Join nationally renowned psychologist Dr. Shauna “Doc” Springer for a three-part training series tailored to the unique challenges faced by law enforcement and first responders. Drawing on decades of experience working with elite military and public safety communities, Dr. Springer offers a culturally attuned, human-centered approach to trauma recovery, resilience, and suicide prevention.

For more information about Doc Springer, please visit her bio webpage.

This series will explore:

  • A whole-person approach to sustaining peak performance after trauma, including 10 practical rules to foster resilience, strengthen identity, and enhance well-being.

  • Why traditional suicide prevention models fall short for first responders—and what culturally relevant alternatives can truly make a difference.

  • Clear strategies for identifying hidden risk factors, navigating grief after loss, and asking the right questions to support yourself and others.

Each session in the series is related and can be attended individually; however, the two webinars are designed to build upon one another for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Credits

We are seeking the following POST credits for these workshops:

  • Understanding Mental Warfare: 1 POST Credit
  • The Growth Edge: 4 POST Credits
  • Blind Spot: 1 POST Credit

  • Understanding Mental Warfare: Suicide Risk in First Responders - WEBINAR

    Wednesday, Sept. 24
    1-2 p.m.

    Fee

    Free!

    Session Description

    Why are first responders at higher risk for suicide? This eye-opening webinar will debunk myths about suicide within the first responder community. Based on many years of work in the trenches of mental warfare, and her understanding of the research, Dr. Shauna Springer, a nationally respected suicide prevention subject matter expert, will present a range of new insights that are aligned with the culture and psychology of protectors and defenders.

    We’ll explore some unique risk – and protective factors that will increase risk if first responders are not aware of them. We’ll discuss the impact and range of emotions that are common after first responders lose a fellow responder to suicide, and most importantly, Dr. Springer will identify the mindset and the cultural shift that can decrease the risk of suicide among first responders. Participants will gain clarity on specific questions they can ask themselves – and their fellow first responders – to decrease the risk that suicidal thoughts will gain mental traction.

    Register for Understanding Mental Warfare: Suicide Risk in First Responders Webinar

  • The Growth Edge: The New Rules of Human Performance After Trauma

    Wednesday, Oct. 1

    Time and Location:
    HERO Center MN
    10125 85th St S
    Cottage Grove, MN 55016

    9:30 – 10 a.m.: Check in

    10 – 2 p.m.:  Session with a working lunch

    Fee

    $30 LMCIT Member

    $125 Non-Member

    Session Description

    Law enforcement professionals demonstrate incredible resilience in the face of repeated exposure to traumatic events. But achieving long-term peak performance requires continual evolution of how trauma impacts the body, mind, identity, and relationships. As the conversation around mental wellness shifts from problem-oriented, “What’s wrong with you?”, to a more human-centered approach, “What happened to you?” and more importantly, “How can we grow through it?”, we are presented with new tools to support those who serve and protect.

    In this dynamic session, Dr. Shauna ‘Doc’ Springer, a nationally renowned psychologist, master trainer, and leading expert on trauma to elite military units and first responder communities, will introduce a whole-person approach to peak performance and optimize growth after trauma. Dr. Springer will share 10 practical rules that foster resilience, enhance well-being, and strengthen performance under pressure.

    This session is designed for anyone in law enforcement leadership, peer support, wellness coordination, or front-line service who wants to better understand how to thrive—both in and beyond their role.

    Register for The Growth Edge in-person event

  • BLIND SPOT: Why standard suicide prevention approaches fail first responders and how to do BETTER - WEBINAR

    Wednesday, Oct. 8
    1-2 p.m.

    Fee

    Free!

    Session Description

    First responders are not dying by suicide because they don’t have access to regular suicide prevention training. In fact, they’re often required to attend such training events. The problem is that they receive training that is based on civilian suicide prevention models. This webinar will explore suicide prevention training that is completely different.

    Dr. Shauna Springer, a leading subject matter expert who has earned the trust of the military and first responder communities, will pull back the curtain on why other suicide prevention trainings fail to reflect the culture and psychology of protectors and defenders. We will look at why “knowing the warning signs” is helpful, but not sufficient, to reduce suicide risk. In addition, we’ll explore several categories of risk and Doc Springer will share signs of risk that are specific to first responders which are NOT trained in other approaches. Most importantly, this training will provide a clear roadmap for how to respond to risk in a way that is culturally informed and culturally respectful. 

    Register for the BLIND SPOT Better Preventions Webinar