Helping first responders with trauma through accelerated resolution therapy

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — “The one thing that we can count on is that at any moment, that radio can come to life with a dispatcher on the other end, sending us to a scene that nobody else should have to witness,” said Sergeant Ken Mencl.

Sergeant Ken Mencl has served with the Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office for almost 20 years. He says it’s not uncommon for the sheriff’s office to respond to traumatic events, but even first responders can be traumatized by their work.

“That’s what we call cumulative trauma, and our deputies are exposed to it on a daily basis, sometimes more frequently than others. In essence, the quality of our deputies’ lives declines because they are dealing with this cumulative trauma,” said Mencl.

According to Sergeant Mencl, the sheriff’s office has seen the negative impacts this can have on deputies, and leaders have realized there is a need to address the mental health of first responders.

As a result, the sheriff’s office connected with “A Chance 4 Change.”

“We work closely with law enforcement in town to address traumatic events. What we know is that trauma isn’t the event itself; it’s what happens to our bodies as a result of the event,” said Melissa Osen.

Melissa Osen is the owner of A Chance 4 Change and is a licensed clinical social worker. One of the techniques she uses to help deputies process their trauma is accelerated resolution therapy, better known as ART.

“When anyone comes into our office and they’re struggling with an event, they don’t have to share the details of it. So, it’s not about details—it’s content-focused. It’s image- and sensation-focused,” said Osen. “We look at the images that the brain is generating regarding that event, what’s keeping it stuck, and what sensations are present in their body.”

Osen uses ART to change the way the brain perceives traumatic events, what it tells itself about the event, and how the body feels when thinking about it.

“These tools can help them rewire and shut down that part of their brain so they can go home and have a peaceful evening with their families,” said Osen.

“Being able to take advantage firsthand of ART and go through that therapy with Melissa has made a huge impact on several lives of our law enforcement officers,” said Mencl. “It’s made a noticeable change not just in my life, but in the lives of many first responders around the valley.”

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