In the News
Getting to the core of post –traumatic stress
PORAC Magazine -
October 2002
Started in May 2001, the West Coast Post Trauma Retreatsm (WCPR) is a residential
program, located in northern California, specifically adapted to help public
safety personnel recover from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Staffed by
clinicians, many of whom have a background in law enforcement, and peers
who have first-hand experience in dealing with trauma after a critical
incident, the retreat provides participants with an intensive five-day program
designed to restore stability and balance in a person's life.
''This is a nonprofit program that is completely staffed by volunteers,''
stated Al Benner, psychologist, clinical director for WCPR, and retired
captain with the San Francisco Police Department. Benner explained that
the fee charged for attending a session is used to defray the room and
board posts associated with the retreat. Benner explained that the session,
which usually begins on a Sunday and ends on a Friday, incorporates a group
debriefing process, one-on-one counseling, stress awareness and substance
abuse education. ''The first day consists of an intensive intake process''
stated Benner, ''where participants interface with clinicians and peers to identify
those index events that have become problematic to their lives This intensive
debriefing process is interspersed with educating participants on the physiological
aspects of stress. On the second day, outside therapists join the meetings
to work with the participants.
''We also include an ''AA'' component in the program's
Benner explained, ''along with a session in Eye Movement Desensitization
Reprocessing (EMDR) that has been very successful in getting to participant
to move beyond the incident'' On the last day of the session, participants
prepare a 90-day plan of action. "They
detail how they are going to change their behavior so they can deal with
their lives in positive ways,” stated Benner.
Benner cites some key elements that have contributed to the success of
the retreat. ''The most important element in the program is that it is
peer driven stated Benner. ''Secondly, the fact that the program is residential
forces a participant to face the incident and deal with it.
Joel Fay, a psychologist at the retreat and an officer with the San Rafael
Police Department shares Benner's enthusiasm about the uniqueness of the
program. ''Because of the fact that three of the psychologists at the retreat
are law enforcement veterans, the level of cultural competence is increased
for our participant's stated Fay. Additionally: the peers who work with the
participants have been through the program themselves, so they have an intimate
understanding of what the participants are going through. This factor clearly
differentiates our program from a traditional therapy experience where
the clinician has no first hand knowledge about law enforcement
Fay also attributes the success of the program to the residential aspect
that provides participants with the time to pull the incidents apart and look
at each incident separately. ''By being able to look at various aspects
of an incident and to come to terms with their anger, sadness or confusion
participants are able to make decisions concerning their behavior and how they
want to lead their lives.
A PEER PERSPECTIVE: One veteran officer and working peer for WCPR wanted
to share his experience as a participant in the pro- gram. As an officer
and supervisor, this peer, whom we shall call Officer Smith, had been through
a number of traumatic incidents. Although he had no conscious manifestations
of these incidents that he could not control, the effects of these experiences
began to show up in his other people including his spouse.
After attending marriage counseling, the therapist told Smith that there
were other issues that were getting in the way of the relationship. “I
rejected this idea,” stated Smith. “I didn't feel that there
was anything else bothering me.”
Eventually, however, continuous nightmares and physical symptoms of stress
including an inability to cope in crowded places, led Smith to the five-day
retreat in Massachusetts.
''Being an officer, it was difficult for me to make the decision to enter
therapy because officers have the mindset that you should be able to handle
the situation and, if you can't, then you must be weak,'' explained Smith.
''Neither options were acceptable to me. However, after not being able
to get over the feelings I was having, I finally decided to try the retreat.''
Three days into the therapy was the turning point for Smith. ''At first
I had disagreements with the program peers about what the key incident
was that caused the stress.
l felt certain that it was not the incident that they mentioned. I thought
I had gotten over it. On the third day of the session, however, I finally
came to understand the aspects of the incident that I had not been able
to deal with. It was a very cathartic experience.”
Smith stated that since his experience at the retreat, he no longer has
nightmares, is not anxious in crowds and his relationship with his wife
is on solid ground.
Smith indicated that he hoped that those reading this article, who cannot
get past the traumatic incidents that they have experienced, would be able
to see that it is possible to possible to regain a positive life.
For more information about WCPR call 415 721-9789.