Building Resilience for Military Stressors Through Wilderness Therapy

Building Resilience for Military Stressors Through Wilderness Therapy PDF Author: Ceara Scanlon
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Military
Languages : en
Pages : 126

Get Book Here

Book Description
As the Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Administration (VA) continue to see rising rates of suicide among military and veteran populations, there is a growing demand to understand why these rates are increasing and to explore alternative treatment approaches (The Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Suicide Report, 2019). Historically, programs that incorporate the wilderness have been utilized as an alternative treatment modality for veterans, particularly those experiencing PTSD and related symptomatology. Wilderness therapy has been given a variety of names. Some of the titles include outdoor therapy, ecotherapy, nature-based therapy, adventure therapy and wilderness experience programs (Russell, 2001). Related to wilderness therapy are techniques such as boot camps, ropes courses, camping trips or simply taking patients outside while conducting treatment. All of these have been categorized to some extent under the umbrella concept of "wilderness therapy". A broader definition that will be used for the purpose of this paper is that wilderness therapy is a type of treatment modality that utilizes traditional therapy treatment, techniques, and education in an outdoor environment (Smithson, 2009). Most wilderness programs focus on veterans and trauma and not on building resiliency before trauma occurs. Due to this, the focus of this paper aims to explore ways to utilize wilderness therapy proactively as a way to build resiliency. Further understanding of the causes for rising suicide rates in this population are needed, in addition to incorporating alternative approaches to combating suicidality before it develops. In addition, alternative approaches to treating mental illness in the DoD and VA will be addressed. A treatment guide for the DoD and VA that takes a strength-based approach to building resiliency in military personnel was devised. The focus was to integrate wilderness therapy and strength-based techniques into general military population, as a proactive approach to building resiliency before mental health concerns arise.

Building Resilience for Military Stressors Through Wilderness Therapy

Building Resilience for Military Stressors Through Wilderness Therapy PDF Author: Ceara Scanlon
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Military
Languages : en
Pages : 126

Get Book Here

Book Description
As the Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Administration (VA) continue to see rising rates of suicide among military and veteran populations, there is a growing demand to understand why these rates are increasing and to explore alternative treatment approaches (The Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Suicide Report, 2019). Historically, programs that incorporate the wilderness have been utilized as an alternative treatment modality for veterans, particularly those experiencing PTSD and related symptomatology. Wilderness therapy has been given a variety of names. Some of the titles include outdoor therapy, ecotherapy, nature-based therapy, adventure therapy and wilderness experience programs (Russell, 2001). Related to wilderness therapy are techniques such as boot camps, ropes courses, camping trips or simply taking patients outside while conducting treatment. All of these have been categorized to some extent under the umbrella concept of "wilderness therapy". A broader definition that will be used for the purpose of this paper is that wilderness therapy is a type of treatment modality that utilizes traditional therapy treatment, techniques, and education in an outdoor environment (Smithson, 2009). Most wilderness programs focus on veterans and trauma and not on building resiliency before trauma occurs. Due to this, the focus of this paper aims to explore ways to utilize wilderness therapy proactively as a way to build resiliency. Further understanding of the causes for rising suicide rates in this population are needed, in addition to incorporating alternative approaches to combating suicidality before it develops. In addition, alternative approaches to treating mental illness in the DoD and VA will be addressed. A treatment guide for the DoD and VA that takes a strength-based approach to building resiliency in military personnel was devised. The focus was to integrate wilderness therapy and strength-based techniques into general military population, as a proactive approach to building resiliency before mental health concerns arise.

Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military

Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military PDF Author: Lisa S. Meredith
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833058169
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 185

Get Book Here

Book Description
As U.S. service members deploy for extended periods on a repeated basis, their ability to cope with the stress of deployment may be challenged. Many programs are available to encourage and support psychological resilience among service members and families. However, little is known about these programs' effectiveness. This report reviews resilience literature and programs to identify evidence-informed factors for promoting resilience.

Families Under Fire

Families Under Fire PDF Author: R. Blaine Everson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136925678
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 360

Get Book Here

Book Description
As provider networks on military bases are overwhelmed with new cases, civilian clinicians are increasingly likely to treat military families. However, these clinicians do not receive the same military mental-healthcare training as providers on military installations, adding strain to clinicians’ workloads and creating gaps in levels of treatment. Families Under Fire fills these gaps with real-world examples, clear, concise prose, and nuts-and-bolts approaches for working with military families utilizing a systems-based practice that is effective regardless of branch of service or the practitioner’s therapeutic preference. Any civilian mental-health practitioner who wants to understand the diverse needs of military personnel, their spouses, and their families will rely on this indispensable guidebook for years to come.

Digging for Victory

Digging for Victory PDF Author: Joanna Wise
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429912749
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 184

Get Book Here

Book Description
Horticultural Therapy is ideally suited to engage veterans alienated from traditional civilian healthcare routes who present with a range of complex and challenging healthcare needs. It presents, on the surface, as a deceptively simple and accessible activity. Carried out by trained professionals, it is an evidence-based, effective and cost-effective treatment. By targeting specific client-centred goals, it is able to integrate improved individual physical, emotional, cognitive and social outcomes with broader opportunities to transition successfully into civilian society through learning a valuable skill set and a meaningful occupation. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods of Horticultural Therapy as applied to this unique client group. It describes the type of combat training and experiences veterans may have had, and sets out the common issues and pitfalls civilian therapists often face when working with the military. Looking to the future, it also identifies promising avenues in terms of how we may improve the treatment we offer to best serve the needs of these ex-service men and women who fight on our behalf.

Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations

Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309254248
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 414

Get Book Here

Book Description
Prior to the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, wars and conflicts have been characterized by such injuries as infectious diseases and catastrophic gunshot wounds. However, the signature injuries sustained by United States military personnel in these most recent conflicts are blast wounds and the psychiatric consequences to combat, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects an estimated 13 to 20 percent of U.S. service members who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. PTSD is triggered by a specific traumatic event - including combat - which leads to symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing of the event; emotional numbing or avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, or places associated with the trauma; and hyperarousal, such as exaggerated startle responses or difficulty concentrating. As the U.S. reduces its military involvement in the Middle East, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) anticipate that increasing numbers of returning veterans will need PTSD services. As a result, Congress asked the DoD, in consultation with the VA, to sponsor an IOM study to assess both departments' PTSD treatment programs and services. Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment is the first of two mandated reports examines some of the available programs to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate those who have PTSD and encourages further research that can help to improve PTSD care.

Roadmap to Resilience

Roadmap to Resilience PDF Author: Donald Meichenbaum
Publisher: Crown House Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1935810219
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 210

Get Book Here

Book Description
For the military veteran or anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, returning to normal living can be a challenge. Be that as it may, even after events such as natural disasters, accidents, or one of intentional human design(e.g. combat, a terrorist attack, a sexual assault, etc.), approximately 70 to 80percent of individuals who are impacted adjust successfully. These individuals demonstrate resilience, and in some instances, even post–traumatic growth. But the remaining percentage will evidence lingering clinical disorders and adjustment problems, such as PTSD, anxiety, depressive, and substance abuse disorders that can result in suicidal acts, aggressive behavior, and divorce. Roadmap to Resilience includes over 100 ways to develop individual and family resilience-bolstering action plans to help those experiencing adjustment problems. In addition, it includes numerous narrative examples of successful coping from resilient individuals, self-improvement activities, and a comprehensivere source guide designed to help the reader locate the exact information they need to address their situation. This guidebook highlights ways that returning service members can successfully reintegrate into civilian life and how other trauma victims can cope with loss. Clinicians will find it an invaluable resource for translating evidence-based interventions into specific guidelines for their clients.

Stress and Resilience in the Military

Stress and Resilience in the Military PDF Author: Samir Rawat
Publisher:
ISBN: 9788131609866
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Get Book Here

Book Description


Building Psychological Resilience in Military Personnel

Building Psychological Resilience in Military Personnel PDF Author: Robert R. Sinclair
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN: 9781433813313
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
Military personnel and their families face innumerable challenges. Deployed soldiers are exposed to a wide range of stressors, from the continuous, low-level experience of living in a strange and austere environment for a lengthy period of time, to acute, traumatic events that occur during combat. All of these experiences can lead to long-term psychological problems like posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Back home, spouses of deployed soldiers face an increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, while their children may exhibit behavioral issues and negative outcomes in school. In the face of these persistent problems, researchers have consistently identified resilience, a term derived from the psychological and psychiatric literature, as perhaps the single most important factor predicting successful outcomes for military personnel and their families. In this book, Sinclair and Britt and a distinguished group of researchers investigate the concept of resilience, its essential role in normal psychological development, and its relevance within various occupational contexts unique to the military. They also evaluate existing programs for developing and maintaining resilience that have been implemented in various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Book jacket.

Healing Stress in Military Families

Healing Stress in Military Families PDF Author: Lorie T. DeCarvalho
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118038215
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272

Get Book Here

Book Description
Eight practical steps to help military families through the unique issues they face When service members return, it's up to their families to try to soften their re-entry into civilian life. Healing Stress in Military Families offers practical help for military families coping with the myriad repercussions of their loved ones' duties, from their deployment to their return home. Based on the latest scientific research and best practice guidelines—as well as the authors' experience treating veterans and their families—Healing Stress in Military Families offers answers for the stress that comes not only from war, but also from other related issues, including deployment and redeployment, relocation, and reunion. Healing Stress in Military Families provides: Evidence-based advice for clinicians helping military families with adjustment problems by facilitating communication, reconnection, and growth "Making It Real" exercises for clinicians to employ with families in sessions "Talking Points" that explore how to guide the family in their healing process Homework handouts and between-session "Taking Action" exercises for families that reinforce and build on skills and information introduced in sessions Compassionately written with the military family at heart, Healing Stress in Military Families provides the information, tools, and skills that will empower these courageous families to more easily heal and become stronger and more resilient as they go through life. "This practical workbook will help others understand the highly complex factors that cause dysfunction within military families. Using a clear format that avoids jargon, providers and families can work through the eight practical steps that focus on reconnecting the family and improving resiliency. This excellent book will surely become core material for anyone interested in working with military families." —Bradford Felker, MD, Director, Mental Health Primary Care Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine "Healing Stress in Military Families: Eight Steps to Wellness is a timely, practical publication that recognizes and addresses the impact of traumatic stress on countless 'hidden victims,' our military families. The focus on empowerment and goal-directedness—versus illness, disorder and dysfunction—is so needed today." —Mark D. Lerner, PhD, President, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress

Resilient Transition

Resilient Transition PDF Author: Sa'eed Mustafa a Csm Us Army (Ret )
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 230

Get Book Here

Book Description
In this book, I offer strategies for veterans transitioning from military life to civilian life. My solutions are rooted in the science of music therapy, universal laws of attraction philosophy, energy healing, and a resilient mindset, all of which have immensely helped me in my own transition. I now plan to share the wisdom gained from experience from all over the world. They say that the joy is in the journey, but sometimes, it can feel anything but that. Any type of change can be difficult, but it is especially hard for military veterans when we transition from military life to civilian life. In the military, you learn to believe in a mission that is much bigger than yourself, demonstrated by those women and men who make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Soldiers and for their country. Yet, when you leave it, you find yourself struggling to find your new mission in the civilian world. Let my experience help you. When you know the secrets that I discovered along my own journey, it can make the transition as easy as brushing your teeth in the morning. It can help remove all the unnecessary pain, trials, and tribulations during your transition process. I empower my readers to manifest their own realities. You are not helpless, and you have the power to demand what you want from your life and get it. I inspire my readers to build a resilient mindset to help in situations that may seem impossible to deal with. Don't look at the transition from military life as the end of your life, rather look at it as the beginning of your new opportunity to find new mission and purpose in life and serve your community.