Saturday, January 22, 2011

A Troubling Trend?

Something that has been on my mind all day needs to be shared. I have recently witnessed a troubling thing, not only through my own experiences but also those of others I know. It seems that because the VA is so stretched in certain areas that I am seeing counselor's that do not have proper certification or training taking on cases. For example, I have seen a Psychologist trained in MST taking on combat stress cases and being totally unqualified to handle the specifics that go along with that type of counseling. Now, I do understand that every counselor has a baseline of knowledge, but I also believe there is a reason why you choose a specialty and I do NOT feel like they should be mixed, if the proper training has not been completed for such mixing of specialties. Another troubling thing I have heard of is Psychologists with no Neurological background screening Vets for TBI. I have a huge problem with this as well and It is frustrating to know that these things are happening. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this, and if so does it bother you? I appreciate any feedback you all have.

1 comment:

  1. Strong posting. This topic is shared time and time again. The lack of "walking it" knowledge by therapists/SWs is seemingly causing many vets to refuse/stop counseling. With the vast number of veterans returning with similar experiences, it seems that many vets are turning to their battle buddies if they talk to anyone.

    Yet, if they then do not have access to their unit buddies, the families carry the weight of confusion, things they don't understand, and the familiar issue of repeating their problems to those that don't have the experience to connect.What about training veterans for a Mentoring/Life Coach role?

    Do you have to have a broken leg to know it hurts? No. But combat PTSD is unique from peacetime PTSD, and having that knowledge and experience would bring many more to counseling if families' opinions count. Add in the physical TBI trauma, with the behavioral symptoms, and families share countless needs here and elsewhere.

    Perhaps this is a temporary shortage while others are trained? One can hope so...

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