Return to flip book view

Wellness Prof Forum 2025

Page 1

Presented by the NFOP Division of Officer Wellness WellnessProfessionals’Forum 2025February 16, 2025Sheraton Music CityNashville, Tennessee

Page 2

The FOP Wellness Professionals’ Forum brings togetherprofessionals working primarily in the mental health andwellness fields for a day of learning and networking.Presented by the NFOP Division of Wellness Services, thisForum will include an introduction to FOP wellnessinitiatives, seminar instruction in working with lawenforcement in the wellness arena, and a networking eventfor attendees.OverviewWho Should Attend:Licensed professional counselors, psychologists, or other professional mental healthclinicians currently treating law enforcement or first responder clients. We alsowelcome professional clinicians interested in learning more about successfullyworking with law enforcement clients.Those that wish to attend both the Professionals’ Forum and the Wellness Summit,will get a $75 discount, making the fee for attending both $525. This is an excellentopportunity for wellness professionals to get firsthand experience networking withactive and retired law enforcement.Wellness Professionals Forum has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit.National Fraternal Order of Police is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.NBCC Approval No. SP-4776. When: February 16, 2025Location: Sheraton Music City | Nashville, TNRegistration Fee: $175 per person (Forum only)$525 per person (Forum + Wellness Summit)Registration deadline is February 3, 2025.

Page 3

HotelInformation777 McGavock PikeNashville, TN 37214615-885-2200Sheraton Music CityGroup Room Rate: $160 + TaxDeadline for booking rooms at the group rate is January 20, 2025.DetailsParking: $10 per day This includes self parking and day parking for attendees notstaying at the hotel. There is no validation for parking.You will need to make your own hotel reservations. After yourregistration form and payment have been received, you willreceive an email confirmation from the National Office with a linkfor making hotel reservations online. The hotel prefers that allreservations be made through this link.The room block will fill up quickly; rooms are first-come, first-served. Get your seminar registration turned in early to secure aroom at the Sheraton.

Page 4

HotelLayoutLunch will be served buffet style in the Main Lobby and will be eatenin the McGavock Ballroom.Hospitality will be held in the McGavock Ballroom.Blue Family Networking (Alcohol Free) will be held in Oaklands.

Page 5

AcademicAgenda8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Check In (Hermitage Lobby)8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome & Introduction of FOP Wellness Initiatives (Hermitage D) Sherri Martin, MA, LPCA, NFOP Director of Wellness Services9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Break9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Alcohol Use in Policing: A Cultural Perspective (Hermitage D) Drew Prochniak, MA, LPC, LMHC10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Understanding and Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth (Hermitage D) Richard Tedeschi, PhD 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch (McGavock Ballroom)1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Changing Lives: Intensive Treatment for PTSD and Moral Injury Using the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol-ASAP (Hermitage D) Sonny Provetto, MSW, LICSW Stephanie Conn, PhD2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health in Law Enforcement (Hermitage D) Jaclyn Caccese, PhD Jennie Hill4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Break4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Do You Operate a Practice or Run a Business? The Inherent Tension Between Entrepreneur and Healer in LEO Treatment (Hermitage D) Thomas Coghlan, PsyD Katie Kuhlman, PhD5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closing Remarks and Networking (Hermitage D)6:00 p.m. SPECIAL EVENT - Documentary Film Screening (Hermitage D) Sponsored by Boulder Crest Foundation “Boulder Crest Foundation: Transformed by Trauma”Sunday, February 16

Page 6

ClassDescriptionsOfficer overuse of alcohol maintains to contribute tochallenges experienced by the individual officer, theiragency, their families and their communities Thispresentation looks at aspects specific to law enforcementculture which may contribute to this overuse, as well aspractical considerations and strategies for implementingsupportive change.Learning Objectives:Participants will gain in-depth understanding of howunique aspects of law enforcement culture fostersubstance mis-use.Participants will learn how different models ofsubstance abuse apply to the law enforcement culture. Participants will discuss unique resources andtreatment options for officers.Alcohol Use inPolicing: A CulturalPerspectiveDrew Prochniak, MA, LPC, LMHCThe presentation will cover an innovative way of approachingtrauma intervention built upon the principles of PosttraumaticGrowth (PTG). PTG encompasses the positive psychologicalchange that can emerge during the aftermath of trauma. Wewill discuss how to utilize a framework for facilitating PTGcalled ‘expert companionship’ and provide insights into howthis framework is incorporated into peer-based programs withFirst Responders at the Boulder Crest Foundation. Theempirical basis for expert companionship, as well as for thePTG process and outcomes, will be discussed.Learning Objectives:Describe the general concept of posttraumatic growth.List and give examples of the five domains of posttraumatic growth.List and explain the five phases of expert companionshipBe able to utilize a framework for facilitating posttraumatic growth with clients through expert companionship within existing treatment models.Understanding andFacilitatingPosttraumatic GrowthRichard Tedeschi, PhD

Page 7

ClassDescriptionsThis presentation introduces a 4-day intensive treatmentprotocol for police officers, combining the Acute StressAdaptive Protocol (ASAP) with Compassion-FocusedTherapy (CFT), two evidence-based modalities to treattrauma and moral injury. The protocol provides rapid andeffective support for managing acute stress, trauma, andmoral injury, enhancing resilience and recovery in just 4days. The presentation will cover the structure andobjectives, explaining how ASAP and CFT techniquesaddress both PTSD and moral injury needs. Thepresentation will discuss three years of research findings,which show significant reductions in PTSD and moralinjury. An interactive session will follow featuring Q&Asegment.Learning Objectives:Understanding the ASAP Protocol:Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding ofthe Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP), an EMDR-based intervention designed to treat trauma memorieseffectively. They will learn the theoretical foundation andpractical application of the ASAP.Applying Compassion-Focused Psychoeducation:Attendees will develop skills in implementing compassion-focused psychoeducation techniques to address and treatmoral injury. This will include understanding the principlesof compassion-focused therapy and how to integratethese techniques into clinical practice.Integrated Treatment Approach:Participants will learn to combine the ASAP protocol andcompassion-focused psychoeducation to create acohesive and effective treatment approach for officersexperiencing trauma and moral injury. This objectivefocuses on enhancing participants' ability to deliverintensive treatment that addresses both trauma memoriesand the dimensions of moral injury.Changing Lives:Intensive Treatmentfor PTSD and MoralInjury Using the AcuteStress AdaptiveProtocol-ASAP Sonny Provetto, MSW, LICSWStephanie Conn, PhD

Page 8

ClassDescriptionsThis presentation will address the underrecognized butcritically important issue of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),including concussions, among police officers. With a focuson the short- and long-term impacts on mental health andjob performance, the session will present recent researchfindings, including a survey of officers in Central Ohio,which revealed that 74% of officers reported a history ofTBIs, and 30% of these occurred on the job. Thepresentation will conclude by calling for urgent action toimplement concussion management protocols andenhanced mental health resources in police. By addressingthese issues, agencies can ensure the health, safety, andlong-term well-being of their officers.Learning Objectives:Understand the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)on law enforcement officers: describe the prevalence,mechanisms, and unique challenges of TBIs in the lawenforcement profession, including their effects oncognitive function, physical health, and operationalreadiness.Examine the relationship between TBIs and mentalhealth in law enforcement officers: identify how TBIsintersect with mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, anddiscuss strategies for early identification andintervention.Implement evidence-based practices to mitigate TBIrisks and support recovery: explore approaches forreducing TBI risk, managing concussion recovery, andfostering resilience and overall wellness among lawenforcement officers through training, policydevelopment, and healthcare resources.Addressing TraumaticBrain Injuries andMental Health in LawEnforcementJaclyn Caccese, PhDJennie Hill

Page 9

ClassDescriptionsClinicians operating in the LEO-treatment space are oftenguided by an altruistic drive to help and heal our heroes inlaw enforcement. Inherent to operating a practice anddoing this work, however, come the practical demands ofmeeting self-serving business needs - a dilemma thatsometimes goes unspoken. As an analogy, these demandsinherently conflict with each other as Healer versusEntrepreneur. Both presenters operate LEO-treatmentpractices and have navigated these dilemmas, from theperspectives of both independent sole-proprietor and asowner of a group practice. The inherent conflicts will bepresented as real-life dilemmas encountered by bothpresenters, as well as strategies and considerations inresolving these conflicts.Learning Objectives:Attendees will be able to distinguish between twogeneral philosophies of practice within the area of lawenforcement mental health, that of the entrepreneurialapproach and the healer approach.Attendees will be to list at least two role conflicts thatexist between the two general philosophies of practicebeing explored.Attendees will be able to identify at least two ‘red flag’indicators of loss of purpose among those operating inthe area of law enforcement mental health.Do You Operate aPractice or Run aBusiness? TheInherent TensionBetween Entrereneurand Healer in LEOTreatmentThomas Coghlan, PsyDKatie Kuhlman, PhD

Page 10

Meet theInstructorsJaclyn Caccese, PhDDr. Jaclyn Caccese is an Assistant Professor in the School ofHealth and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State UniversityCollege of Medicine and a faculty member within Ohio State’sinterdisciplinary Chronic Brain Injury Program.Her researchfocuseson mild traumatic brain injuries(mTBI), repetitivehead impacts,and their effectson brain health,with a particularemphasis on law enforcement officers. Dr. Caccese is a leadingexpert in this field, having developed the nation’s first return-to-duty protocol tailored for law enforcement officers recoveringfrom concussions.Thomas Coghlan, PsyDThomas Coghlan is a Clinical Psychologist specialized in Police &Public Safety Psychology, a retired NYPD Detective, a Fellow ofthe American Psychological Association, a past Visiting LawEnforcement Fellow with the International Association of Chiefsof Police, and a member of FOP New York Lodge 957. Dr.Coghlan operates a private psychotherapy practice where heexclusively treats law enforcement and other public safety personnel. He serves as a First Responder Psychologist on federal contract with theFederal Emergency Management Agency, and as a network clinician with the NYPD-affiliated Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance. He is currently the ProgramDirector of the Forensic Psychology program at King Graduate School, MonroeUniversfity, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Forensic Psychology at John Jay College,CUNY. Dr. Coghlan was an inaugural member of the National Consortium for thePrevention of Law Enforcement Suicide from 2019 to 2023, and sits on both theProfessional Advisory Panel for the National Fraternal Order of Police Office of WellnessServices and the Advisory Board of the National Suicide Awareness for LawEnforcement Officers (SAFLEO) program. He conducts both independent evaluationsfor psychological appeals and fitness-for-duty evaluation in his practice, and as anindependent contractor he conducts psychological pre-employment evaluations forpublic safety agencies in New York and New Jersey. He is licensed to practice in NY, NJand FL.

Page 11

Meet theInstructorsStephanie Conn, PhD, ABPP, Board Certified in Police andPublic Safety PsychologyLicensed Psychologist, First Responder Psychology PhD in Counseling Psychology, University of British Columbia 2015 Dr. Conn is a former police officer, as well as the daughter and wife ofpolice officers, and currently works as a Licensed Psychologist,specializing in police stress, trauma, work-life balance, coping, and resilience. Stephanie is Board Certified as a Police & Public Safety psychologist. She has28 years of combined experience working in the first responder field. She began as adispatcher/call-taker before becoming an officer with the Fort Worth Police Departmentand then earning her doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She supports first responderagencies with CISM, peer support, and mental health training. At the national level, Dr. Conn presents across the United States and Canada on peersupport and resilience, sharing wisdom gained from her police experience, her research,and her therapy practice. She is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police NationalOfficer Wellness Committee, Provider Evaluation Subcommittee, for the identification ofculturally competent clinicians for a nationwide network. She also participates in theInternational Association of Chiefs of Police Psychological Services Section workgroupsfor developing culturally competent mental health providers and national peer supportguidelines. She is also an approved instructor for I.C.I.S.F. courses, Group CrisisIntervention and Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol(ASAP). She is the author of Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel,which has received high praise for being practical, easy to read, and helpful. She has alsoauthored dozens of other articles and book chapters relating to first responder mentalhealth.

Page 12

Meet theInstructorsJennie HillJennie began her career in law enforcement in 2005 inMaryland witha 2009 transition to anagency in Georgia. In 2011, she experiencedfirst-hand the impact a line of duty injury one could have in a lawenforcement career, both physically & mentally. This prompted adeeper dive into the need for assistance and treatment for injured&disabled officers across the nation.Her passion for Peer Supportbegan in 2014 when she joined the team at Serve & Protect withwhom she still serves. She joined forces with a national foundation in 2018 to continue assisting injured & disabled officers until recently stepping down asExecutive Director.She and her service dog, Barron, travel the country assisting with injured First Responders.Barron is dually trained as a mobility/PTSD & therapy dog. As a team they travel the country,connecting with First Responders and their families. Jennie speaks on the importance ofrecognizing the signs of concussions/TBIs after an injury and the mental health effects oftrauma after her own experience with an on-duty head injury in 2011. She also discussesPeerSupport, PTSD/mental health/suicide awareness & prevention, Service Dogs, and PSOB. Shecontinues to voluntarily assist First Responders through legislative advocacy, recovery, andpeer support.

Page 13

Meet theInstructorsKatherine Kuhlman, PsyD, ABPPDr. Katherine (Katie) Kuhlman, ABPP, owner of Kuhlman Psychology& Consulting in Scottsdale, AZ, is a board-certified psychologistin Police and Public Safety Psychology, and has expertise in thetreatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and general life stressors. Shereceived her bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justicefrom the University of Central Florida, her masters degree in ForensicPsychology from the University of Denver, and her doctorate inClinical Psychology from the University of Denver. She has worked since 2014 providing services to first responders and their family members. Her practicesolely serves first responders, public safety professionals, and other high-stress occupationsand provides a multitude of services including counseling, critical incident debriefing, in-service training, wellness program creation and wellness checks, preemploymentevaluations, and fitness-for-duty evaluations. Dr. Kuhlman has responded and provideddebriefing services to critical incidents including officer- involved shootings, suicides, line-of-duty deaths, and mass shootings. She has presented nationally on wellness issues relatedto law enforcement, including being a regular instructor for the Washington DC PoliceLeadership Academy (DCPLA), and is a frequent media commentator, regularly providinganalysis on national news networks including Fox News, CBS News and more. Dr. Kuhlman isan expert on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and often testifies in cases regarding firstresponders and medical retirement and Workers’ Compensation, among other areas. Shehas served or chaired committees for various psychology/law enforcement guidelines,including the IACP’s Officer-Involved Shooting Guidelines, Peer Support Guidelines, andPreemployment Psychological Evaluation Guidelines.

Page 14

Meet theInstructorsDrew Prochniak, MA, LPC, LMHCDrew Prochniak, MA, LPC, LMHC works as a mental health clinicianand consultant specializing in the education, training and treatment offirst responders. With a background in wilderness medicine, he is aformer search and rescue professional and comes from a family ofpublic safety professionals. He holds a master's degree from HazeldenGraduate School of Addiction Studies and has presented nationally ontopics related to addiction, trauma and traumatic stress, work-life balance and resilience for public safety audiences. He is the author of Addiction & Recoveryfor First Responders and is a sought-after trainer in peer support team development andoperations. Before establishing his private practice in Portland, Oregon, he worked as aclinician in the addiction treatment industry for nearly seven years.2119.

Page 15

Meet theInstructorsSonny Provetto, MSW, LICSWSonny Provetto, MSW, LICSW, is the founder of the Vermont Centerfor Responder Wellness. As an EMDRIA-approved consultant andformer police officer, Sonny brings a wealth of experience anddedication to the field of responder wellness. His research focuses onmaintaining resilience among responders in the face of trauma. Sonny provides proactive wellness services to over 20 departments in Vermont. With over 36 years of combined experience as a police officer and emergencymental health clinician, his clinical practice is deeply informed by his firsthand experiences.He consults on stress and trauma issues with police officers, firefighters, emergencyresponders, and their organizations, working closely with them and developing proactivewellness programming. In 2017, Sonny played a pivotal role in his testimony before the Vermont legislature as asubject matter expert on PTSD, influencing legislation that made Vermont the first state torecognize PTSD as a compensable work-related injury for first responders. He is also therecipient of the EMDRIA Advocacy Award for his contributions to advancing EMDRpractices with responders soon after traumatic events. Sonny is currently conducting research on the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP),which he developed to reduce acute stress symptoms and enhance responder resilience ifused soon after a traumatic event. His work aims to measure the effectiveness of ASAP inmitigating the immediate impacts of trauma and fostering long-term resilience among firstresponders.

Page 16

Meet theInstructorsRichard Tedeschi, PhDRichard Tedeschi, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus in the Department ofPsychological Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte,and Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute for PosttraumaticGrowth, in Bluemont, Virginia, where he has been one of thedevelopers of programs based on posttraumatic growth principles tohelp combat veterans and first responders. He has published ten books and numerous professional articles on trauma, bereavement,and on posttraumatic growth, a term he coined and introduced to the psychologicalliterature while at UNC Charlotte. He was a member of the Graduate Faculty there, andtaught several undergraduate and graduate courses.These included Professional Ethics,Introduction to Psychological Treatment, Psychology of Personality, and PositivePsychology. He was chair of many Masters theses and Doctoral dissertation committees. Heserved as the Coordinator of the Masters program in Clinical/Community Psychology formany years.Dr. Tedeschi serves as a consultant to the American Psychological Association on traumaand resilience, and is a Fellow of the Division of Trauma Psychology and the Division ofPsychotherapy. He is also a member of the Division of Military Psychology and the Divisionof Independent Practice. He is a Past President of the North Carolina PsychologicalAssociation.

Page 17

800-451-2711 | 615-399-0900701 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214www.fop.netNational OfficeDivision of Officer WellnessSherri Martin, DirectorEmail: sherrimartin@fop.netPhone: 615-878-2620Contact Information