ACA Blog

After one Army tour in Afghanistan and three years working at the Pentagon and the FBI, I’m finally back in the great state of Texas. Home sweet home! I’m spending time with family and old friends again. Excited to start my life in Dallas. Happy to be only months away from my PhD. I’ve been invited to join the most amazing DFW counselors at the LifeWorks Group. I’m can’t wait to meet my first new client…but I’m stuck waiting on the state licensing board. Oh yeah…that.

In light of recent cuts to our military, I’d like to share a couple angles that people outside (or even inside) the military might not otherwise consider. Not too long ago my Army Reserve unit was told by a Pentagon General that the government was “cutting almost 20% of the Army”—meaning, get ready because at any point your commander may be told something along the lines of, “you need to get rid of 2 of your Soldiers today.” While I hear much in debates and the news of unemployment rates, I don’t hear much about how military cuts are affecting our Troops and Families. Remember, a Veteran who is “fired” becomes unemployed too.

After over a decade as an Army Behavioral Health Specialist, BH-related experiences on 2 overseas deployments, from reports I was privy to while working in my active duty position in Washington, D.C., and from countless stories from military friends, co-workers, and clients, I have personally noted that interpersonal relationships were/are the most common theme amongst Troops contemplating or attempting suicide. This is something not “treated” with a diagnosis and a pill but that’s what our Troops typically get. Finally a U.S. publication has printed the truth: Our Troops need therapeutic counseling to address their most serious mental health needs. See the article link below.

Sometimes I get lazy, discouraged, or pulled towards work and family priorities, and I am consistently suffering from what I like to call a loss of the Counselor’s mindset. If you are familiar with my posts, of which there haven’t been many recently, you will notice that I am passionate about starting a Veteran and Family Counseling Ranch. Please take a look at my blogs titled: “Something Different", the “So What Factor 1-3", and "Rolling out the Model” if you’re interested. These blogs are lengthy but will be worth your read.

Let’s face it: Today’s United States military faces more pressure than any other fighting force in world history. I’m not talking about the pressure to survive and emerge victorious from conflict or a battlefield—this has always been a pressure. What I’m saying is that in today’s military, the same individual named “Warrior” upon graduation from basic training must also answer to “Humanitarian,” “Scholar,” “Technical Expert,” “Model Family Man/Woman,” “Compassionate Leader,” “Professional,” “International Ambassador,” “Healer,” “Media Fodder,” “Political Pawn,” even…”Public Relations Guru?” All at the same time.

According to StopMilitaryRape.org, a sexual assault or rape is reported as often as every four hours in the U.S. military. CNN’s Sanjay Gupta will feature a weekend report on sexual assault and rape allegations in the military. I was appalled (but not shocked) by what I read and heard in the online article, “Rape Victims Say Military Labels Them ‘Crazy.’” This article addresses the issue of how some survivors receive personality disorder diagnoses upon their report of a sexual assault or rape. I encourage you to read this article and to listen to the audio-recorded personal accounts of four military Service Women who experienced assault, rape, lack of support, and even a psychological diagnosis or military discharge: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/14/health/military-sexual-assaults-personality-disorder/index.html?hpt=ju_t2

Have you ever wanted or wondered how to become a more actively-involved member of ACA? Maybe you’ve been a member for years and would now like to collaborate more with other members. Or how about voicing your opinion on an issue near and dear to your heart? Or contributing to an effort that will directly impact national policy? There are many ways to get involved and to have a voice in our field, but one way is to join an ACA Interest Network. I am actually forming an ACA Interest Network for military members as we speak and would love to share this experience and opportunity!

We all know how difficult it can be for vets when they return from active duty, whether it is a return from battle field deployment, foreign country or even stateside but separated from loved ones for months or years. Many will not seek therapeutic assistance for various reasons, some will appear to return unscathed while others self medicate; all regardless of the situation, will go through some period of adjustment that will lead to either productive (positive) or potentially devastating results.

The following is a handwritten note placed on the Smith’s front door by their Trip Planning Facilitator (TPF), Mel: Jim and Fran, I hope you guys have had a great first week at the V&B and wish you both the best during your second week here. I know that this past week was difficult at times for the both of you, but I have the privilege of seeing you all every day, and I know that God has great plans for you guys. As your second week begins, I encourage you both to regularly participate in a group alone and a group together. Kamiah tells me that you are probably going to join Izzie’s Cooking group, and I think that’s a great idea. The two of you will enjoy getting to know her. I’m not sure if you are aware, but some groups have post activity follow up sessions that you will greatly benefit from. I encourage you to participate if you have the time and energy. Sincerely, Mel

Note: Designated Staff is on call for emergencies and there are no formal individual or group sessions scheduled. Why you might ask? Well for starters, everyone needs a break from work, especially the Vine and Branch Staff. In your individual practices, are you tempted not to take a day off because you feel the pressure to meet the “bottom line?”Are you better Counselors when you do not take time off?