June 18, 2022

Post-Traumatic Transformation: Using Negative Experiences to Help Others | S2 E24

Norm Wielsch was a police officer for 26 years, during which time he saw a lot, made some bad decisions, suffered and overcame opioid addiction and spent time in prison. In this episode Norm talks about how he emerged stronger from his suffering and became a positive force to help in the lives of others.

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Norm Wielsch was a police officer for 26 years, during which time he saw a lot, made some bad decisions, suffered and overcame opioid addiction and spent time in prison. In this episode Norm  talks about how he emerged stronger from his suffering and became a positive force to help in the lives of others. 

 

For a law enforcement officer, traumatic emotional wounds and scars are not always visible to the public but they are there. This episode is about strength and compassion. It is about emerging from the dark, finding support and understanding, and becoming stronger. Norm Wielsch shares his story of extreme loss, extreme pain, and extreme growth. Norm is a survivor and a great example of the positive power that can grow from adversity.

 

Norm Wielsch had a successful career as commander of an elite anti drug task force. After medical challenges and dozens of surgeries, he experienced opioid addiction and was later incarcerated in federal prison, obtained a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Counseling, a Doctorate Degree in Christian Counseling, and a Certificate as a California Registered Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. While in prison, he counseled inmates, preached God’s word, and led bible studies. Norm says God healed his daughter’s serious illness and healed his PTSD through the Christ-Centered Healing process. This led him to author a book on spiritual development called Christ Centered Healing of Trauma: Healing a Broken Heart. Today, he is an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor and does Pastoral Care in a men’s residential rehabilitation facility in Northern California.

Norm WielschProfile Photo

Norm Wielsch

Author/Counselor/Former Police Commander

Norm Wielsch (WELSH) was a police officer for 26 years, sixteen of those as an undercover narcotics agent rising to the position of Commander. In 1998, Norm was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease that caused the loss of feeling, mobility, and strength in his hands and feet. After 30 surgeries he developed an addiction to opioids and was later diagnosed with work-related PTSD.
After a failed suicide attempt, Norm made a series of poor decisions that landed him in federal prison, where he answered the calling of God and the calling to minister to police officers who are suffering from trauma.
While in prison, Norm obtained a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Counseling, a Doctorate Degree in Christian Counseling, and a Certificate as a California Registered Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. Norm is also the author of the book: Christ Centered Healing of Trauma: Healing a Broken Heart.