Discover how trauma and posture interact through the experience of Benjamin Heckel, a former police officer who helps victims of violence.
Hello and welcome to this new episode of Cardor Neuro. We continue our exploration of themes related to trauma and posture. Today, we are pleased to welcome Benjamin Heckel, a former police officer who has dedicated his life to helping victims of violence. In this episode, he will share his journey and expertise on managing stress and trauma.
Benjamin, welcome back and thank you for being with us. For those who don’t know you yet, could you introduce yourself?
Of course. I spent 17 years in the police force, mainly in intervention units. Recently, I left the institution to focus on my association, where I help trauma victims, especially women who are victims of domestic violence. I use self-defense workshops combined with mental preparation tools to teach them how to manage their stress.
In this episode, we will discuss three main areas. The first concerns our reaction to violent stress, particularly in intervention situations.
In 2016, I experienced a very intense intervention. We had to apprehend an individual threatening us with a shotgun. During the assault, he fired at our unit, and I was injured by a bullet fragment. It was a moment of extreme stress where my mind started to operate in 'tunnel' mode, which allowed me to react instinctively thanks to my training.
After such an intense intervention, what was your emotional state?
Initially, I was in a state of excitement, probably due to adrenaline. But the next day, I realized the extent of the situation. It triggered a kind of waves of emotions, ranging from excitement to deep reflection on my life and safety.
It’s interesting to note that post-traumatic stress can vary from person to person. Some react strongly, while others manage to cope more easily. During debriefings, we noticed that everyone experienced the situation differently.
In parallel, you have set up workshops for women victims of domestic violence. Can you tell us about your approach?
During the workshops, it is crucial to establish a climate of trust. Women come in with apprehension, often linked to their past experiences with law enforcement. My role is to help them release their emotions and rebuild their self-esteem.
Reconstruction is a long and complex process. Participants must not only learn self-defense techniques but also work on their emotions and confidence. I use a holistic approach, combining boxing, relaxation, and emotional management tools to help these women regain their personal power.
Thank you, Benjamin, for sharing this enriching experience. If our listeners want to learn more about you and your work, how can they contact you?
They can find me on social media under the name of my association "Matit Sport," or email me directly. Thank you all for listening to this episode!
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