Caring for our wounded warriors

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Caring for our wounded warriors

By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff

Monday, January 19

BRATTLEBORO -- A local program to help veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan deal with post traumatic stress disorder may soon be rolled out in Veterans Administration hospitals around the country.

The Warrior Project is a community-based support program to help returning veterans and their families, said Anne Black, who with Penelope Simpson, is designing the model they hope will help war veterans confront their emotions and reintegrate back into society.

If all goes as planned, the program will be adopted by professionals and laypeople who are helping veterans in transition from the combat zone back into civilian life.
"Ultimately we want to do trainings for families and volunteers so they know how to help."

Black, who holds a doctorate in thanatology and community psychology, and Simpson, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, will be making a trip to the White River Junction Veterans Administration Medical Center, home of the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, to train faculty and staff on the program.

The Art of a Warrior's Journey is a comprehensive training and curriculum designed for health care professionals in V.A. hospitals, said Black. The program is also designed to train other veterans, mental health counselors and volunteers.

The program uses calming mind-body techniques, self expression and movement, drawing, writing and guided imagery.

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http://www.reformer.com/ci_11488885