Episode 3 - Tom Moir: Behind the Badge: Overcoming Trauma and Grief as a Police Officer
Grief isn't just through death - it can be through the loss of something, perhaps that something is the loss of ourselves through the experience of trauma, or perhaps the safety of the world we thought we knew...
In this episode host Bianca Welsh speaks with Tom Moir, a Detective Senior Constable with Tasmania Police recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation for his actions in early 2025. Having joined in 2014 at the age of 19. He investigates some of Northern Tasmania's most serious drug and firearm offenders. In 2020, Tom was diagnosed with complex PTSD, severe depression and anxiety, largely as a result of repeat exposure to a range of traumatic incidences, the toll of which nearly claimed his life.
Tom bravely delves into his personal journey through complex PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety, largely resultant from his profession. Tom candidly discusses his experiences with grief, trauma, and the subsequent healing process, highlighting the importance of therapies like EMDR. The discussion emphasizes the stigma around male vulnerability, the necessity of compassionate self-care, and the remarkable strength found in vulnerability.
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Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry.
Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI).
Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI).
Licensed via Soundstripe Inc.
Cover Image: Eden Wilday
Thomas Moir
Tom is a member of the Tasmania Police, having joined in 2014 at the age of 19. He's currently a Detective Senior Constable, investigating some of Northern Tasmania's most serious drug and firearm offenders. In 2020, Tom was diagnosed with complex PTSD, severe depression and anxiety, largely as a result of repeat exposure to a range of traumatic incidences, the toll of which nearly claimed his life.
That same year, he took part in his first Movember campaign, shedding some light on his battles and raising funds for the charity in the process. Undoubtedly, it was a cry for help in the years that followed, and with much work, Tom ultimately recovered from his diagnosis. He is a passionate mental health advocate and proud Movember community ambassador.
In each episode Dr. Mai Fransden joins Bianca to discuss the key takeaways from each person’s experience and help all of us understand from a therapists perspective how and why things work.
She's a psychologist, health behavior change, consultant and researcher based in Tasmania. She earned her PhD in psychology in 2012 and is internationally recognized for her work in promoting health behavior change using incentives. Dr. Fransden is the owner of Trig Psychology, a private practice located in Tasmania, where she focuses on health behavior change, working with first responders, adolescents, and adults, navigating significant life transitions.Her approach is characterized by authenticity and pragmaticism drawing from her varied life experiences.
She uses a range of psychological treatment paradigms to get the best outcome for her clients. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Fransden serves as a psychologist in schools and is an associate researcher at the University of Tasmania. Her research primarily focuses on smoking cessation, particularly among pregnant women, and has led Tasmania wide clinical trials exploring the efficacy of novel incentive based interventions.
Having stepped away from active research, Mai's passion project is science communication and can often be heard on ABC radio sharing mental health hacks. Originally from Denmark. She has called Tasmania Home since 1994. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys engaging in outdoor adventures, endurance sports, and traveling both locally and abroad with her sons.
Resources
Tasmania:
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Tas - PH 1800 811 994
National:
Beyond Blue PH: 1300 224 636
StandBy Support After Suicide PH: 1300 727 247
Suicide Call Back Service PH: 1300 659 467
Mensline Australia PH: 1300 789 978
Mental Health Families and Friends ; A carer network for families and friends support someone with their mental ill health, access phone support and referrals 9-5pm weekdays.
Yoga for Trauma - Launceston - Burnie
Gabor Maté - ADHD, addiction, trauma expert
Dr. Frank Anderson - IFS and trauma expert
Neurofeedback - what is it?
00:00 Introduction to Movember and Host's Background
01:25 Purpose and Goals of the Podcast
01:55 Acknowledging Grief and Trauma
03:43 Guest Introduction: Tom's Journey
05:41 Tom's Mental Health Struggles and Recovery
10:17 The Role of Compassion and Support
13:37 Challenges in Seeking Help
17:20 The Importance of Vulnerability and Support Networks
33:18 Tom's Suicidal Ideation and Turning Points
39:42 Advice for Supporting Loved Ones
51:41 EMDR and Healing from Trauma
59:30 The Power of EMDR Therapy
01:00:26 Ineffectiveness of Talk Therapy
01:03:09 Exploring ADHD and Its Impacts
01:12:21 The Intersection of Trauma and Grief
01:38:12 Understanding EMDR and Neurofeedback
01:50:26 Final Thoughts and Reflections