Therapist-held bias can negatively affect therapy. One population that therapists are likely to have misconceptions about is the military.
One major misconception is that all military members have PTSD. Although there is a higher prevalence of PTSD among veterans, it doesn’t mean that every veteran has PTSD. What does this mean for therapists? Don’t assume that their presenting issue is a result of PTSD. And PTSD rates aren’t the only misconception. There are a lot of mental health disorders in this population but the prevalence isn’t as high as most people think it is. Actually, a far more common problem is transitioning from military to civilian life.
One study found about half of veterans have a difficult time transitioning. The main issues vets face are moving from the very structured environment of the military to the less structured ways of civilian life. No longer is someone telling them what to do and where to be most of the time. Not only are they losing structure, but also possibly importance. In the military, they were under a constant threat of death, making their jobs very important. Then, after they return home, they just can’t find the same thrill or meaning in picking up milk at the grocery store.
Although vets tend to believe that civilians don’t truly understand their qualifications, vets present themselves in ways that do not match elements civilian employers are looking for. In another words, they often lack the ability to translate their military skills into civilian jobs. This is one of the things we can help them with as counselors. In addition, they also have a tendency to use military jargon, i.e. saying the 15th hour instead of 3pm. We have to remind them that they are no longer with their platoon and most people don’t understand what the 15th hour means.
How can therapists best help veterans? By helping them transition to civilian life. Reframing their current existence into something that is meaningful to them, educating them about how to communicate in this new world, and helping their spouses and kids adjust to life with a family member who is new to them in many ways.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
*Personal communication from Dr. Carlos Zalaquett, August 1, 2014
