Videos
Public Safety Personnel (PSP) routinely experience traumatic events in their careers, with higher rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health conditions compared to most other careers. Mental health conditions are often treatable and many people are able to return to life as normal. However, some people who go through trauma describe an experience called posttraumatic growth: a sense of strengthened relationships, rebalanced priorities, deepened self-confidence, and renewed appreciation for life. How does posttraumatic growth happen? Can it be fostered on purpose?
We will explore what posttraumatic growth is – and what it isn’t! – with a focus on the unique trauma experienced by PSP. If you read this summary with raised eyebrows and skeptical disbelief that anything good could ever come out of trauma, this presentation is meant for you.
June 23, 2022.
Presented by:
Dr. Samantha Horswill is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Regina, where her research explored rates of PTSD in Saskatchewan police officers. Her clinical training included placements with RCMP “F” Division Health Services and the Calgary Operational Stress Injury Clinic. Dr. Horswill now works in private practice in Saskatoon, where she provides empirically-supported trauma treatment to Public Safety Personnel, healthcare workers, and Canadian Forces Veterans.