Surviving then Thriving: Supporting Veterans and Families with a Skills-Based Readjustment Counseling Approach (Hamden, CT)

Key Note Speaker: Amy B. Otzel, MA, LPC Cost: $75 (Lunch is provided)

The unique experiences of the veteran's military service are examined with attention to the demands of the war zone and supportive mental health resources. A range of presenting problems including physical, social, cognitive, behavioral, and case management considerations are addressed. Past and present medical model diagnoses of PTSD along with differentials and implications are reviewed. Alternate conceptualization is emphasized, illuminating the potential therapeutic helpfulness of a skills-based readjustment approach. Each skill along with applications of counseling support is considered with particular attention on how the veteran and family unit are impacted. Empirical review of resilience building and incorporating practices for fostering of post-traumatic growth are provided.