news release

Indian River State College (IRSC) is partnering with Boulder Crest Institute—a global leader in advancing the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)—to provide Struggle Well training to local first responders. The first class begins on December 14 and 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the IRSC Treasure Public Safety Training Complex, located at 4600 Kirby Loop Road in Fort Pierce.

“Struggle Well—Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma” is both a training program and a bestselling book by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg, experts in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The duo trains combat veterans battling the disorder to understand and achieve Posttraumatic Growth (PTG).

“Like combat veterans, law enforcement, corrections officers and other first responders are exposed to traumatic events and suffer from PTSD,” said Dr. Raimundo Socorro, IRSC’s Dean of Public Service Education. “This training is paramount for our Region 11 law enforcement officers and deputies who must understand and recognize the signs of PTSD, survive, and remain focused on positive growth.”

The goal is to train people to thrive in the aftermath of their trauma, Dr. Socorro said. Boulder Crest’s signature PATHH programs (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) teach participants how to make peace with their past, live in the present, and begin planning for their future.

“Boulder Crest is committed to addressing the epidemic of suicide and personal and professional struggle amongst the first responder and public safety community, including police, fire, dispatch, emergency management, EMS, and frontline healthcare workers,” said Bernie Gonzalez, Director of the First Responder Initiative for Boulder Crest in Florida. “At the heart of our comprehensive and sustained approach is a focus on normalizing struggle and decentralizing mental wellness. We are very excited to partner with Indian River State College to serve the first responders of Region 11.”

To register or learn more about this training course, contact Dr. Raimundo Socorro at rsocorro@irsc.edu. For more information about the IRSC School of Public Service Education and its other course offerings, visit www.tcpublicsafetytraining.com.

About the IRSC School of Public Service Education

The Indian River State College School of Public Service Education offers 18 programs ranging from Bachelor and Associate degrees to technical certificates. It is housed at the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, one of the nation’s most comprehensive, technologically advanced public safety training facilities. The 50-acre, 8-building complex also supports advanced training for regional first responders.