Frequently Asked Questions
What mental health services do you provide for veterans?
We provide individualized mental health services for veterans and their families, including individual psychotherapy, family therapy, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral approaches, and EMDR. Treatment may address PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, sleep problems, adjustment to civilian life, and other concerns associated with military experiences. Treatment recommendations are based on the veteran’s individual needs rather than assuming that every veteran has experienced service in the same way.
What is EMDR, and how can it help veterans with PTSD?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, trauma-focused psychotherapy designed to help individuals process distressing experiences that continue to produce emotional, cognitive, or physiological reactions. During EMDR, the veteran works with the therapist to identify traumatic memories and associated thoughts, emotions, and physical responses while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements.
The goal is not to erase the memory. Rather, treatment is intended to help the memory become less emotionally overwhelming so that reminders of the experience no longer produce the same level of distress or disruption in daily life.
EMDR is recognized by the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline as one of the most strongly supported trauma-focused treatments for PTSD. The VA National Center for PTSD describes EMDR as one of the most effective psychotherapies available for PTSD. Research with veterans and military-affiliated populations has also found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms following EMDR treatment.
Will I have to describe everything that happened to me in detail during EMDR?
Not necessarily. One feature of EMDR is that a person generally does not have to provide a detailed verbal account of every aspect of the traumatic event. The veteran must be able to identify and mentally access the experience being addressed, but much of the processing occurs internally.
Treatment proceeds at a pace appropriate for the individual, and preparation, emotional regulation, and stabilization are important components of the process. EMDR is not simply beginning with the most difficult traumatic memory during the first session.
Do you provide services for spouses and families of veterans?
Yes. Military experiences and PTSD can affect the entire family system. Symptoms such as emotional withdrawal, irritability, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, avoidance, depression, or difficulty communicating can place considerable stress on marriages and family relationships.
Family therapy can help veterans and their loved ones better understand trauma-related reactions, improve communication, rebuild emotional connection, develop healthier ways of managing conflict, and strengthen the family’s ability to support recovery. Family services may be provided independently or in conjunction with the veteran’s individual treatment when clinically appropriate.
Do I have to have a diagnosis of PTSD to receive veterans’ counseling services?
No. Veterans may seek treatment for a variety of concerns whether or not they have been formally diagnosed with PTSD. Some individuals experience anxiety, depression, grief, anger, relationship difficulties, sleep disruption, isolation, difficulties adjusting to civilian life, or other problems associated with military experiences without meeting full diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Treatment begins with understanding the veteran’s concerns, experiences, strengths, and goals. From there, an individualized treatment plan can be developed using the therapeutic approach most appropriate for that individual.