Description
020: Ministry to Military: The Challenges of Moral Injury, PTSD, and Suicide
David Mikkelson, Ph.D.
Hill City Counseling
112 Candlewood Ct.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Suzanne Mikkelson, Ph.D.
Hill City Counseling
112 Candlewood Ct.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Summary
Modern warfare has significantly impacted a generation of warriors and their families. Beyond the physical wounds of battle, they often face moral injury, post-traumatic stress, depression, anger, strained relationships, and suicide. A career military couple leads this workshop on how key elements of military culture powerfully shape the ways warriors and families face these challenges. Licensed clinicians, pastors, and other helpers will find practical, faith-based ideas for effective ministry to military clients and their families.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Identify several unique, but influential, military cultural dynamics and modern warfare stressors that impact warriors and military families
• Assess for moral injury and PTSD and determine the effective responses that can be offered by both licensed mental health professionals and church-based helpers
• Formulate treatment plans that licensed mental health professionals, psychologists, and pastors, including those with no military background, can improve their effectiveness with the military community and help reduce suicide
