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Why is sleep such a struggle for veterans, and what can therapists do to help? In this episode of Call Sign: Wizard, we dive deep into the unique challenges veterans face when it comes to sleep. From hypervigilance and nightmares to chronic pain and sleep apnea, we’ll explore the factors that keep veterans awake at night and the evidence-based strategies that can help them reclaim rest. Whether you're a therapist working with veterans or someone looking to better understand the sleep battle, this episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and actionable advice to guide the way.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:11 The Impact of Sleep Issues on Veterans
02:28 Understanding Hypervigilance
03:26 Trauma and PTSD Effects on Sleep
04:25 Physical Factors Affecting Sleep
06:47 Approaching Sleep Problems Differently
09:06 Effective Treatments for Sleep Issues
11:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for tuning in to Call Sign: Wizard. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Remember, the work we do with veterans is vital, and together, we’re making a difference one session at a time.

For more insights and resources tailored to therapists who work with veterans, follow us on Facebook. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring the challenges and triumphs in veteran mental health. Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and keep doing the work that matters

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In this episode of Call Sign: Wizard, we dive into what makes a veteran intake unique. From service rank to deployment experiences, family impact, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, I break down the essential questions that reveal the layers of a veteran’s journey.

00:00 Introduction to Veteran Intake
01:12 Understanding Military Rank and Culture
01:58 The Importance of Service Motivation
02:40 Family History and Military Service
03:04 The Role of Training and Placement
04:21 Deployment Experiences
05:26 Physical and Mental Injuries
05:53 Family Dynamics During Service
07:07 Transitioning to Civilian Life
07:52 High-Risk Activities and Coping Mechanisms
08:23 Impact of Discharge Type
09:15 Relationship with Veterans Affairs
09:53 Current Support Systems and Goals
10:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for tuning in to Call Sign: Wizard. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Remember, the work we do with veterans is vital, and together, we’re making a difference one session at a time.

For more insights and resources tailored to therapists who work with veterans, follow us on Facebook. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring the challenges and triumphs in veteran mental health. Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and keep doing the work that matters

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In this episode of Call Sign: Wizard, we’re diving into the unique challenges veterans face in the wake of Election Day. With tensions high and political rhetoric amplified, many veterans may experience intensified anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and a growing sense of distrust. As therapists, it’s crucial to provide grounding and stability, helping our clients navigate post-election stress without getting swept up in the noise.

Join Doc V, veteran and therapist, as he explores strategies for addressing election-related triggers, managing media exposure, and fostering resilience amid heightened uncertainty. Learn how to offer support without reinforcing fears, create a neutral and safe space, and help veterans regain a sense of control and agency in turbulent times. Whether you’re new to working with veterans or a seasoned therapist, this episode offers timely insights and practical approaches for supporting those who served.

References:

1. Bouvet, M., Deneve, A., Rouault, M. L., et al. (2024). Conspiracy beliefs and perceptual inference in times of political uncertainty. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 59434. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-59434-4
2. Fraser, T., Panagopoulos, C., & Smith, K. (2023). Election-related post-traumatic stress: Evidence from the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Politics and the Life Sciences, 42(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1017/pls.2023.8

00:00 Introduction to Call Sign Wizard
00:07 Impact of the Election on Veterans
00:50 The Role of Media and Fear
00:59 Challenges Veterans Face
01:16 Podcast Purpose and Host Introduction
01:54 Therapist's Role and Bias Management
02:29 Veterans' Feelings of Helplessness
03:09 Therapeutic Strategies for Veterans
03:45 Addressing Conspiracy Beliefs
04:17 Election-Related PTSD
05:01 Therapist's Approach to Support
05:18 Practical Tips for Therapists
07:32 Establishing Predictability and Structure
07:59 Preparing for Increased Symptoms
09:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Thank you for tuning in to Call Sign: Wizard. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Remember, the work we do with veterans is vital, and together, we’re making a difference one session at a time.

For more insights and resources tailored to therapists who work with veterans, follow us on Facebook. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring the challenges and triumphs in veteran mental health. Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and keep doing the work that matters

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Doc V examines the complexities of chronic pain within the Veteran experience, providing insights and strategies to help understand and manage its impact on daily life after service.

Thank you for tuning in to Call Sign: Wizard. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Remember, the work we do with veterans is vital, and together, we’re making a difference one session at a time.

For more insights and resources tailored to therapists who work with veterans, follow us on Facebook. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring the challenges and triumphs in veteran mental health. Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and keep doing the work that matters

Send us a text

Doc V (Tim Vermillion) introduces himself and Call Sign: Wizard, before delving into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR.

Thank you for tuning in to Call Sign: Wizard. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. Remember, the work we do with veterans is vital, and together, we’re making a difference one session at a time.

For more insights and resources tailored to therapists who work with veterans, follow us on Facebook. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring the challenges and triumphs in veteran mental health. Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and keep doing the work that matters