Veteran Identity and Mental Health: Military Service and Trauma - Part 3

2 Hours | 2 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Veteran Identity and Mental Health: Military Service and Trauma - Part 3 is presented by Kristen J. Vescers, PhD, MPH, MA.

“I didn’t serve. I can’t understand what my Veteran clients went through.” The Veteran Identity and Mental Heath training series follows a Veteran through three transition points.

The first two programs in this series cover Initiation into the Military and Military Service. While it is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended to take these programs in the series first.

This program discusses trauma experiences that are common amongst Service Members that may ultimately impact their identity as Veterans after service. Each transition point impacts the Veteran’s identity beyond their service. This includes expectations at each transitional stage of service that, if fulfilled or not, may impact one’s sense of self as a Veteran upon discharge.

Veteran culture is explored through the lens of the military experience and asks the learner to think about the Service Member through experiential exercises in order to get “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Military-related trauma is discussed as we consider how combat and military sexual trauma affect the identities and mental health of service members. Transition challenges during service are explored through the context of development and identity formation. This unique learning experience allows learners to explore their attitudes and beliefs about the Veterans they work with.

This program is intended for professionals who work (or live) with Veterans at any stage of their career and can benefit from the unique perspectives available in this learning experience.