I'm overwhelmed in confronting my traumatic memories or emotions - I don't know if I'm ready!
I worry that seeking counseling might make others see me as weak - I feel misunderstood!
I fear the counselor won't truly understand or validate my experiences - I feel hesitant!
I question the confidentiality of the counseling sessions - I'm anxious!
I genuinely want counseling to work - I need to feel better!
You're not alone in navigating these challenges; countless others have walked similar paths and found support and solace in counseling. It's important to remember that being a human with vulnerabilities and struggles is a shared experience, and seeking help is a courageous acknowledgment of your desire for healing. In counseling, you'll find a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore these aspects of yourself and work towards healing and growth alongside someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.
Confidentiality Between You and Your Therapist
This is a cornerstone of the counseling relationship. Your personal information, discussions, and progress are held in strict confidence, ensuring a safe and trusting environment for your therapeutic journey. This means that your therapist will not disclose any information shared during sessions unless you provide explicit consent or if there are legal or ethical obligations to do so, such as concerns for your safety or the safety of others. Rest assured that your privacy is paramount, and your therapist is committed to upholding confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, fostering an atmosphere of openness and trust where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Active Duty Military Counseling
Addressing the emotional and psychological scars of military service is essential if genuine healing is to be gained. Due to the distinct challenges faced by military personnel, specialized counseling offers a safe space to process experiences, cope with trauma, and develop effective strategies for healing. This tailored approach acknowledges the unique aspects of military trauma, including combat exposure, loss of comrades, and prolonged deployments, ensuring that treatment meets the specific needs of those who have served.
Military Trauma Encompasses More Than Just Combat Incidents
Service members can encounter various other traumas; below are a few with a brief description:
1. Moral injury
Moral injury emerges when service members experience psychological distress due to participating in or witnessing events that contradict their moral or ethical beliefs. This internal conflict can result in feelings of guilt, shame, or spiritual anguish, impacting their emotional well-being and sense of identity.
2. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Occur when service members sustain head injuries during combat or other military operations. These injuries can lead to a range of cognitive and emotional challenges, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and in severe cases, long-term disabilities. TBIs are often caused by explosions, concussions, or direct trauma to the head, and their effects can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Treatment for military TBIs typically involves a combination of medical interventions, rehabilitation, and psychological support to help service members cope with the physical and emotional consequences of their injuries.
3. Sexual assault and harassment
Refers to any unwanted sexual activity, including harassment, assault, or rape, experienced by service members within the military context. It can occur between peers or involve abuse of power dynamics, such as incidents involving superiors and subordinates. Military sexual assault can have profound and lasting psychological effects on victims, often requiring specialized support and resources for recovery. It is a serious issue that undermines trust, morale, and cohesion within military units and can have significant implications for the overall readiness and effectiveness of the armed forces.
Trauma Counseling For Veterans
Veterans often carry the burden of traumatic experiences long after their service has ended, as the memories of combat, loss, and extreme stress can linger, deeply impacting their mental and emotional well-being. These experiences may become entrenched in their psyche, affecting their daily lives and relationships.
The weight of traumatic experiences can manifest in a multitude of ways, ranging from intrusive memories and flashbacks to avoidance of triggers associated with the trauma. Many veterans may struggle with hypervigilance, always on guard for potential threats, or experience intense emotional reactions such as anger, guilt, or shame. Sleep disturbances, nightmares, and difficulties concentrating are common, further exacerbating their distress and impairing their ability to function effectively in everyday situations.
New Heights therapists look to provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space for veterans to confront their painful experiences, process their emotions, and learn adaptive coping strategies to manage their symptoms effectively. Through the therapeutic process, veterans can begin to untangle the complexities of their trauma, rebuild their sense of self-worth and resilience, and ultimately find hope for a brighter future beyond the shadows of their past experiences.
Understand the Types of Evidence-Based Counseling Techniques
Active duty military personnel and veterans often benefit from counseling techniques tailored to their unique experiences and challenges. These techniques facilitate emotional processing and improve overall well-being. Here are several types of counseling techniques commonly utilized:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to distress. For military personnel and veterans, CBT can help address symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression by challenging unhelpful beliefs and teaching adaptive coping strategies.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce distressing symptoms associated with PTSD. Through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements or tapping, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, allowing individuals to integrate them into their personal narratives in a less distressing manner.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that encourages individuals to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to actions aligned with their values and goals. This approach can be particularly beneficial for military personnel and veterans struggling with issues of identity, transition, and existential concerns.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and empowering therapeutic environment that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals' lives. Therapists who practice trauma-informed care approach counseling with sensitivity, empathy, and an understanding of how past experiences may influence current behaviors and reactions.
New Heights Counselors Are Here For You
Our therapists will offer specialized counseling and therapy to assist you in overcoming the psychological and emotional impact of your service. Employing proven evidence-based techniques and customized care strategies, your therapist will aid you in navigating the complex effects of your trauma, fostering healing, resilience, and better mental health outcomes.
Are You Ready To Start Your Counseling?
The staff and counselors at New Heights Counseling, located in Fort Walton Beach, FL., are ready to assist you with your trauma. Our intake team is available by phone (850) 757-3331, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM, to answer any questions you have regarding our services. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified trauma-informed therapists today! Their clinical counseling skills will guide you through the process of coping with your trauma.
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