Transforming Resilience: A Case Study

When the Governor of Oregon mandated a “Personal Resilience” training for all sworn personnel in the Oregon State Police (OSP), skepticism ran high. Tasked with delivering an eight-hour program to an audience renowned for its resistance to anything resembling “wellness training,” Anne E. Kellogg faced a formidable challenge.

OSP troopers operate in one of the most high-stress, trauma-saturated professions imaginable. Years of critical incidents, cumulative stress, and moral injury relentlessly take their toll, yet the culture often leaves little room for vulnerability—or for approaches perceived as impractical or “soft.” Anne’s mission? To break through the resistance and deliver a training that was not only engaging but truly transformative.

The Approach

Anne combined hard science with hands-on experiences, tailoring each approach to meet participants where they were while gently guiding them out of their comfort zones. Rooted in the principles of Simplicity Reconnect, the training bridged the gap between evidence-based practices and experiential, real-world application.

Key elements included:

• Breathwork: Tactical techniques for managing acute stress and regaining focus in high-pressure situations, both on and off the job.

• Movement-Based Exercises: Simple, practical ways to reconnect the mind and body for resilience and balance.

• Creative Visualization: Using the "Happy Place" exercise to foster self-reflection, emotional grounding, and renewed perspective.

• Sensory Regulation: Music, rhythm, and aromatherapy as tools to navigate and alleviate acute stress responses.

• Mindfulness in Nature: Guided silent, phone-free walks designed to cultivate awareness and enhance mental clarity through immersion in natural surroundings.

At first, the room was filled with crossed arms, blank stares, and palpable skepticism. Yet, as the day unfolded, these barriers gave way to moments of deep conversation, uproarious laughter, and transformative insight.