It's not what you see in the movies: Uncovering the invisible wounds of military trauma

Description: This presentation provides a fresh perspective on the magnitude and continuing stigma of military mental health. Neither counselors nor movies can grasp the full extent of an individual's suffering. We can empathize and ache in our own way having knowledge of it; however, no one can experience how another person is suffering. This presentation offers an overview of the obstacles veterans face throughout the course of their military career and the adjustment period post-service. A recently retired Airforce National Guard Captain will join this presentation to shed light on challenges faced throughout her career and the realities of facing PTSD and moral injuries daily, in battle, and beyond. Attendees will gain a valuable resource that will help mitigate the cultural gap between veterans and civilians that contributes to the ongoing efforts to decrease military and veteran rates of suicide.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1116004

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to understand military culture, military identity, and the unique experiences of Post-9/11 service members.
2. Participants will be able to define invisible wounds of war and recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors military trauma.
3. Participants will be able to facilitate knowledgeable interactions with service members and veterans with invisible wounds of war.
4. Participants will be able to describe the common challenges servicemembers and veterans face when seeking care for the invisible wounds of war.

Maria Giuliana, LMHC and Qualified Supervisor, is a 20-year Navy Veteran and founder of Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC and provides telehealth services throughout the state of Florida and Iowa. She holds positions as FMHCA’s Regional Director Northeast and Chair of the Military Services Committee. She is also a doctoral candidate at National Louis University-Tampa in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program with her research focus on Military Cultural Competency. Her Leadership and Advocacy experience also includes presenting at professional conferences at the local, State, and National levels on a variety of clinical topics, including military cultural competency, trauma, and other issues related to Military Veterans and their families, and addressing unique issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community.