Trauma
Heal and Recover From Experienced Trauma
With the right support and resources, individuals who have experienced trauma can receive timely and effective interventions such as EMDR Therapy, allowing them to heal and recover from their experiences and prevent the onset of chronic PTSD.
Understanding Moral Injury in Veterans and Military Members
Moral injury occurs when individuals are exposed to or involved in events that transgress their deeply held moral or ethical beliefs. For Veterans and currently serving military members, these experiences can arise from situations such as witnessing or participating in harmful actions, being betrayed by leaders, or being unable to prevent harm to others. This form of injury is distinct from PTSD, as it is more about internal conflict and moral discord rather than the trauma itself.
What is Moral Injury?
Moral injury is a psychological distress resulting from actions, or the lack of them, which violate someone's moral or ethical code. This concept is particularly relevant to veterans and military members, as they often face situations in combat and military service where they may witness or partake in events that conflict deeply with their sense of right and wrong.
Causes of Moral Injury
Witnessing Inhumane Acts
Seeing civilians or fellow soldiers harmed or killed.
Participating in Acts
Being involved in combat actions that result in harm to others, including enemy combatants and non-combatants.
Failing to Prevent Harm
Feeling guilt over not being able to prevent tragic outcomes.
Betrayal by Authority
Experiencing betrayal by leadership or feeling let down by the military institution.
Symptoms of Moral Injury
Intense feelings of guilt and shame.
Deep-seated anger and resentment.
Depression and despair.
Social isolation and withdrawal.
Spiritual or existential crisis.
These symptoms often overlap with those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but are rooted in ethical and moral conflicts rather than fear-based trauma.
“We are a hopeful species. Working with trauma is as much about remembering how we survived as it is about what is broken.”
~ Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. It involves the patient recalling distressing events while focusing on external stimuli, typically guided eye movements, which are believed to aid in the reprocessing of trauma.
How EMDR Helps With Moral Injury
Processing Traumatic Memories
EMDR helps in the reprocessing of distressing memories. For moral injury, this involves confronting and integrating the ethical and moral dilemmas that cause distress.
Reduction of Guilt and Shame
By reprocessing traumatic experiences, EMDR can help reduce the intense feelings of guilt and shame associated with moral injury. This is achieved by helping individuals gain a new perspective on their experiences and actions.
Emotional Regulation
EMDR can improve emotional regulation, reducing the anger, depression, and despair that often accompany moral injury.
Cognitive Restructuring
Through EMDR, individuals can reframe their traumatic experiences, altering their perceptions and beliefs about the events. This can lead to a more compassionate understanding of their actions and decisions during their military service.
Improving Functionality
EMDR has been shown to enhance overall psychological functioning, helping veterans and military members improve their interpersonal relationships and reintegrate into civilian life.
The cornerstone approach to our Trauma-Informed care is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. EMDR Therapy is a research-backed treatment method that has shown remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
For all Minnesota Veterans, not dependent on discharge status, Service Members, and Spouses.
Eye Movement Desenstization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Healing is possible.
Providing Free Effective EMDR therapy
Effective Treatment for trauma & PTSD
12 EMDR Therapy Sessions at NO COST
In-Person or Telehealth options
Statewide Network of highly qualified EMDR Therapists in MN
All therapists are extensively trained in Trauma and EMDR)
Therapists are all trained through VRP on understanding military culture and supporting Veterans.
For all Minnesota Veterans, not dependent on discharge status, Service Members, and Spouses.
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