The Human Factor in Corporate Change: Insights from a Critical Incident Stress Management Expert

The Business Emergency Room Podcast

What if the key to overcoming your organization's toughest challenges lies in understanding the human element? In this compelling podcast episode, psychotherapist Elaine Belson shares her journey from over 30 years in psychotherapy to becoming a social work officer in the U.S. Army at age 42, including her deployment to Afghanistan. She recounts a pivotal experience providing critical incident stress management after 9/11 for a healthcare organization. While addressing immediate trauma, she uncovered deeper organizational challenges stemming from a merger. Elaine emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and human-centered leadership in navigating crises and maintaining workplace well-being. Her structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, rooted in identifying core needs, is both practical and transformative.

About the Guest:

Elaine Belson has 30 years of combined experience in clinical practice, military service, politics, and teaching. Her work spans a variety of settings, including private practice, colleges, community agencies, and hospitals. At the age of 42, she joined the U.S. Army as a Social Work Officer, managing domestic violence cases and teaching anger management to soldiers. Her deployment to Afghanistan included providing outpatient services and serving as XO for Medical Command. Elaine’s professional background also includes service on several advisory boards, teaching psychology at the college level, and holding multiple legislative positions in Washington, D.C. In addition to her private practice, she hosts the YouTube channel Ask The Therapist, makes podcast appearances, and writes about psychology in pop culture and politics.

Elaine’s Website: http://elainebelson.com/

YouTube: Ask The Therapist

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

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