APD launches Resiliency Enhanced Support EMDR Therapy (RESET) Project

The Austin Police (APD) is launching the Resiliency Enhanced Support EMDR Therapy (RESET) project to provide free advanced Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training to clinicians serving law enforcement and professional staff.  

“First responders are regularly exposed to high levels of trauma, and access to specialized care is critical,” said APD Wellness Program Manager Roxana Ortega, LCSW-S. “The RESET Project allows us to expand that care by partnering with highly trained clinicians in our community.” 

It is widely recognized that law enforcement personnel are continually exposed to trauma and high-stress situations as an inherent part of their work. With the increasing availability of therapies, such as EMDR, that effectively and efficiently resolve trauma—without requiring in-depth discussion of painful events—opens up more opportunities for law enforcement communities to seek therapy.
 
To meet this need, the APD Wellness Program has developed an advanced training opportunity for a select group of local mental health clinicians. This program is designed to support clinicians in developing and deepening their skills in delivering cutting-edge, effective treatment for a broad range of law enforcement professionals.
 
The RESET Project will identify therapists in the Austin community who:

1. have a strong interest in providing focused, high-quality trauma treatment to law enforcement and professional staff; and
2. have completed and incorporated EMDR Therapy* into their clinical work. EMDR is a well-researched, effective trauma treatment widely used with law enforcement and other first responder populations.

This training program provides in-depth education to build understanding of law enforcement culture and the range of high-stress aspects of the work that impact quality of life and job performance. EMDR Therapy will be taught from two perspectives:

• Teaching on the application of standard EMDR treatment with law enforcement populations, including common clinical adaptations; and
• Providing training in advanced, research-supported EMDR approaches, originally developed for disaster settings.  These protocols are ASSYST, Group ASSYST, IGTP, and PRECI.

The RESET Project is seeking EMDR-trained* licensed clinicians interested in providing therapy services to police officers, dispatchers, 9-1-1 call takers, crime scene analysts, victim services providers, and forensic analysts.
 
APD Wellness has structured the RESET Project to provide this advanced training at no cost. In return, participating clinicians commit to delivering 50 pro bono therapy sessions to law enforcement and professional staff over a two-year period.
 
This specialized EMDR training consists of two weekends of in person training, a series of consultation sessions and completion of one ride out with a police officer.

Trainers include: 

• Dr. Ignacio Jarero, Ph.D., Ed.D., https://scalingupemdr.com/dr-ignacio-nacho-jarero/
• Rick Levinson, LCSW, http://www.ricklevinson.com
• Dr. Christie Sprowls, PsyD., https://www.drchristiesprowls.com
• Viviana Triana, LCSW-S, https://www.vivianatrianaemdr.com

“We are excited about the launch of the RESET Project,” said Ms. Ortega. “Through this program, we are helping participating clinicians to expand their trauma treatment skills in this critical area of need. At the same time, APD will be significantly increasing the number of therapists in Austin who are well-equipped to provide effective, efficient care for law enforcement personnel and other first responders; while also creating easy access for our officers and staff at APD to services at no cost.”
 
For more information and application information: www.austintexas.gov/police/apd-reset-project
 
*EMDR International Association–Approved EMDR Therapy Basic Training