Does the military status of your therapist matter to you? Does it make opening up about your experiences any less daunting?

2017-06-30T22:10:51-04:00

William James College is currently the only U.S. psychology graduate school focused on training veterans as counselors. The program addresses the high rates of PTSD, depression & other mental health conditions in the veteran community.

Robert Dingman, director of the program at the school, said: “If you talk to most vets, they want to talk to people who have had the same sets of experiences.”

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 30 at 2017 10:23 PM

2017-06-30T22:23:25-04:00

Vets do feel connected with other Vets. But then that is true with any profession...

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jul 1 at 2017 12:05 PM

2017-07-01T12:05:42-04:00

It might be nice to talk to a therapist that has "been there and done that" but coming from my own experience with mental health professionals (which is quite a bit since 2012) I just want them to be capable. It is hard enough to talk about certain things to anyone, regardless of their status in regards to military service, but it is even worse when you have someone sitting across from you that can barely strung two words together and you are expecting them to be able to help you in any meaningful way. I just want someone who knows their craft and employs their skills in a manner that betters my quality of life; anything more than that is just a bonus.

Response by SN Vivien Roman-Hampton made Jul 4 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-07-04T13:13:50-04:00

I think the biggest issue I hear is about consistency. People want a therapist that is there long-term not just for a short time and then having to change providers again and start their story over. I think it is definitely a positive to have a Veteran therapist but they also have to know what they are doing!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-07-04T14:46:02-04:00

Yes