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In my individual and group work, systemic betrayal consistently emerges as a central barrier to healing. It often prevents veterans and service members from softening rigid beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. This is especially true for those who represent marginalized identity groups that have experienced exclusion or invisibility within the military system. For many service members and veterans, the deepest wounds are not inflicted by combat or external enemies

Along with the occasional patron confusing our clinic for a veterinary practice, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern in my work with service members, where some approach therapy almost as if it were a religious practice, while others remain deeply resistant to therapy because of their current faith beliefs. Either approach can be workable. As I often say in session, my role is not to act as a superior or tell someone how they should feel, but to serve as a guide. I remain mindfu

For the military community, many veterans and transitioning service members are reliant on digital spaces for social connection, employment opportunities, support, and a sense of belonging. Yet these same online environments can expose service members to heightened risks of harassment, exploitation, and psychological harm. Without adequate digital safety awareness, the internet has and will continue to become an entry point for exploitation. Common Digital Threats Facing Serv

Navigating veteran resources can be overwhelming. The Vet Center I work for often receives calls about disability benefits, Health E-Vet appointments, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). While we’re part of the same agency as VA hospitals, we operate under a different umbrella, and the information doesn’t always transfer between branches. This leads to frustration from repeated phone transfers, long wait times, and confusing processes. When I speak with a veteran or ser

Military service is not just a career; it’s a culture with its own language, values, and unspoken rules. For those within the institution, this culture profoundly influences how service members perceive relationships, intimacy, and boundaries. Understanding the military’s influence on sex, consent, and relationships is essential for clinicians, educators, and loved ones who support those who serve. Military Culture and Power Dynamics The military is structured around rank an

Higher education is often seen as a rite of passage, a journey of self-discovery, academic growth, and future planning. But for ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadets, that journey comes with a unique duality: balancing rigorous academic demands with the discipline and duty of military training. As a way to fund my undergraduate education, I briefly joined the Tulane Army ROTC program after learning I was ineligible to enlist prior to college due to medical disqualifi

When we talk about the cost of healing, we often think about time, treatment, and recovery. But for many service members living with chronic illness or injury, healing also comes with a price tag that extends far beyond the hospital bill. The emotional weight of medical or combat-related expenses can quietly shape one’s mental health, influencing everything from daily stress levels to long-term outlook on life. Whether it’s an unexpected surgery, ongoing treatment, or the cos

For those who may not know, in May 2024, I earned my Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University, a milestone that deepened my commitment to helping others talk openly about this often-silent topic. Yet, I find it somewhat ironic that in my work with veterans, active duty, & their families, conversations about sexuality rarely happen. When they do, it’s usually in the context of the sexually harmful or exploitative. More often, the topic never surfaces at

In the military, loss is not always followed by a pause. The mission continues, the next assignment begins, and life demands forward motion. Grief often gets deferred, where soldiers, medics, chaplains, and support staff must suppress emotional reactions to loss to stay focused, protect others, or maintain operational readiness. Months or even years later, however, that grief can resurface unexpectedly, powerfully, and confusingly. This is what I am learning to be referred to