How Can I Counsel Veterans?
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Question:
I am a veteran who has been through 2 tours in Iraq. While I was over there, I became involved in counseling soldiers who were experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since then, I have felt a calling to get involved with psychology full-time. Is there specific certification and training I need to counsel post-war veterans?
Answer:
Your background in being a veteran (and therefore understanding the stressors first- hand) as well as actually having counseled some soldiers, is an excellent one for taking the next step in your career development. You are correct that you do need advanced training and specialization to be able to do post-traumatic stress therapy.
Do you have a degree in psychology? (although you say you have done some counseling in Iraq, was it at an entry level?) If you have a bachelor’s degree, I suggest you seriously consider a masters degree in psychology or social work (social workers can do therapy) or even a doctorate in psychology or counseling. To do the kind of therapy you are interested in requires intensive training, supervision and a license.
What is most important however is that you receive training and supervision specifically in post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) with a special focus on war trauma. PTSD treatment is a fast-growing field, as more research continually becomes available.
Most graduate programs that teach therapy will have an option for you to get the required coursework and internship experience in treating PTSD. Check with their admissions counselor to be sure.
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Tags: post traumatic stress, therapy, veterans
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