Comprehensive Guide to PTSD Treatment in Military and Veterans
Understanding PTSD in Military and Veterans: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Management
The Rising Concern of PTSD Among Military Personnel
The issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military and veterans has been a subject of concern for many years, but it’s only recently that it has garnered widespread attention from both the medical community and the general public. The psychological repercussions of warfare go far beyond the immediate impact on the individual soldier or veteran. They have a ripple effect that extends to various facets of military life, including operational performance, retention rates, and the overall well-being of service members. For a deeper understanding of how PTSD affects veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive resources. For those seeking a more holistic approach to managing these symptoms, our PTSD Program offers a blend of Eastern and Western medical practices aimed at comprehensive care.
Why Traditional Treatments May Fall Short
While there has been a surge in research focusing on PTSD treatments for civilians, the area concerning military personnel remains relatively underexplored. The unique challenges faced by this group, such as frequent deployments and exposure to combat, make traditional treatments less effective. For a more holistic approach to mental health, consider integrating Functional Medicine into your treatment plan. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress delves into the unique characteristics of PTSD in military populations.
Stages of Psychological Treatment for Military PTSD
- Stabilization and Engagement: The first step in treating PTSD in military personnel involves stabilization and engagement. This stage is crucial for establishing trust and preparing the individual for the therapeutic journey ahead. Our PTSD Program offers a comprehensive approach to stabilization using a blend of Eastern and Western medicine.
- Psychoeducation: Understanding the mechanics of PTSD is essential for both the patient and their loved ones. Psychoeducation serves to inform the individual about their condition, treatment options, and what they can expect during the recovery process.
- Symptom Management: Managing symptoms is a critical aspect of any PTSD treatment. This often involves a combination of medication and therapy. However, alternative therapies like Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine have shown promise in symptom management.
- Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Restructuring: Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring are techniques used to help the individual confront and change distressing thoughts. These methods can be particularly effective when combined with Clinical Hypnotherapy.
- Relapse Prevention: The final stage of treatment focuses on relapse prevention. This involves equipping the individual with the tools they need to manage symptoms and triggers effectively. Our Emotional Health Program offers a range of therapies designed to prevent relapse.
The Need for Customized Treatments
Given the unique challenges faced by military personnel, such as complex trauma and frequent deployments, a customized treatment plan is essential for effective PTSD management. Our Men’s Health and Women’s Health Programs offer gender-specific treatments that address the psychological, physiological, and emotional dimensions of PTSD. These programs can be further tailored to include our specialized services:
- Acupuncture: A traditional Eastern therapy that can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being. Learn more about our Acupuncture services.
- Naturopathic Medicine: A holistic approach that may include herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to support mental health. Discover our Naturopathic Medicine options.
- Massage Therapy: Useful for managing co-occurring conditions like chronic pain, which often accompany PTSD. Explore our Massage Therapy services.
- Clinical Hypnotherapy: An alternative therapy that can help in cognitive restructuring and symptom management. Find out more about our Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Additionally, for military personnel dealing with co-occurring conditions like chronic pain or substance abuse, our Pain Management Program and Nutrition services offer integrated solutions. By combining these specialized services, we aim to provide comprehensive care for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
The Future of PTSD Treatment in Military and Veterans
As we move forward, it’s clear that a multi-disciplinary approach is essential for effectively treating PTSD in military and veterans. Traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication are important, but they often don’t address the full scope of the problem. By combining traditional treatments with alternative therapies, we can offer a more holistic and effective treatment plan. Our 2SLGBTQI Inclusive Health and Wellness program offers a safe and inclusive environment for those looking to explore alternative therapies.
The future of PTSD treatment also lies in leveraging technological advancements and research findings to create more effective therapies. Telemedicine, for instance, can make treatment more accessible, especially for those deployed or living in remote areas. Additionally, emerging therapies like Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy are showing promise in treating PTSD and could be integrated into future treatment plans. The National Institute of Mental Health is a valuable resource for staying updated on the latest research and advancements in PTSD treatment. By staying at the forefront of medical research and technological innovation, we aim to continually refine and improve our treatment approaches, offering the most effective and comprehensive care possible for military personnel and veterans.
Conclusion
The issue of PTSD in military and veterans is complex and multi-faceted. While traditional treatments offer some relief, they often fall short in addressing the unique challenges faced by this group. By adopting a more holistic and integrative approach, we can provide more effective and long-lasting solutions.
Our Experienced Practitioners:
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer. I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses. In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.
My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher.  I hold active licensure/registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA).  I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Caring for people is my passion and one of the...
Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Advanced Care Paramedic she is widely recognized for developing unique care plans which draw on her knowledge and therapeutic touch gained across each of these specialized disciplines. Having over twenty years of combined expertise in caring for her patients, Michelle has had a front row seat to observe how stress and emotion affect the mind and body. Complementing her acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness, Michelle offers a variety of therapeutic and relaxation massage therapies, including pregnancy massage, myofascial release and myofascial cupping.
Michelle began her health career as a massage therapist, graduating the 2200hr Massage Program at Macewan University in 2001. Being active in competitive sport in her youth, Michelle understood the benefits of massage on sport performance, recovery and injury prevention. She subsequently branched into emergency care and became an Advanced Care Paramedic where she was able to offer a calming presence in stressful, emergent situations. Michelle has always believed that soft skills, an extra moment spent with family, or a hand to hold on the way to the hospital, can be as healing as the specific medical interventions themselves. Working as a Paramedic Michelle saw, and began to question, how it is that people differ in disease and the aging process and why the same drug benefited one person, but not the other. Her lifelong learning journey had her begin to look for these answers in the time-tested practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, thus kicking off another quest for knowledge at MacEwan University’s Acupuncture Program.
Education:
- Diploma – Acupuncture, Macewan University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
- Honors standings
- Certificate – Massage Therapy Grant MacEwan College
Licensure:
- RAc, College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RMT, National Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
- ACP, Alberta College of Paramedics
Dr. Michelle Winton 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Massage
Helping people comes naturally to Michelle! As a highly skilled...
Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵
Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in the rare craft of Japanese style acupuncture – where she incorporates and tailors gentle needling, moxibustion (specific deep heat), therme (heat massage) and cupping into her acupuncture treatment plans. These skills, as well as her reputation for delivering tangible results, make her a sought-after provider, especially in the areas of pain management, sports injuries, orthopaedic injuries and emotional health. Yoko firmly believes that the mind and the body are intertwined in healing and she continually advocates for a healthy lifestyle alongside of the care she provides.
Yoko received her acupuncture degree in Japan and, after working at several clinics in Tokyo, she accepted a staff acupuncturist position with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil touring show. For nearly twenty years, she went on to travel the far reaches of the globe, working on several other productions, and earning the respect of an international group of artists, staff and athletes before eventually selecting Edmonton for her permanent clinical practice. As a former high school physical education teacher, and also as an alumnus of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team (where she competed internationally on numerous occasions), she has amassed an impressive background in sports therapy and physical education, uniquely positioning her to address all manner of orthopedic and performance related concerns.
Outside of work, Yoko enjoys travelling, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters.
Education:
- Diploma of Acupuncture, Hanada College, Tokyo, Japan
Licensure:
- RAc, College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇯🇵 – Japanese
Dr. Yoko Masuda 🇬🇧 🇯🇵
Acupuncture
Dr. Yoko Masuda is a master practitioner – skilled in...
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where they can relax and rejuvenate. As a dedicated somatic practitioner, she believes in the body’s inherent wisdom and intelligence. Her compassionate approach and healing touch set the stage for relaxation, vitality, and energy flow. She is committed to optimizing your health in the most effective ways possible.
The therapeutic techniques Manuela specializes in—Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Qigong—emphasize the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional states. Through her gentle Craniosacral touch, she helps to release long-standing tensions and restrictions. She places a special focus on balancing the central nervous system, enabling your body to achieve a state of rest, recovery, and optimal functioning.
Having recently graduated from the 2200-hour Massage Therapy Program at Reflexacademy in Sherwood Park, Manuela has broadened her range of services. She now offers Massage Therapy as a standalone treatment or in combination with Craniosacral Therapy. Her nurturing touch and massage skills work to dissolve muscle tightness and tension, restoring your energy and vitality to a harmonious state.
Beyond her hands-on treatments, Manuela offers additional resources to support your well-being. She consistently provides body meditations, exercises, and practical tips to help you maintain your health between sessions. Her extensive background in somatic techniques, which focus on the internal experience of movement and bodily awareness, equips her with invaluable tools to help you manage day-to-day stress and self-regulate both body and mind.
Schedule an appointment with Manuela to experience a range of benefits: from stress and anxiety reduction, pain and muscle stiffness alleviation, to enhanced relaxation and improvements in digestive, respiratory, and joint health, as well as circulation, energy flow, and immune system function. Her treatments aim to deepen your connection with your body, leaving you feeling peaceful and revitalized.
Education:Â
- Somatic Movement Therapist (SMT), Moving On Center, Oakland, USA
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), BodyIntelligence, Canada
- Qigong Instructor Certification (ASS Institute, Germany)
- Training in Continuum Movement (USA)
- Massage Therapy at Reflexacademy Sherwood Park, AB, Canada 2200hrs
Licensure:Â
- RBCST, Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT)
- Natural Health Practitioner Canada / NHPC (RMT)
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇩🇪 – German
Manuela Hofer 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Massage, Craniosacral, Qigong
Manuela provides a sanctuary for her clients, a place where...
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Anjali, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background in Clinical Psychology, advocates for the powerful potential of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. Anjali has a deep understanding of the power of the subconscious mind and is determined to restore the integrity of hypnotherapy, which has often been overshadowed by stage shows and pop-culture portrayals.
Her invaluable experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist at a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center has afforded Anjali the opportunity to work closely with individuals grappling with addiction. Through her dedicated efforts, she focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying triggers that contribute to addictive behaviours.
Anjali abides by the mantra, “A tense mind can never exist in a relaxed body,” highlighting the importance of relaxation for holistic well-being.
She employs techniques such as Breathing Awareness and Mind-Body Relaxation and guides her clients to delve into target areas of the mind at profound levels. This approach facilitates sustainable improvements, empowering clients to overcome challenges and make lasting positive changes in their lives.
To enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic process, Anjali encourages her clients to practice with session recordings as advised. By committing to this practice, individuals can reinforce the progress achieved during their sessions and further deepen their personal growth.
Anjali’s dedication to her clients’ well-being, combined with her expertise in Clinical Hypnotherapy and understanding of Clinical Psychology, make her a compassionate and effective guide on their journey towards transformation and healing.
Education:Â
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
- Masters in Clinical Psychology
- B.A. Psychology, Journalism, English Literature
Licensure:Â
- Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH), Canada Association Of Counselling Hypnotherapists And Educators (CACHE)
- Certified Hypnotherapist (CH) – National Guild of Hypnotists
Fluency: 🇬🇧 – English | 🇮🇳 – Hindi, Gujarati (fluent); Bengali, Punjabi (conversational)
Anjali Nagda 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Hypnotherapy
Anjali, a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with an extensive academic background...
Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧
Education
- Manual Osteopath, Manual Osteopathic College of Canada
- Advanced Massage Therapy, CDI College
- Diploma – Addictions and Community Service Worker, CDI College
Certifications/Licensure
- Manual Osteopath, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
- RMT, Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association
Kristie Harrison 🇬🇧
Massage, Manual Osteopath
Kristie is a dedicated massage therapist and osteopathic manual therapist,...
