EVERYONE SERVES IN A MILITARY FAMILY
Being part of a military family is significantly different than those living the civilian lifestyle, which is why choosing a therapist with military experience or military affiliation is important as you explore therapy options. Constantly moving, living away from family, and pivoting with work and schools are just a few of the dynamics most military families experience.
Most people not in the military are extremely supportive and sympathetic towards military families, but sometimes you need someone who understands what we’re going through. If you are seeking out therapy, working with a therapist who is a military spouse, prior military, or a military child can provide unique insights that a civilian provider may not have.
MILITARY CONNECTED THERAPISTS UNDERSTAND
Military families tend to operate in high stress environments
- Deployments
- Unexpected (or unwanted) orders to move
- Starting over in a new place: school, job, childcare, community
- Relationship pressures
- Financial struggles
- Lack of continuity of care for medical needs
These are just a few of the typical hardships a military family experiences. This is on top of any additional struggles they are going through. It’s vital that a therapist understands military families are going through many layers of stress.
THERAPY FOR MILITARY SEPARATION AND DEPLOYMENTS
Going through separations and deployments is a fact of life for military families. Not only can it be scary and lonely but extremely stressful, especially as the parent who is responsible for all childrearing responsibilities during this time. A deployment is not simply being the primary caretaker, it can also mean not having your spouse, significant other, or parent readily available. Those people you would generally go to for advice, to celebrate successes, or to just talk to are not accessible. Finding a therapist with experience can help military families navigate this time while continuing to strengthen their relationships even from a distance.
MILITARY THERAPY FOR REINTEGRATION
Everyone knows military families experience deployments and have seen those heartwarming videos of surprise homecomings. The immense excitement and relief of having your spouse or significant other return home is difficult to express. However, you have lived apart from one another and those first few days, weeks, and sometimes months can quickly become frustrating. You have both missed big life events and changes. There are often feelings of guilt and disappointment. Seeing a therapist as an individual or as a family can keep the lines of communication open. This allows both parties to express how they feel while still experiencing the joy and relief of being together again.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Military families all have times when they are in “survival mode” just trying to get through. Whether you have been connected to the military for a few short years or are approaching retirement, the thought of life outside of the military can be daunting, even if it’s not on your radar just yet. Having a therapist who has been in a similar situation and has overcome obstacles or successfully transitioned into civilian life is reassuring. Just knowing someone has been in your shoes can be a comfort.
THE IMPORTANT OF COMMUNITY WITH A MILITARY THERAPIST
Most military families do not have the luxury of living near hometown friends and family. Our military community become our family, but let’s face it, we are going through similar struggles. While we can empathize with one another, it is hard to encourage each other and fall into the comparison of whose life is “more difficult.” Having a therapist to talk through our specialized needs as veteran and military families can help us to be a better support system for one another.
At the same time, many families have no prior knowledge or understanding of the military lifestyle. Service members often cannot go to their families for help, because they struggle putting themselves in the same situation. This can create tension within those relationships.
It is a personal choice, and finding a fitting therapist who works with your needs is vital in creating a successful atmosphere for support. If you feel the pressures and stress of military life are making everything in your life more difficult, a therapist who specializes in working with military families may be a great option.
Military families serve, in their way, alongside their service members. By taking care of the needs of our families, the family is better equipped to handle the uncertainties the military may present along the way. Sometimes qualifications combined with specialty experience are the best option, especially for military families.
At Renewed Wellness Counseling, we offer the unique perspective to provide military and veteran counseling. If you are a veteran, military spouse, or military family looking for a military therapist in North Carolina or South Carolina, schedule a free consultation by clicking below.
