Veterans Day

I am proud to have provided counseling services to military service members and veterans for almost 15 years. My work as a Military Family Life Counselor took me around the globe for years and I had the opportunity to embed in the culture where I held deep respect for service members and families. I continue to provide assistance to many prior service members in my private practice. It's a privilege and honor to be with them as they heal.This Veteran's Day, I would like to thank all of those who serve and have served, as well as the spouses and children who support their loved ones. I acknowledge the importance of healing communities that offer support. You don't have to sail your ship alone.The 50-year aftermath: how veterans come together and process trauma 🇺🇸: http://bit.ly/vets-process-together

Military families are uniquely affected by work and life stressors. Deployment, pre-deployment training and preparation, as well as reintegration can affect not only the service member, but their spouse and family.

Service Members

While Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) receives a great deal of attention and discussion, transition stress is another affliction affecting veterans that's often overlooked. According to a 2018 study published by Clinical Psychology Review, many veterans struggle with the transition back to civilian life. The excitement and purpose of serving in uniform, the sense of belonging, and the camaraderie of their squad can cause transitioning veterans to feel a loss of identity as they shift back into civilian life. Difficulty finding new employment and re-establishing relationships with family and friends after deployment can also present unique challenges. Left untreated, these issues can lead to anxiety, depression and other disorders.

Spouse

Being married to a service member uniquely affects a spouse. With their spouse's expected long-term absence comes the stress and responsibility of maintaining a home and family alone. Uprooting from one home to another is stressful and exhausting, and presents the military spouse with numerous challenges to overcome as they support their deployed spouse, a home and family.

Family

Every child reacts differently to a parent's deployment. However a child reacts, they will likely struggle with the change in their family dynamic. Children are emotionally vulnerable to the effects of deployment. Studies have shown that young children with a deployed parent are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems, as well as experience depression and anxiety.

There are many difficulties military families must face in selfless service to our nation's security. With years of experience supporting military families as they cope with the unique challenges presented by the military lifestyle, I am proud to provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to military active duty and their families.