Protect & Serve: Why US Forces & Law Enforcement Members & Partners Need Relationship Therapy
Criminal Justice Service Members couples face unique challenges when it comes to relationships and intimacy. When your job is designed to defend and protect the greater population either in law enforcement, highway patrol, department of defense, homeland security, correctional staff, coast guard, marines, navy, or army have an extremely intense job that requires extreme sacrifice on the body and relationships.
The high-stress nature of the job, long hours, and the unique culture of Criminal Justice Service Members can all impact the ability of these couples to form and maintain healthy relationships. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why law enforcement couples need relationship therapy and how it can help.
Factors that contribute to the need for Criminal Justice Service Members’ to obtain therapeutic services:
High-Stress Lifestyle
Individuals who work with criminal justice involved individuals have a high-stress job that can take a toll on both the service member and their partner. The stress of the job can lead to extreme mood swings, irritability, and a lack of interest in activities, which can make it difficult to connect with one's partner outside of work.
Trauma
Criminal Justice Service Members may experience a higher rate of trauma during their service, which can impact their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Often many individuals in the field experienced childhood or other forms of trauma (i.e. past military service experiences). Trauma can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional numbing, which can make it difficult to connect with others.
Unique Culture
Criminal Justice Service Members have a unique culture that can be challenging for couples to connect. The long hours, frequent moves, and lack of control over one's life can put a strain on relationships and make it difficult to form and maintain intimate connections.
Stigma
Criminal Justice Service Members may feel stigmatized for seeking help for relationship or intimacy issues due to the nature of their employment. There is a cultural expectation that Criminal Justice Service Members should be tough and self-reliant, which can make it difficult for them to seek help when they need it.
How can couples therapy help Criminal Justice Service Members?
Provide a Safe Space
Couples therapy provides a safe and confidential space for couples to explore their relationship issues in a neutral mediated space. This can help couples feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their experiences and feelings, and also allows the partner to listen more intently.
Address Trauma
Couples therapy can help criminal justice service members address trauma and symptoms that impact the relationship well-being. Trauma-focused therapy can help couples process their experiences and develop coping skills to manage symptoms of PTSD.
Improve Communication
Couples therapy can help law enforcement couples improve their communication skills, which can improve their relationships. Communication skills such as active listening, assertiveness, and empathy can help couples connect with each other.
Address Mental Health Disorders
Couples therapy can help law enforcement couples address mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. By addressing these disorders, couples can improve their mood and increase their ability to connect with each other.
Reduce Stigma
Couples therapy can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for relationship issues. By providing a safe and supportive environment, law enforcement couples can feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it.
Couples therapy can be an effective way to help couples address these issues and improve their relationships. If you or your partner work in one of the criminal justice branches, I encourage you to seek help from a qualified therapist who specializes in working with their unique work environment. Protecting the badge and the heart is essential for the well-being of both the officer and their partner- which adds a heavy weight to the intimate partner component.
If you would like any support with connecting with your partner or would like help improve your relationship overall, feel free to reach out for professional help. I can help or refer you to someone who can help you in the event we are not the right fit. I offer psychotherapy sessions either in the office, via HIPAA compliant video, or as a “walk & talk” session in San Diego, CA. You may find more about it here.
