When The Call Hits Home | Episode 11: Understanding the Silent Burden

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Jennifer Woosley Sailor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Guest:
- Caitlin Sturges: Daughter of a police officer, sister to a police commander and a firefighter paramedic, niece to a police officer, finishing her graduate studies in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis

Episode Summary: In this enlightening and deeply personal episode, Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Caitlin Sturges, who shares the complexities and challenges of growing up in a law enforcement family. Caitlin’s unique perspectives and experiences as the daughter and sister of first responders provide a heartfelt and informative discussion about the impacts of this lifestyle on families.

Key Discussion Points:

• Caitlin's Background - Raised in a law enforcement family, influenced by her father's work in the police force and the strong bond shared with her siblings due to their similar upbringing.
• Perceptions of Law Enforcement - Caitlin's transition from a positive view of law enforcement during childhood to navigating complex societal perceptions in adulthood.
• Behavioral Analysis Focus - Caitlin's graduate thesis aimed at bridging the gap between police training and understanding the functions of behavior to improve police response and reduce profiling.
• Personal Sacrifices - The conversation delves into the personal sacrifices and traumas experienced by first responder families and the effects on family dynamics.
• Secondary Trauma - Discussion about how Caitlin and her siblings process the secondary trauma from their father's and brother's high-risk professions.
• Media Portrayal - Caitlin critiques the negative portrayal of law enforcement in the media and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human side of first responders.
• Caitlin's Research - Insights into Caitlin’s research on civil unrest, policing statistics, and the need for behavioral training for experienced officers.
• Sibling Relationships - The strong, protective bond Caitlin shares with her brothers, influenced by their shared experiences and childhood.
• Divorce and Bonding - The role their parents' divorce played in strengthening the sibling relationship and the consistent communication with their father.
• Humor and Camaraderie - Stories of humorous interactions and rivalries between police officers and firefighters, reflecting the camaraderie among first responders.
• Field Gaps - The need for more research and resources focused on law enforcement within behavioral analysis.
• Future Aspirations - Caitlin's goal to develop comprehensive training programs for police officers, highlighting the need for better understanding and response mechanisms.

Humorous Stories:

• A naked man in a trench coat causing chaos near a pet cemetery, demonstrating the unpredictability and sometimes humorous side of police work.
• Ashlee's dad’s fear of bats and a memorable encounter trying to remove a bat from a house.

Personal Reflections:

• Caitlin and Ashlee share their personal struggles with societal perceptions of law enforcement and how it impacted their upbringing and current lives.
• Reflecting on the balance between professional responsibilities and personal experiences, especially in their roles as social workers and counselors.

Listener Takeaways:

• Understanding the unique challenges faced by children and families of first responders.
• Encouraging open dialogue and support for families affected by the demands of law enforcement professions.
• Highlighting the need for comprehensive behavioral training in law enforcement to foster better understanding and community relations.

Conclusion: Thank you to Caitlin Sturges for her insightful contribution to this important discussion and for her pioneering work in behavioral analysis within law enforcement. Listeners are encouraged to reach out if interested in Caitlin's program or to share their own experiences as children of first responders.

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