When The Call Hits Home | Episode 14: Opening Up About Organizational Dysfunction

Hosts:

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

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

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, hosts Jennifer and Ashlee dive deep into the intricacies of "organizational trauma" and "organizational dysfunction" within first responder environments, such as police departments and firehouses. As licensed mental health professionals and children of police officers, they provide valuable insights and personal anecdotes that resonate deeply with their experiences and those of their listeners.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Listener Feedback: Addressing the dynamics between siblings and humorous feedback about Jennifer’s tendency to speak over guests, linked to her being a big sister.

• Emotional Regulation: Ashlee shares a touching personal anecdote about handling emotions after a sports event, linking it to broader themes of emotional regulation discussed on the podcast.

• Organizational Trauma: Exploration of emotional responses to negative workplace events within first responder environments. Ashlee sheds light on the impact of complex and intertwined systems in law enforcement agencies and their connection to political environments.

• Personal Experiences:

  • Ashlee's Childhood: Reflecting on how her father’s career as a police officer impacted their family dynamics, particularly when departmental issues were involved.

  • Jennifer's Personal Story: Her family's disappointment over an unfulfilled promotion and the subsequent effect on family morale.

• Impact on Families:

  • Communication of Stress: Addressing how stress from first responder jobs is often communicated at home, leading to family frustration and tension.

  • Children's Perspective: Discussing the importance of first responders remembering that their children are always listening and absorbing conversations about work.

• Organizational Dysfunction: Emphasizing the grief and loss associated with realizing that organizations may not meet familial support expectations. Real-life examples, including Ashlee’s father being reprimanded for helping a homeless woman, illustrate the conflict between personal ethics and departmental policies.

• Interpersonal Conflicts: Highlighting the stress caused by internal organizational conflicts and the lack of training in handling these versus fieldwork training.

• Mental Health Conversations:

  • Unaddressed Issues: The need for honest mental health conversations among first responders, often referred to as the "elephant in the room."

  • Control and Communication: Jennifer underscores the importance of recognizing controllable aspects in stressful situations and the power of active listening.

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This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diag