Understanding the Military Lifestyle

Military families often live in a world where their schedules, routines, and stability are dictated by military service. Deployments, relocations (PCS moves), and reintegration after long absences can create unique strains on the family dynamic. In therapy, I aim to deeply understand the specific branch, rank, and roles within the military context that shape each family’s experience.

These common themes often arise:

• Frequent relocations, leading to disrupted social support networks.

• Deployment-related stress, including the emotional toll of separation and anxiety over their loved one's safety.

• Reintegration challenges as service members return and families adjust to life together again.

• Unique stressors for children, such as changing schools, dealing with the absence of a parent, or coping with a parent who may return with physical or emotional trauma.

By being aware of these dynamics, I can approach therapy with sensitivity to both the culture of military life and the impact it has on each family member.

Strengthening Communication and Resilience

Military life requires families to be adaptable, but it can also create communication gaps, particularly during deployments. I work with families to build communication skills that strengthen their ability to stay connected, even when physically apart.

We often work on:

• Pre-deployment planning for how the family will maintain connection during separation.

• Effective communication techniques during deployment, especially for children who may struggle to express their emotions.

• Reintegration planning, helping both the service member and their family adjust to changes in routines, roles, and emotional dynamics when they reunite.

Resilience is a cornerstone of military families, but it doesn't mean they don't need support. Therapy provides a place where they can acknowledge the difficulties they face and learn new strategies to maintain their strength.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Trauma

Anxiety is often a significant factor for both military members and their families. Whether it’s worrying about the safety of a loved one overseas or the stress of adjusting to life after deployment, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help families reframe their thoughts and develop coping strategies.

For service members or family members dealing with trauma, including PTSD, I tailor trauma-informed care to their needs. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can process their experiences and begin healing. We focus on grounding techniques, emotional regulation, and building a sense of safety within the family system.

Supporting Children in Military Families

Children in military families face unique challenges that can impact their emotional well-being. Frequent moves can lead to difficulties in maintaining friendships or adjusting to new schools, and the absence of a parent during deployment can create feelings of abandonment, anxiety, or confusion.

When working with military children, I often use **play therapy** and **art therapy** to help them express emotions they may not yet have the words for. These creative approaches allow them to process feelings of uncertainty, fear, or sadness in a way that feels safe and accessible.

I also work with parents on how to support their children through transitions. This includes creating routines, offering emotional validation, and helping their children maintain connections with the absent parent during deployments.

Empowering Military Spouses

Military spouses often carry a significant emotional and logistical load, especially during deployments. They may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to navigate the challenges of maintaining the home front while their partner is away.

In therapy, I work with military spouses on:

• Self-care and boundary setting, ensuring they have time and space to care for their own mental and emotional health.

• Building support networks through both military and civilian communities.

• Managing stress and anxiety during deployments, particularly when they are handling the bulk of household and parenting responsibilities.

Military spouses are resilient, but therapy offers a space where they can explore their own needs, beyond the roles they play in supporting their service member.

Navigating the Reintegration Process

Reintegration after deployment is one of the most complex phases for military families. The returning service member may come back with changes—whether emotional, psychological, or physical—that affect the family dynamic. Spouses and children have often developed their own routines during the absence, which can create tension when the family comes back together.

I work with families to manage this transition by:

• Setting realistic expectations for reintegration and acknowledging the challenges that may arise.

• Fostering open communication about what each family member needs during this time.

• Rebuilding connection and intimacy between spouses who may feel distanced by the time apart.

This process often includes exploring new ways of being a family after deployment, where both the service member and their loved ones can feel understood and supported.

Addressing Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue

Family members, particularly spouses, may experience secondary trauma if their loved one is struggling with PTSD or other post-deployment challenges. I offer therapy that addresses the emotional toll of caring for someone with trauma and the impact it can have on the caregiver's mental health.

We work on building empathy without burnout and strategies for spouses to care for themselves, even while supporting their partner. Compassion fatigue is real, and military families need the tools to stay healthy and resilient while caring for their loved ones.

In my work with military families, I seek to create a therapeutic environment where each family member feels heard, valued, and equipped to handle the unique demands of military life. By providing tailored support, we work together to build stronger connections, heal from trauma, and foster resilience in the face of challenges.