Honoring the Cultural Norms and Experiences of Military, Veteran, and Law Enforcement Clients

Military members and law enforcement officers represent unique populations that navigate distinctive cultures and experiences that leave them vulnerable to increased exposure to traumatic events. While military members’ and law enforcement officers’ experiences vary both within and between these groups, there is a commonality through witnessing and engaging in acts that involve violence and risk of injury and death in the line of duty. These events may result in significant physical, psychological, social, and spiritual consequences, yet many military and law enforcement members are hesitant to seek mental healthcare and the support of helpers to navigate and process their experiences. Even when there is need for aid, hesitancy to seek help stems from a range of concerns, such as stigma of mental health needs, real and perceived consequences of reporting, and fears of misunderstanding from professionals. In order to increase understanding and awareness of the nature and needs of military and law enforcement members, the intent of this chapter is to explore key structural and cultural elements impacting these populations and specific experiences of service members and officers through contextualizing information and a case illustration to improve helpers’ confidence and preparedness to support these populations.