.915 --> 00:52:34.500 And so it's not so much about I was, specifically interested in working with police officers, but it's just first responders in general, people who are out there on the front lines, and then and and and trying to assist, in their work. 00:52:34.660 --> 00:52:35.060 But yeah. 00:52:35.060 --> 00:52:35.140 Yeah. 00:52:35.140 --> 00:52:38.980 I mean, but just working with the police department now has just been an amazing experience. 00:52:38.980 --> 00:52:47.195 So I'm and I'm I'm and it's, I'm I'm glad, you know, this is where I ended up, but it's it's it's not something that I had in mind from the first get go. 00:52:51.575 --> 00:52:51.895 Yeah. 00:52:51.895 --> 00:52:57.335 I'm sure that, all that moving around, it it ended up being beneficial to you. 00:52:57.335 --> 00:52:58.535 And and so Yeah. 00:52:58.535 --> 00:52:58.775 Yeah. 00:52:58.775 --> 00:52:59.275 Absolutely. 00:53:00.040 --> 00:53:00.540 Yeah. 00:53:01.320 --> 00:53:13.820 So the next question I have is, for training and education of police officers, does it also include ongoing training with regard to psychiatric calls? 00:53:14.415 --> 00:53:22.435 Do you think that would help best help officers identify mental health concerns that they may see in their fellow colleagues? 00:53:23.775 --> 00:53:24.095 Yes. 00:53:24.095 --> 00:53:39.110 So we actually do have a pro training program that, that exists where officers are trained on the various ways that they, trained on basically, it's it's like a mental health training. 00:53:39.490 --> 00:53:44.955 So they they get training on the types of mental health encounters that they might have on a call. 00:53:44.955 --> 00:53:56.460 So if how to make, for example, how to identify certain signs of mental health mental illness, and if they do sense that, like, how what are the best ways to, to interact with those individuals? 00:53:57.000 --> 00:53:58.920 And there's also that's one piece of it. 00:53:58.920 --> 00:54:07.640 And the other piece of it is how to recognize, some crisis situations or mental health concerns and fellow officers as well. 00:54:07.640 --> 00:54:27.910 So we, so that's something that, has been we've seen an uptick in those trainings, I could tell you just in my own experience, in the past year or so, and I know just with the, with the policy themselves in place, I believe in Montgomery County, we, it it's it's it's a mandatory training now for police officers. 00:54:30.050 --> 00:54:30.370 Wow. 00:54:30.370 --> 00:54:36.390 That's really good to to know, especially when you're, like, talking about those TV show instances where Yeah. 00:54:36.945 --> 00:54:38.645 Some things may be over exaggerated. 00:54:38.865 --> 00:54:41.825 So and that's the thing that some people may not realize. 00:54:41.825 --> 00:54:47.125 You're getting that training that's needed, to really respond more effectively. 00:54:47.265 --> 00:54:49.845 So I'm I'm I'm happy to hear that myself. 00:54:51.980 --> 00:54:54.060 So we have, so many questions. 00:54:54.060 --> 00:54:55.840 We just have four more minutes. 00:54:56.140 --> 00:54:58.400 I'll get to just a few more. 00:55:00.140 --> 00:55:05.355 And then, if we don't get to them, please feel free to send them directly to doctor Ah. 00:55:06.075 --> 00:55:21.500 The next question that I have here is, is there a system that supports retired policemen helping them cope with the new reality of civilian life, such as some traumatic events that they've experienced? 00:55:22.840 --> 00:55:24.700 If so, what are they? 00:55:25.240 --> 00:55:25.480 Yeah. 00:55:25.480 --> 00:55:42.245 So, there's actually some a few organizations that are designed towards assisting retired police officers because that is also something that is a very, very, big topic, of of a source of stress, that retired police officers can experience. 00:55:42.245 --> 00:55:45.785 So, yeah, there's but some of the organization names elude me right now. 00:55:46.350 --> 00:55:52.450 But if you if you send me an email, it asks me if you want specific, role in the I I'm happy to provide that for you. 00:55:52.910 --> 00:55:53.390 But yeah. 00:55:53.390 --> 00:56:05.085 So and then there's, actually, I I believe, when so there at least in Montgomery County, there the retirement process, I think, covers about two years. 00:56:05.485 --> 00:56:13.185 So you you initiate the retirement process, and it takes, like, a a couple years for you to finally, like, kind of have your quote unquote last day on the job. 00:56:13.440 --> 00:56:23.140 And so during those two years, there are there are specific trainings that take place for those retiring officers, to help help manage some of those, things, issues that you mentioned. 00:56:28.745 --> 00:56:29.245 Okay. 00:56:30.505 --> 00:56:31.005 Alrighty. 00:56:31.145 --> 00:56:34.285 And then I believe, I'll just take one more question. 00:56:34.345 --> 00:56:44.730 And then if there's any education related questions, we'll, get into those, so so that we can allow you to get to your next event. 00:56:45.350 --> 00:56:51.990 The last question is, actually, I'm a LEO law enforcement officer. 00:56:51.990 --> 00:56:59.625 I have a year left in the dual MS in clinical mental health counseling program specializing in trauma and crisis. 00:57:01.285 --> 00:57:04.825 I will be involved in a CISM team. 00:57:05.205 --> 00:57:10.840 Does your team consist only of psychologists or professional counselors as well? 00:57:11.540 --> 00:57:11.860 Yes. 00:57:11.860 --> 00:57:15.800 At at least that the stress management team itself is is structured that way. 00:57:16.180 --> 00:57:19.300 And so it it's because, so it's I'll ask you. 00:57:19.300 --> 00:57:23.165 So thank you for asking that question because we only cover a certain range of services. 00:57:23.165 --> 00:57:30.545 So I mentioned things like fitness for duty, and and other, like, pre employment screening, that pre employment assessments. 00:57:30.765 --> 00:57:32.125 So we don't actually cover that. 00:57:32.125 --> 00:57:37.530 So we have different departments, and I believe we contract out, for those, for those tasks. 00:57:37.530 --> 00:57:45.230 So, so we we only consist of psychologists, at least in terms of the clinicians, and we have administrative staff. 00:57:45.770 --> 00:57:47.050 But then, yeah. 00:57:47.050 --> 00:57:52.495 So that's that's our team because it was it was just, it was designed for just those specific clinical services. 00:57:54.795 --> 00:57:57.995 And I remember you mentioning that there is actually a job opening. 00:57:58.235 --> 00:57:59.595 I thought we could end on that. 00:57:59.595 --> 00:58:00.735 There's a job opening. 00:58:01.355 --> 00:58:01.595 Yes. 00:58:01.595 --> 00:58:01.755 Yes. 00:58:01.755 --> 00:58:02.075 Oh, yeah. 00:58:02.075 --> 00:58:04.080 Thank you so much for reminding me about that. 00:58:04.080 --> 00:58:05.920 Yeah, yeah, I got lost in the yeah. 00:58:05.920 --> 00:58:10.980 But, yeah, so we do, so currently we do have a job opening for a psychologist. 00:58:12.160 --> 00:58:19.745 So if you are currently interested in working for the Montgomery County Police Department, so you would be actually considered a county employee. 00:58:20.525 --> 00:58:24.705 So there is the minimum requirement is two years of postdoctoral experience. 00:58:24.845 --> 00:58:45.090 So, so, yeah, if you are interested, then please, please apply to if you go to the Montgomery County, if you just do a search for Montgomery County job openings, there and then it'll take you to that page, and you can look for psychologists there, and and a job, job description and the application process should be in there. 00:58:47.985 --> 00:58:48.465 Awesome. 00:58:48.465 --> 00:58:54.965 And I see someone else mentioning that they're hiring as well in the chat, so thanks for sharing those resources with us. 00:58:55.105 --> 00:58:55.345 Yeah. 00:58:55.345 --> 00:58:55.585 No. 00:58:55.585 --> 00:59:05.430 So I I believe there's also a job opening for, like, a part time psychiatrist if, starting that to medical things, but, at the at the crisis center or health and human services in Montgomery County. 00:59:05.430 --> 00:59:12.170 So just, you know, if you want if you know somebody or if you, you know, if you are somebody who's interested in that as well, then there's a nice opening. 00:59:13.590 --> 00:59:14.090 Awesome. 00:59:14.665 --> 00:59:19.545 Well, we'll take this time to, allow you to, head off. 00:59:19.865 --> 00:59:25.145 Again, we really appreciate you for this time, and, hopefully, we can do something, similar. 00:59:25.145 --> 00:59:32.360 If there's maybe a part two to any questions that, may continue to come in, Please just let us know. 00:59:32.360 --> 00:59:36.220 We would be happy to continue to answer those questions that come in. 00:59:36.760 --> 00:59:53.175 So, and I do also have some other team members here from Divine Mercy University, who just been kinda in the background, who are here to answer any questions that may be, with regard to our master's program. 00:59:54.035 --> 01:00:00.240 Our well, our master's programs in counseling and psychology and our doctoral program in clinical psychology. 01:00:01.580 --> 01:00:10.480 So, we are we obviously do have some scholarships right now, that are open from $1,500 to $3,000. 01:00:11.020 --> 01:00:16.965 And, if you have any questions about that, we just also wanted to make sure that we made time for that. 01:00:16.965 --> 01:00:27.545 So if you wanna put those questions in the chat and how it may transition into the law enforcement world, please do that now as well. 01:00:27.570 --> 01:00:28.070 Yeah. 01:00:29.090 --> 01:00:35.410 And if if your question wasn't answered, and you would like to still follow-up, please feel free to email me. 01:00:35.410 --> 01:00:37.570 I'm happy to go through every single one of them. 01:00:37.570 --> 01:00:43.915 Or if any of my answers weren't, clear enough and you wanted to have some follow-up questions to that, please email me. 01:00:43.915 --> 01:00:47.595 I'm happy to chat with anybody who, you know, anybody who reaches out. 01:00:47.595 --> 01:00:49.195 So, so yeah. 01:00:49.195 --> 01:00:51.275 But, thank you so much for having me again. 01:00:51.275 --> 01:01:02.080 It was, it was a privilege to be here with you all, and and again, my number and my and my email is there if you have any follow-up questions or concerns or questions. 01:01:03.420 --> 01:01:13.875 Yeah, and so, yeah, thank you so much again, and it was, I really enjoyed, this this webinar, and I I I look forward to hopefully doing, you know, for our further collaboration. 01:01:15.535 --> 01:01:16.035 Alright. 01:01:16.095 --> 01:01:16.815 Thank you. 01:01:16.815 --> 01:01:17.935 Have a great one. 01:01:17.935 --> 01:01:18.175 Okay. 01:01:18.175 --> 01:01:18.575 Thank you. 01:01:18.575 --> 01:01:22.035 At this time, I'm gonna bring up, miss Tammy Spitz. 01:01:22.850 --> 01:01:28.230 She is actually the adviser for the, PsyD program. 01:01:29.090 --> 01:01:38.415 I just wanted to give each of my representatives here a time just to share their information as well, while we allow doctor Ah to, transition out. 01:01:40.075 --> 01:01:40.795 Hi, Ebony. 01:01:40.795 --> 01:01:41.275 Hi, everyone. 01:01:41.275 --> 01:01:42.095 How are you? 01:01:44.475 --> 01:01:44.975 Hello. 01:01:45.915 --> 01:01:49.855 So I'm just gonna share a little bit briefly on I hope you all can see me okay. 01:01:49.970 --> 01:01:54.710 Just gonna share a little bit briefly on the PsyD program at Divine Mercy University. 01:01:55.010 --> 01:01:57.510 Now, Ebony, let me ask you just before I get started. 01:01:57.570 --> 01:02:01.330 You're just looking for kind of an overview of the program to share with our guests today. 01:02:01.330 --> 01:02:01.570 Right? 01:02:01.570 --> 01:02:02.950 Just some brass tach information. 01:02:04.575 --> 01:02:04.815 Yeah. 01:02:04.815 --> 01:02:13.535 So since, doctor Ah is actually, someone who has a doctorate in psychology and he's currently working in the field, people may be wondering, okay. 01:02:13.535 --> 01:02:15.395 How can I go to the next step? 01:02:15.855 --> 01:02:18.655 And then we'll speak to our other programs that we have. 01:02:18.655 --> 01:02:26.170 But, I do know that some people are interested in going back to school so that they can work in the law enforcement area. 01:02:26.170 --> 01:02:32.430 So, what would those requirements look like for DuVernay Morris University, and how can they get started? 01:02:33.295 --> 01:02:33.695 Sure. 01:02:34.095 --> 01:02:36.815 So I'm gonna speak directly about this ID program. 01:02:36.815 --> 01:02:42.175 So for those of you that are are listening, do you know that I'm actually speaking just about a specific program. 01:02:42.175 --> 01:02:48.280 And as Ebony mentioned, my colleagues will speak on the other programs that we have here at Divine Mercy University. 01:02:48.420 --> 01:02:53.940 So Divine Mercy University, we are exclusively a graduate school of psychology and counseling. 01:02:54.180 --> 01:02:56.600 I specifically represent the PsyD program. 01:02:56.740 --> 01:03:03.855 So we're very fortunate here to have a a doctorate, of psychology in clinical psychology program. 01:03:03.855 --> 01:03:07.055 Now that program would be a direct admit program. 01:03:07.055 --> 01:03:10.195 It's for anyone who's looking to become a clinical psychologist. 01:03:10.415 --> 01:03:24.810 So so for those of you out there that are interested in conducting psychological test testing, an assessment so as to determine a diagnosis or or other things that could be happening with the client, this would be a program, that that could be for you. 01:03:24.950 --> 01:03:27.210 So this program is a five year program. 01:03:27.270 --> 01:03:29.905 It is, APA accredited, which is really important. 01:03:29.905 --> 01:03:33.525 So we are accredited by the American Psychological Association. 01:03:33.745 --> 01:03:37.185 And per that accreditation, this would be, an in person program. 01:03:37.185 --> 01:03:42.245 So, again, this is gonna be something that, you really do kind of, gear up for. 01:03:42.750 --> 01:03:45.950 You you really make it kind of a life endeavor to become a clinical psychologist. 01:03:46.670 --> 01:03:50.530 As a part of our program, it is inclusive of a master's degree. 01:03:50.750 --> 01:03:56.215 So you actually get a master's in general psychology on the way to, the doctorate. 01:03:56.215 --> 01:03:59.515 So you don't need a master's as an entrance requirement. 01:03:59.575 --> 01:04:01.435 It it's just a baccalaureate degree. 01:04:02.135 --> 01:04:06.875 We do ask that you have, a GPA of a minimum of three point o to be considered. 01:04:07.490 --> 01:04:11.430 And, again, it is five years, and we are based in Sterling, Virginia. 01:04:11.970 --> 01:04:29.995 The hallmark for those of you that are curious, I guess I kind of mentioned a moment ago, the hallmark of the this program would be, what makes it different, you could say, from maybe social work or counseling is that it does include that component of training that does allow you to conduct those assessments and those tests to determine a diagnosis. 01:04:30.695 --> 01:04:33.275 So it is a different kind of a degree in that regard. 01:04:33.735 --> 01:04:36.615 Ass ID also includes a therapeutic path. 01:04:36.615 --> 01:04:44.930 So not only are you able to conduct testing and assessment, you are rigorously trained in clinical skills, so therapy. 01:04:45.150 --> 01:04:48.370 So you've got both of those components as a part of this program. 01:04:48.910 --> 01:04:50.805 Ebony, I'd wanna be conscientious of time. 01:04:50.805 --> 01:04:54.265 I don't know if there's more that you'd like me to share or if anyone has questions. 01:04:54.805 --> 01:04:59.125 I'm happy to, to address those, but that's a little bit about that program. 01:04:59.125 --> 01:05:01.525 And, again, I can certainly, share lots more. 01:05:01.525 --> 01:05:02.825 It's a phenomenal program. 01:05:03.060 --> 01:05:09.960 Here at DMU, we are very much a student centered program, so our faculty really are here for you as a student. 01:05:10.260 --> 01:05:21.465 A little bit different than maybe other programs or a PhD program in that our whole goal of our faculty, our mission as an institution is to turn out excellent practitioners, in the fields of psychology and counseling. 01:05:21.465 --> 01:05:26.365 So something to really keep in mind is that you as a student are at the forefront of the education. 01:05:26.665 --> 01:05:32.285 You're gonna be the one really driving that path forward, and we're here as faculty and staff to support you in that. 01:05:33.070 --> 01:05:36.050 So I'll leave it there, Ebony, again, unless you want me to add anything else. 01:05:36.430 --> 01:05:36.830 Alright. 01:05:36.830 --> 01:05:37.150 Thank you. 01:05:37.150 --> 01:05:45.570 I just thought I'd add a little bonus on the end to this webinar just, for the sake of time since we do, have some folks here who may be interested. 01:05:46.275 --> 01:05:49.415 I'll bring up just two other representatives from our university. 01:05:50.915 --> 01:05:58.455 And, again, this will be, our master's in psychology representative, Gregory Shapiro. 01:05:59.160 --> 01:06:07.580 I'd like him to speak a little bit more about that online program and how, you can actually benefit from our scholarships as well. 01:06:08.040 --> 01:06:08.780 Thank you. 01:06:09.080 --> 01:06:10.540 Thank you all for being here. 01:06:10.760 --> 01:06:20.295 So I just wanted to, as the admissions rep for the masters in psychology, just give you an overview of what to expect for this one. 01:06:20.295 --> 01:06:25.195 Many of you might even be currently in the program, but many of you are also still researching. 01:06:26.040 --> 01:06:37.160 So the master's in psychology program, in short, it's our, Divine Mercy University's 100% online program and primarily asynchronous as well. 01:06:37.160 --> 01:06:44.035 So in other words, you have the flexibility as a student to log in to your classes at whatever time works within your schedule. 01:06:44.335 --> 01:06:57.410 So it's very friendly to those that might live in different time zones or if you have a very busy, schedule, whether you're a, you have a home home life that's very hectic or a work life. 01:06:57.710 --> 01:07:05.890 Many of the people that went to this program, they're attracted to that because of because of a a a busy work or home life. 01:07:06.405 --> 01:07:28.020 But this program also just like our other programs that we offer, we do integrate two thousand years of Catholic Christian teaching on human dignity, but we integrate it with the social sciences, and we also hold to a very high, a high bar of of education with our accreditation involved. 01:07:28.800 --> 01:07:35.685 And this program, the master's in psychology program that we offer, this one is thirty three credit hours. 01:07:36.465 --> 01:07:47.880 And we also offer three different concentrations, and these concentrations are marriage and family studies, leadership psychology, and pre PhD. 01:07:49.380 --> 01:07:56.040 And, you know, one thing that that came to mind for me as doctor was speaking was how relevant each of these really could be. 01:07:56.500 --> 01:08:07.535 He had mentioned just his work as when when speaking with different officers or people involved that he also has to make sure that he's addressing home life. 01:08:07.535 --> 01:08:11.775 And so that's why the marriage and family studies might be very relevant to that. 01:08:11.775 --> 01:08:18.800 But leadership psychology can be as well because you're applying this within an organization position, or setting. 01:08:19.180 --> 01:08:31.245 And then, of course, the pre PhD concentration is excellent for those that wanna go into more of a, research based career or perhaps in academia or furthering it within clinical psychology. 01:08:32.345 --> 01:08:37.885 But, also, just to go a little bit further, one of the best parts of this degree is how versatile it is. 01:08:38.665 --> 01:08:58.025 So in this case, because we were focusing on police psychology and this program is different because it is a nonlicensure program, so it's great for those that want to advance in the field or get a little bit more, of a background in psychology to either go into a position that doesn't require licensure or, again, if they wanna add credentials. 01:08:58.965 --> 01:09:03.625 It could also work within a more law enforcement, environment. 01:09:03.685 --> 01:09:12.350 So whether that's within case management or victim's advocacy as a nonlicensed professional or as a parole officer. 01:09:12.730 --> 01:09:20.590 These are just some examples of how having a master's in psychology would be very, very useful for, for these positions. 01:09:22.685 --> 01:09:28.365 But with that, you know, I I I'm sure that would be Ebony, we're gonna be providing our, contact information as well. 01:09:28.365 --> 01:09:31.985 Is that right for students that are looking to learn more about the programs? 01:09:32.845 --> 01:09:33.325 Yeah. 01:09:33.725 --> 01:09:35.640 If you could put that in the chat. 01:09:35.800 --> 01:09:40.940 And, we actually have a question asking when is the deadline for the fall. 01:09:41.560 --> 01:09:46.220 I believe that would be for the spring start because we just had the fall start. 01:09:46.920 --> 01:09:47.320 Yeah. 01:09:47.320 --> 01:09:47.640 Yeah. 01:09:47.640 --> 01:09:51.825 So our next start date will be our spring semester. 01:09:51.885 --> 01:09:54.225 That's going to be starting in January. 01:09:55.245 --> 01:10:07.070 So we actually have some time right now when it comes to the to the, deadline, but we do set specific deadlines for those that are applying, once they begin their their application process. 01:10:07.370 --> 01:10:13.390 But I will say that the sooner you apply, the better, and the reason why is because we do have scholarships available. 01:10:14.195 --> 01:10:25.255 And the sooner those those applications are sent in, the more likely you are to being awarded, potentially being awarded a, a higher, scholarship that's available. 01:10:25.715 --> 01:10:26.115 Okay. 01:10:26.115 --> 01:10:27.495 Thank you so much, Greg. 01:10:27.770 --> 01:10:32.670 And I just have one more, representative, Julie Cipriano Cipriano. 01:10:32.890 --> 01:10:38.990 I'd like her to just mention a little bit about our master's in counseling, and then, we'll be done for today. 01:10:39.530 --> 01:10:39.930 Hi. 01:10:39.930 --> 01:10:43.275 Thank you, Ebony, and thanks to everyone who joined our webinar. 01:10:43.695 --> 01:10:51.515 It was a great presentation by doctor So I am the admissions representative for the master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. 01:10:52.055 --> 01:10:53.595 It's an online hybrid. 01:10:54.380 --> 01:10:57.980 Like the master's in psychology, the bulk of the work is online. 01:10:57.980 --> 01:11:02.480 It's very flexible, available twenty four seven whenever it suits the student access material. 01:11:03.340 --> 01:11:08.800 But because it is a clinical and a counseling degree, there are certain aspects that don't lend themselves to online learning. 01:11:09.215 --> 01:11:12.175 So for that reason, it's also a hybrid program. 01:11:12.175 --> 01:11:18.755 So that means that there are three, long weekends here on campus as you move through your program. 01:11:19.295 --> 01:11:23.635 So if you're in school full time, it's, just under three years to complete the degree. 01:11:24.090 --> 01:11:29.790 So you come basically once a year to campus for those long weekends as you move through your studies. 01:11:30.170 --> 01:11:43.345 And once you finish those, long weekends on campus in the book of your online classes, you would then, do your practicum and internship in your own area based on the kind of counseling work you'd like to do. 01:11:44.445 --> 01:11:51.265 So, like the the other degrees we offer, all that's required to enter is a bachelor's degree in anything. 01:11:51.670 --> 01:11:56.330 This is an entry level program, so we teach you everything you need to know from the ground up. 01:11:56.790 --> 01:11:58.790 It is an extremely versatile degree. 01:11:58.790 --> 01:12:17.135 You can get, jobs at state, agencies or county agencies such as the one doctor, holds, a job with, you know, hospitals, the veterans administration, you know, private and public settings of many kinds. 01:12:18.315 --> 01:12:29.010 So I would love to talk with you about the degree program to answer any more detailed questions, and I will put my contact information in the chat as Ebony said. 01:12:29.150 --> 01:12:30.610 Look forward to talking with you. 01:12:31.310 --> 01:12:31.630 Alright. 01:12:31.630 --> 01:12:32.610 Thank you, Julie. 01:12:33.070 --> 01:12:41.995 And, I know it's sitting here looking at everyone, very clearly, but, I do wanna reiterate, that we have these scholarships. 01:12:42.775 --> 01:12:54.480 There is a deadline that is approaching for, the different scholarships for early admission, and it it kinda goes down the line based on the program that you're interested in. 01:12:54.860 --> 01:12:59.280 And we also have a public servant scholarship, that you can see there. 01:13:00.060 --> 01:13:15.015 And that also applies to, family members of these police officers, firefighters, hospital workers, EMT, and anyone else who aligns with those those titles. 01:13:15.075 --> 01:13:17.255 So that also applies to family members. 01:13:18.480 --> 01:13:26.080 So I don't see that there's a ton of questions, but, wanna just allow Julie to put her information in the chat. 01:13:26.080 --> 01:13:40.125 And then, if you wanna take that information down, if you're interested in our licensed clinical mental health counseling program, that you can, contact her at your leisure. 01:13:41.145 --> 01:13:42.825 Again, thank you all for being here. 01:13:42.825 --> 01:13:46.345 We'll actually be sending out a recording, of this webinar. 01:13:46.345 --> 01:13:51.560 So if you are multitasking, you can come back and watch it, at your convenience. 01:13:52.100 --> 01:13:55.720 You all have a good day, and we hope to see you at the next webinar. 01:13:56.020 --> 01:13:56.840 Take care.