Speaker(s):

Amanda McCullough, BS

Adriatik Likcani, PhD

Blake Dorsey

Presentation: For the last 17 years, the US military has been engaged in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There have been many casualties because of these combat operations. These casualties of war left behind families that grieve their loss. This has created many young widows, a role which is traditionally thought to be at a much later stage in life. The loss of a spouse can be one of the most difficult losses to experience with far-reaching consequences. Presenters will describe the findings of their study with young widows which explored how these young widows experienced the sudden traumatic loss of their spouse, explore the support systems used by these widows to cope with their loss and navigate the transition in their identity. Researchers will present findings and discuss interventions that counselors and therapists can utilize when working with this population.

Objectives:

1. Describe how these young widows experienced the sudden traumatic loss of their spouse
2. Describe the support systems used by these widows to cope with their loss and navigate the transition in their identity
3. Identify interventions that can be utilized when working with young military widows

Speaker(s):

Julie Batson, LCSW

Anthony Norris

Presentation: This presentation focuses on PTSD and how it affects not only the individual but the neurochemistry of the brain and developing a model and vision of Post Traumatic Growth. Discussion of best practices in trauma focused therapy, what works, what doesn’t, what the research shows us. The presentation gives the definition of PTSD and how it can evolve into a definition of an “injury” that leads to immense growth, resiliency, purpose and meaning for the client, which will primarily define Post Traumatic Growth. Many examples will be highlighted from the presenters professional and personal experience, as well as more detailed explanations of specific evidence-based treatments and how they work. The presentation will include how trauma can be transformative, lead to immense personal growth. How the essential tools for growth and on “changing the narrative” of the experience assist the client in their healing journey.

Objectives:

1. Define PTSD in context of Combat Veterans experience
2. Identify trauma as a source of growth and transformation
3. Describe the unique relationship of the trauma relationship and Veteran with PTSD
4. Define Evidence Based therapies in the treatment of PTSD and why these work
5. Describe how trauma effects the brain, and why knowing this is crucial for best practices in treatment of trauma.
6. Expand knowledge and skills of trauma informed practice.

Speaker(s):

David Tate, PhD

Presentation:  This presentation will focus on diagnostic and research issues surrounding two common comorbid disorders in active duty service members and veterans, namely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The presentation will cover the issue of overlapping symptom presentation, briefly describe the basic biology that may underlie symptom presentation, and the implications these issues may have for treatment.

Objectives:

• Review current epidemiology of PTSD and TBI in Service Members and Veterans.
• Describe the issues of differential diagnosis especially in a population where these conditions are often co-occur.
• Review the biological underpinnings of these two disorders.
• Review the treatment issues and help attendees understand the current strategies for treatment of the comorbid conditions.