Veteran Identity and Mental Health: Post-Military Life - Part 4

2 Hours | 2 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Veteran Identity and Mental Health: Post-Military Life - Part 4 is presented by Kristen J. Vescera, 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 previous programs in this series cover Initiation into the Military and Military Service and Military Service and Trauma. While it is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended to take these programs in the series first.

This program takes the audience through the process of considerations as Service Members transition to civilian life. 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.” Broad miliary-culture-related definitions and terms are discussed in the context of discharge from service. Transition challenges after service are explored through the context of development and identity formation. The pros and cons of various PTSD-related treatments are highlighted.

This program is interactive and hosts a discussion of practical takeaways from the series to provide the audience with the tools needed to build strong relationships with Veterans in their communities. This unique learning experience offers the opportunity for learners to explore their own 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.