Dec 15, 2023
Being married to law enforcement isn’t easy — the stress, the trauma, the long hours, and the silence can leave police spouses feeling invisible and alone. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Kirschman, author of I Love a Cop, shares what every law enforcement couple needs to know about protecting their relationship and building resilience as a first responder family.
Episode Summary (value + takeaways)
In this conversation with Dr. Ellen Kirschman, we cover:
Why law enforcement families often feel unsupported and isolated
How trauma and stigma impact police officers and their spouses
The reality of burnout for both officers and partners
Resources like I Love a Cop and the First Responder Support Network retreats
Practical advice for spouses to set boundaries, find balance, and reconnect
Dr. Ellen Kirschman is an award-winning police psychologist, author of I Love a Cop, Counseling Cops, and the Dot Meyerhoff mystery series. She has worked with law enforcement families for over 40 years and volunteers with the First Responder Support Network in California.
📖 Grab your copy of Hold the Line: Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
🎤 Want Cyndi to speak at your agency or retreat? Book here → https://code4couples.com/training/
00:00 – Welcome & intro
02:00 – Who is Dr. Ellen Kirschman?
06:00 – The origins of I Love a Cop
14:00 – Why police families feel isolated
20:00 – Trauma, PTSD, and first responder retreats
30:00 – Burnout for spouses & families
40:00 – Police marriage advice & communication
55:00 – Closing thoughts