A lot of the “therapy” only makes the trauma live on and on by having the soldier re-live it, again and again,,, by talking about it endlessly. Ever notice that the first time vets really had problems was when society treated them like crap?? (baby killers, prosecutions, soldiers are “uneducated”, the code pinkers,,etc,,,)
When you came back to a society that was almost universally proud of you, you dealt with the darker aspects of it with guys who understood. Down at the VFW over a beer or two,,,or fishing with a buddy.
The therapy model is in a silly zone these days,, a kid gets killed in a wreck after school, and the school is flooded with grief counselors.
The better way is to thank them,, ensure their return to society is as good as it can be,,, and move not make them talk about it endlessly. They’d be WAY better served by a Canadian fishing trip for a few weeks.
For what its worth.
"I committed the same kind of atrocities as thousands of other soldiers...I used 50-caliber machine guns...All of this is contrary to the laws of warfare. All of this is contrary to the Geneva Conventions..."
(Videotape, MEET THE PRESS, April 18, 1971)
http://mickc.whizardries.com/archives/2004/04/18/john-kerry-admitted-war-criminal/
Any soldier, engaging in a completely common, reasonable, LEGAL activity, might be suddenly redefined as a "war criminal."
DG
Therapists have replaced priests and pastors, who have gone on to emulate them in search of pew-sitters.
Like I've said to those who suggested "therapy" ~ How many times can you tell your story?
My recommendation:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philipians 4:8-9