On Saturday, March 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Traci Tauferner, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Director of Industrial & Tactical Medicine with Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Rebecca Swan M.R.Sc., CAT(C), CSCS, TSAC-F, Physical Health and Performance Management Specialist for the Vancouver Police Department, and Anna Sedory, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Director of Injury Care and Prevention for the Fairfax County Police Department, will present their session, “Bridging physical and mental wellness through working with the nervous system,” in Room 107 at IACP’s Officer Safety and Wellness Conference in Louisville, Ky.
By Traci Tauferner, LAT, ATC, CSCS
On Saturday, March 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST, Traci Tauferner, Rebecca Swan and Anna Sedory will present “Bridging physical and mental wellness through working with the nervous system” at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Officer Safety and Wellness Conference in Louisville, Ky. This enlightening presentation explores the intricate connection between physical and mental wellness and the nervous system. In this thought-provoking session, attendees will delve into the impact of the nervous system on chronic disease, mental health and physical fitness, particularly in high-stress professions like law enforcement.
At the heart of their presentation lies a comprehensive exploration of the concept of the window of tolerance — a fundamental framework rooted in neuroscience that holds profound implications for individuals in law enforcement and beyond. The window of tolerance represents a dynamic range of arousal levels within the nervous system, where individuals can effectively process and respond to stimuli without becoming overwhelmed or dissociated. The intricate interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of critical neurotransmitters such as cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine governs this optimal zone.
In moments of stress or trauma, the nervous system’s response can push individuals beyond their window of tolerance, leading to hyperarousal or hypoarousal states. Hyperarousal may manifest as heightened vigilance, agitation or anxiety, while hypoarousal can result in numbness, dissociation or shutdown. Understanding these physiological responses is crucial for law enforcement professionals who routinely face high-stakes situations that can trigger stress and trauma.
By expanding one’s window of tolerance through targeted interventions such as mindfulness practices, regulation exercises and trauma-informed therapy, individuals can enhance their resilience and capacity to navigate challenging circumstances. These interventions regulate neural pathways, promote neuroplasticity, and strengthen the brain’s emotional regulation and self-soothing capacity.
Moreover, research suggests that individuals with a wider window of tolerance exhibit greater emotional intelligence, improved decision-making abilities and enhanced overall wellbeing. In law enforcement, where split-second decisions abound, and emotional regulation is paramount, cultivating a robust window of tolerance is not just advantageous — it’s essential for optimal performance and long-term mental health.
Through our presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of the window of tolerance and its implications for resilience, trauma mitigation and overall wellbeing. With this knowledge, law enforcement professionals can take proactive steps to cultivate a culture of wellness and resilience within their organizations, ultimately leading to safer communities and healthier individuals.
This presentation promises to deepen attendees’ understanding of the intricate relationship between physical and mental health and give them actionable insights to navigate the complexities of high-stress environments like law enforcement with resilience and grace.
Join us for an engaging exploration of the relationship between the nervous system, the window of tolerance and holistic wellness — a journey that holds the potential to empower and transform lives. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical tools for bridging physical and mental wellness.
About the author and speakers
Traci Tauferner, LAT, ATC, CSCS is the Director of Industrial & Tactical Medicine with Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. A strategic provider of advanced conditioning and rehabilitation services to tactical units, industry and municipalities since 2010. She has extensive experience working with law enforcement, paramedics/EMT, firefighters, SWAT and the military and specialized training in trauma-informed weightlifting, peer support, crisis intervention and wellness. Traci is a Wisconsin Army National Guard veteran and recipient of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award.
Rebecca Swan M.R.Sc., CAT(C), CSCS, TSAC-F is the Physical Health and Performance Management Specialist for the Vancouver Police Department. She has been providing strength and conditioning along with injury care to police officers for over 13 years and in 2021 she became a Trauma Resiliency Trainer for her department. This led her to become further trained in trauma-informed care and digging into how the nervous system influences various aspects of wellness in law enforcement.
Anna Sedory, LAT, ATC, CSCS serves as Director of Injury Care and Prevention for the Fairfax County Police Department. A licensed Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator, she holds additional certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Weightlifting, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Graston (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), Blood Flow Restriction Training, and is a Modern Cupping Therapy Practitioner.“
