Let’s Talk Moral Injury: Recent Episodes
Dr. Daniel Roberts and Mia Ricks
This podcast provides in-depth discussions on moral injury - what it is, how it affects people, and how to heal from it. We also feature moral injury thought leaders as special guests.
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When Jenna Carlton left the Navy in 2017 after serving as an aerographer's mate, she faced a question that would fuel her mission: "Where are all the younger veterans?" This powerful conversation reveals how she's addressing that gap through community building and targeted resources.
Fresh from her military experience, Jenna shares candidly about the realities women face in service—sexualization, harassment, and the personality shifts many adopt for self-protection. Her journey took her to Capitol Hill, where she hoped to influence veteran policy, only to discover that grassroots community building would be her most effective path forward. Now running the Millennial Veterans Facebook group and the South Jersey Women Veterans Group, she creates safe spaces where veterans can discuss benefits, mental health, relationships, and the complex transition to civilian identity.
Perhaps most striking is Jenna's insight into why younger veterans—particularly women—aren't accessing available resources. Despite significant improvements in VA services, veterans under 30 remain largely absent from these systems. Many don't feel entitled to benefits if they served shorter terms or didn't deploy, while others have internalized negative perceptions about VA care. This disengagement is especially concerning considering veterans aged 18-35 have the highest suicide rates among all veteran age groups.
Through her Veteran Workbook, Jenna provides a practical tool for processing military experiences and rebuilding civilian identity. The workbook asks questions that civilians wouldn't think to ask, helping veterans articulate their needs and experiences while planning for meaningful futures beyond service.
Ready to connect with resources tailored for younger veterans? Follow Jenna on Instagram @themillennialveteran, http://facebook.com/groups/themillennialveterans, or find her Veteran Workbook on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Veteran-Workbook-Jenna-Carlton/dp/B0C6W1GB96 to start your journey toward post-military wellness and community.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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What happens when your personal values collide with the organization you're expected to serve? For military women, this clash often leads to a profound sense of moral injury that can impact every aspect of life.
Shelly Rood brings a refreshingly candid perspective to this challenging reality. As a former military intelligence officer who now coaches high-achieving leaders, she shares powerful insights about navigating the tension between excellence and authenticity. The conversation takes us beyond typical military discussions into the raw, human experience of feeling perpetually at odds with systemic expectations.
"When I watched Cinderella," Shelly reveals, "I wasn't identifying with the princess waiting to be rescued—I was the little mouse making things happen." This telling observation illuminates the fundamental disconnect many service women experience when their natural leadership tendencies clash with traditional gender expectations both within and outside the military structure.
Dr. Roberts and Shelly discuss the false dichotomies that plague military culture—the myth that compassionate leadership somehow compromises combat readiness, or that family support inherently conflicts with operational demands. Their conversation explores how these artificial divisions particularly impact women who are navigating dual identities as leaders and caregivers.
The statistics are sobering: the average female veteran is 46 years old, and more than half are single. Traditional support systems rarely address their unique needs, leaving many to create their own networks from scratch. Through her work with Others Over Self and Woman Veteran Strong, Shelly is building those crucial communities where authentic conversations can flourish.
Whether you're a current service member, veteran, or simply interested in authentic leadership, this episode offers valuable perspective on how to maintain your core values while operating in challenging environments. Discover why Shelly believes we need to strip away gender from these conversations and focus instead on our shared humanity—creating space for genuine connection and growth.
Learn more about Shelly and her organization at:
https://missionambition.org
https://othersoverself.com/
https://othersoverself.com/woman-veteran-strong/
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Moral injury remains one of the most misunderstood challenges facing women veterans today. When actions during military service violate one's deeply held moral beliefs, the resulting invisible wounds can devastate lives long after uniforms are hung up. Unlike PTSD, moral injury hides beneath the surface—characterized by shame, guilt, and internal conflict rather than outward distress.
Dr. Daniel Roberts, president of Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen Inc., takes listeners through an illuminating exploration of how to recognize these hidden wounds. Drawing from his upcoming book "Moral Injury: A Guidebook for Women Veterans," he outlines the subtle yet profound indicators that something isn't right: social withdrawal that happens gradually, decreased work performance when once-driven servicewomen can no longer concentrate, sleep disturbances that range from insomnia to vivid nightmares, and spiritual distress that shatters previously held beliefs about justice and meaning.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is its comprehensive approach to identification. Beyond examining behavioral changes like substance abuse and anger issues, Dr. Roberts delves into the emotional landscape of moral injury—where women veterans might experience overwhelming guilt, profound loss of meaning, or betrayal that fundamentally alters how they view themselves and the world. The physical manifestations, from chronic pain to appetite disturbances, illuminate how deeply moral injury affects the entire person. For women veterans struggling with unexplained feelings of unworthiness or those who work with them, this episode offers critical insights and a path forward through understanding. Listen, share, and reach out for your free copy of the guidebook to begin the journey toward healing these profound wounds.
Women veterans can receive a free copy of the book by emailing Dr. Roberts at droberts@misns.org.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Lieutenant Colonel Alea Nadeem's story begins with trauma that would break many people – kidnapped at age eight by her own father and taken from the United States to Iraq for nearly four years. Born to an American Catholic mother and Iraqi Muslim father, cultural and religious tensions tore her family apart when her father took the family on what was supposed to be a visit to Iraq. When it came time to leave, he forced her mother to choose which daughter to take back to America, leaving young Alea behind.
This profound childhood betrayal left Alea with deep abandonment issues that continue to surface in her relationships today. She describes becoming "hyper-independent" as a protective measure – struggling to ask for help, reluctant to depend on others, and being devastated when someone fails to follow through on promised assistance. Yet rather than allowing this trauma to define her, Aaliyah transformed it into remarkable resilience.
"I've never had a harder day in my life since being kidnapped," she reflects, explaining how this perspective helps her face new challenges with confidence. After returning to America and overcoming cultural readjustment struggles, Alea joined the Air Force, rising through the ranks from enlisted to officer, ultimately becoming a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander.
Her proudest professional achievement came from recognizing a seemingly small but significant issue affecting servicewomen – outdated hair policies causing physical harm. Using her intelligence training, she gathered data proving these policies were founded not on operational necessity but on outdated cultural attitudes from the 1940s. Despite facing five years of rejection, she persisted respectfully through the chain of command until reaching success – changing not only Air Force policy but influencing similar changes across other military branches and even internationally.
Now Alea has set her sights on a new mission: running for Congress in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Focusing on manufacturing revival, combating the opioid crisis, and advocating for servicewomen's equipment needs, she hopes to bring her military leadership experience and problem-solving approach to government. Throughout her remarkable journey, her measure of success remains not positions or accomplishments but character – how she treats others and what kind of difference she makes in their lives.
Want to learn more or support her campaign? Visit https://aleaforcongress.com or find her on social media platforms.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Have you ever wondered what happens when your entire world changes in an instant? When the person you thought you were suddenly doesn't exist anymore? Kijuan Amey's powerful story answers these questions with unflinching honesty and remarkable hope.
After ten years in the Air Force as an in-flight refueling specialist, Kijuan's life trajectory changed forever when a motorcycle accident claimed his eyesight in 2017. Waking up in darkness, he faced the devastating reality that his military career, independence, and future plans had vanished overnight. "I went from being this super independent 25-year-old to now being this crazily dependent 25-year-old," Kijuan reflects, describing the depression and suicidal thoughts that followed.
Yet amidst this profound loss, Kijuan discovered something remarkable – while he had lost his physical sight, his vision remained intact. "Before and after my accident, I was always looking to help others," he explains. This fundamental purpose became his anchor through rehabilitation, learning to navigate life as a blind person, and eventually founding Amey Motivation LLC to inspire others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Kijuan's journey teaches us about resilience in its purest form. From learning to use assistive technologies to mastering everyday skills again, each small victory became cause for celebration. "I wasn't able to do that last week, and now I am," became the mantra that pulled him from despair toward purpose. His approach crystallized into what he calls "the Will to Overcome" – Win In Life's Lessons – extracting value from every experience, no matter how painful.
This conversation isn't just about blindness or disability – it's about the universal human experience of facing unexpected devastation and choosing to move forward anyway. As Kijuan reminds us, "Every situation in life teaches you a lesson." His upcoming book "Don't Focus on Why Me" expands on this philosophy, rejecting victimhood in favor of growth and possibility.
Ready to transform your perspective on life's challenges? Visit ameymotivation.com to connect with Kiwan, book him as a speaker, or explore his teachings on resilience, adaptability, and finding purpose through pain.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Dr. Daniel Roberts pulls back the curtain on an overlooked trauma affecting thousands of military women—one that doesn't yet have a household name. As president of the Moral Injury Support Network for Service Women, he reveals how violating one's deeply held moral code creates wounds different from PTSD but equally devastating.
The conversation begins with shocking real-life examples: a woman forced by her commander to have an abortion, another treated as if her very presence in the military was wrong. These aren't isolated incidents. Conservative estimates suggest at least one in four female service members experiences moral injury, whether from a single traumatic event or death by a thousand cuts of daily disrespect and harassment.
What makes Dr. Roberts' approach revolutionary is addressing the broken support system itself. He describes how veterans typically must retell their traumatic stories repeatedly to different providers—a process that retraumatizes without healing. His organization implements a "tell your story once" model where veterans receive continuous case management, eliminating the isolation and abandonment so common in their recovery journeys.
Most powerfully, Roberts shares how healing is possible. A woman who carried guilt for decades over deaths during the Rwandan genocide discovered through therapy that only 5% of the situation was actually within her control. This perspective shift—along with forgiveness work—created a breakthrough that felt "like light from heaven." These transformative moments demonstrate why properly addressing moral injury could significantly impact veteran suicide rates.
Whether you're a veteran struggling with unnamable trauma, a care provider seeking better tools, or simply someone who cares about those who served, this conversation offers crucial insights into healing our deepest moral wounds. Reach out to https://misns.org to access free resources or volunteer to support this vital mission.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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What does it take to keep moving forward when life hits you with its absolute worst? Andy Campbell has endured childhood sexual abuse, lost his mother at an early age, become estranged from his father, battled stage four pancreatic cancer, and faced the devastating suicide of his youngest son. Yet somehow, he's not only survived—he's found a way to thrive.
In our conversation, Andy reveals the transformative power of his "15 core beliefs"—principles that have carried him through what would crush many of us. "No one outruns the universe," he shares, explaining how the pain we try to escape will inevitably catch up with us. Instead of running, Andy advocates facing our challenges directly, allowing us to eventually move beyond mere survival into truly living.
Andy's insights about wisdom coming through experience strike at the heart of resilience. While praying for wisdom as a young man, he didn't realize the difficult path this would take him down. "Wisdom comes from experience, and not all those experiences will be good," he reflects. Yet through each trial, Andy developed the capacity to observe, learn, and grow.
Perhaps most powerful is his understanding of life as an equation: "Equations are constant, variables are constantly changing." This perspective offers profound hope—no matter how dire our current circumstances, the variables in our lives are always shifting. "Give the universe a chance to work those variables differently," Andy encourages. "Even if they're slight, they might have an outsized positive impact on the summation of your life."
Seven years after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Andy shows no visible signs of disease—a medical rarity that speaks to both his approach and his message: Don't quit. For anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, this conversation offers not just inspiration but practical wisdom for finding your way forward.
"Overcoming Life’s Toughest Setbacks: 15 Breakthrough Core Beliefs to Transform Challenges into Opportunities!" is your practical guide to resilience, peace of mind, and unshackling your potential.
Go to Andy's website: http://www.askandycampbell.com/ or find Andy's book on Amazon by search for Andy Campbell.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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What happens when a highly accomplished military officer confronts her own mortality? Dr. Deanna Won's story begins at the Air Force Academy in the 1980s, where as one of just 200 women in her class, she faced an environment that tested her resolve from day one. "They tried to railroad me out," she reveals, describing both gender-based discrimination and racial bias that created unique challenges beyond what her fellow female cadets experienced.
Through unflinching determination and faith, Deanna not only survived but thrived, embarking on an extraordinary 30-year military career as a physicist. Her expertise in lasers, satellites, and defense technologies took her around the world, though certain assignments brought painful encounters with workplace harassment so severe it left her in tears in bathroom stalls, praying for intervention.
The most profound challenge arrived when, at the height of her professional success as a commander, Deanna received a devastating ovarian cancer diagnosis. Two years later, doctors placed her in hospice with just four weeks to live. The pain was excruciating—"a 20 out of 10"—and conventional treatments offered little relief. It was in this darkest moment that Deanna's scientific mind and spiritual heart found common ground.
Drawing on her background as both military scientist and daughter of a Chinese medicine lineage, Deanna embarked on a holistic healing journey. She discovered that true recovery demanded attention to multiple dimensions: physical through dietary changes, emotional through therapy to address unresolved conflicts, and spiritual through deepened faith. Miraculously, her tumors began to shrink within months.
Today, as a board-certified holistic health practitioner and bestselling author, Deanna guides others through their own healing journeys. Her approach identifies trapped emotions, generational patterns, and physical imbalances that conventional treatment might miss. Most importantly, she teaches that healing comes in manageable layers—"take little baby steps"—rather than overwhelming transformations.
Whether facing health challenges, professional obstacles, or personal struggles, Deanna's message resonates with profound simplicity: "Never lose hope. As long as we're on this side of the veil, things can change." Her extraordinary journey from military commander to terminal patient to holistic healer offers compelling evidence that with openness, patience, and faith, we can overcome even what seems impossible.
Ready to explore holistic healing? Visit https://deannawon.com/ to connect with Dr. Won and discover how her unique approach might support your own journey toward wholeness.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Moral injury – the profound wound that occurs when one's deepest moral codes are violated – affects countless veterans yet remains largely misunderstood. This powerful episode brings together three voices at the forefront of healing this invisible wound: retired Colonel Lisa Carrington Firman, who transformed her experiences with combat and military sexual trauma into award-winning books; psychologist Dr. Pat Pernicano and retired chaplain Kerry Haynes, who developed an innovative curriculum combining psychological and spiritual approaches to moral injury healing.
Unlike PTSD, moral injury strikes at the core of identity and meaning, often manifesting as crushing shame, guilt, or a profound sense of betrayal. For women veterans like Lisa, military sexual trauma frequently becomes a source of moral injury when the systems meant to protect them fail. For combat veterans and military leaders, impossible decisions that result in harm - regardless of necessity - can create moral wounds that fester for decades.
What makes this conversation extraordinary is the insight into how healing happens. Through metaphorical storytelling, creative expression, and community support, veterans gradually process pain they've often carried silently for years. The "cracked glass bowl" exercise described by Dr. Pernicano demonstrates how veterans identify their wounds before reimagining themselves transformed through healing - not erasing trauma but integrating it into a new, whole identity.
The discussion addresses a crucial reality: isolation compounds moral injury, while connection facilitates healing. As Kerry notes, "Moral injury happens in community, so healing best happens in community." Yet many veterans, especially those in leadership positions, feel unable to reveal vulnerability. This helps explain why some traumas remain hidden for decades, as Lisa's did for forty years before she found her voice through writing.
Whether you're a veteran struggling with moral injury, someone who loves a veteran, or a provider seeking better ways to help, this episode offers concrete pathways toward healing, forgiveness, and post-traumatic growth. Discover how combining psychological and spiritual approaches can transform even the deepest moral wounds into strength and purpose.
Are you carrying a moral injury or know someone who might be? This conversation could be the first step toward a lighter, more purposeful future beyond the weight of these invisible wounds.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Emie Clevenger shares a powerful journey from Navy veteran to nonprofit founder, revealing how her personal struggles with period poverty as a young girl fueled her mission to create Period Kits North Carolina. The conversation opens a window into the often-hidden world of menstrual inequality, where one in six women in North Carolina can't afford or access basic hygiene products needed during their periods.
Emie's military experience reflects a deeply troubling reality many servicewomen face – being treated as though they don't belong simply because of their gender. Though proud of her service, she explains why many women veterans don't lead with their military experience, revealing how trauma can reshape identity and self-perception. This honest discussion creates a powerful bridge between her past experiences and her current mission fighting for menstrual equity.
The heart of the episode explores what happens when community compassion meets innovative action. Emmy details how Period Kits NC distributes essential menstrual supplies through strategic partnerships with libraries, schools, and community organizations. Each standard kit costs just $2 and contains enough products for a full day, addressing an urgent need that cuts across age groups and demographics. Most surprising is the diverse support that's emerged – from the Elks Lodge to local businesses – showcasing how this "taboo" topic resonates with people regardless of gender when presented as the health and dignity issue it truly is.
What makes this conversation truly remarkable is its blend of raw vulnerability and practical activism. Emmy describes the feeling of using toilet paper as makeshift pads and sitting in them all day as a young girl without resources or education about menstruation. Those powerful moments contrast with the optimistic work she's doing today, having already distributed over 4,000 kits across six counties with plans to reach 10,000 this year.
Want to make a difference? For just $8 monthly, you can ensure one person has consistent access to menstrual products. Visit periodkitsnc.org to learn more about period poverty and how your donation, no matter the size, can restore dignity to someone in your community.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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As healthcare professionals, first responders, and veterans, the weight of difficult decisions and traumatic experiences can take a toll on our well-being. It's easy to feel isolated, burdened by guilt, or unsure of how to move forward.
Know that healing is possible.
In this session with Dr. Deborah Howell, we delve into Rebuilding Your Identity After Trauma: A Path to Healing and Wholeness.
Trauma can leave us feeling disconnected and unsure of who we are. It may seem like we’re lost, unable to rebuild or reclaim what was taken from us. But healing is possible, and transformation is within reach.
Dr. Howell describes her 6-session coaching program, in which she guides participants through a holistic approach to heal from trauma and rebuild their identity with confidence. She'll work with you to shift limiting beliefs, embrace change, and reconnect with your true self. Whether you're navigating grief, moral injury, or life transitions, this program will help you:
-Reconnect with your inner strength
-Shift fear and self-doubt
-Rebuild your life and purpose
-Transform emotional wounds into wisdom
Are you ready to embrace healing and wholeness?
Dr. Deborah Howell is a seasoned trauma-sensitive health and wellness professional, who combines decades of experience as a physical therapist, life and health coach, and wellness educator, utilizing evidenced based trauma-informed and mindfulness practices to support individuals and organizations in navigating the challenges of vicarious trauma, moral injury, grief, loss, and the complexities of change. As a health professional and military veteran, Dr. Howell brings a unique understanding of the mental, emotional, and physical toll that trauma, loss, and adversity can have on healthcare professionals, first responders, veterans, and crisis professionals. She integrates scientifically-backed techniques with spiritual practices aimed at fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience through the lens of heart intelligence and shares tools that further help you understand your body’s responses and sustain emotional resilience. Dr. Howell is a servant leader who is deeply committed to supporting her colleagues and comrades and front-line responders who dedicate their lives to serving our most vulnerable. She is ready to support you to feel empowered and to embrace and reclaim your sense of agency, purpose, and well-being.
If you are a healthcare professional, first responder, or veteran, I invite you to this informational session to explore how you can rebuild your identity and embark on the path to healing and wholeness. Together, we can explore the steps necessary for you to reclaim your purpose and begin a transformative journey toward better health and recovery.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Behind the uniform, beyond the homecoming ceremonies, military families face a battlefield few civilians ever witness. The invisible wounds of moral injury and PTSD transform homes into pressure cookers of tension, where walking on eggshells becomes a survival skill and children absorb trauma they don't understand.
Drawing from twenty revealing interviews with military spouses, Dr. Daniel Roberts exposes the harsh realities these families endure. Service members struggle with intrusive thoughts, memory problems, emotional detachment, and hypervigilance – often undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma or career concerns. When flashbacks strike or nightmares turn violent, the entire household pays the price. Meanwhile, spouses become everything at once: caregiver, breadwinner, parent, and emotional punching bag, all while receiving minimal support themselves.
The challenges multiply when service members separate from the military. Suddenly, families face financial instability alongside escalating mental health needs. Children grow up in environments filled with unpredictability, potentially setting them up for their own emotional struggles later in life. These families don't need platitudes about God never giving more than they can handle – they need practical resources, respite care, and genuine understanding.
This episode doesn't just highlight problems; it offers concrete solutions. From setting effective boundaries to joining peer support groups, military families can find paths forward. Churches, community organizations, and healthcare providers can learn to build the trusting relationships necessary for meaningful intervention. Most importantly, everyone can take action – whether by donating to support organizations or simply becoming more aware of the silent struggles happening in military households across the nation.
Looking for ways to help? Contact Moral Injury Support Network at droberts@misns.org or call 910-690-5964. Your support can help military families not just survive, but thrive beyond the invisible battlefield at home.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Elizabeth Estabrooks takes us on a profound journey through trauma, healing, and the unexpected paths to recovery in this eye-opening conversation about her new book "Broken in the Stronger Places: From Resilience to Resourcefulness."
Drawing from three decades working with survivors of personal violence, Estabrooks challenges the popular metaphor that trauma makes us "stronger in the broken places." While many embrace the Japanese art of kintsugi—repairing broken pottery with gold—as a symbol of trauma recovery, she reveals a more complex truth: trauma never truly disappears. Even after extensive healing work, re-traumatization can occur through national events or personal triggers, shattering those supposedly strengthened places.
The conversation pivots to the invisible struggles facing women veterans. "Veteran is default male," Estabrooks explains, leading to troubling statistical blindspots. When headlines celebrate decreased veteran homelessness or suicide rates, they often mask rising rates among women veterans. This invisibility extends to women's self-perception—Estabrooks herself didn't identify as a veteran until age 45, despite serving in the 1980s, a common experience that prevents many from accessing vital benefits.
Perhaps most powerful is Estabrooks' personal healing journey. After burning out at the VA's Center for Women Veterans, she followed her instinct to purchase a van and spend 14 months driving across America. This wasn't a planned therapeutic intervention but an example of "resourcefulness"—the capacity to find what you need when resilience alone isn't enough. For helpers carrying others' trauma stories, she offers wisdom about recognizing when it's time to step away and prioritize your own mental health over career expectations.
Whether you're a survivor seeking validation, a helper navigating vicarious trauma, or someone supporting a loved one through recovery, this conversation offers invaluable insights about trauma's long-term impact and the unexpected resources we might discover on our healing journeys. Visit awomansvoicepress.com to learn more about Elizabeth's work and upcoming book tour.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Imagine facing a struggle that isn't just about the battlefield, but one that follows you home, affecting those closest to you. This episode opens up a much-needed discussion on how moral injury extends beyond PTSD, delving into the feelings of guilt, shame, and even spiritual crisis. Through ongoing research with the Moral Injury Support Network and Thomas Jefferson University, we gain insights from interviews with military spouses, exploring the profound impact on their mental health and relationships.
Personal stories of military families navigating the tumultuous waters of PTSD reveal a world of emotional upheaval and isolation. When a service member is diagnosed with PTSD, the ripple effects are felt by the entire family, creating a life that feels like an endless series of challenges. From the erosion of community and spiritual support to the financial and emotional strain, our conversations highlight the pressing need for comprehensive resources and understanding. The narratives shared offer a raw glimpse into the daily struggles these families endure and emphasize the moral injury experienced by spouses as they try to support their children amidst the chaos.
Turning from the stories to solutions, the episode emphasizes the moral duty felt by military spouses to support their loved ones and fellow families. We underscore the significance of moral injury-informed mental health services, peer support, and advocacy for better resources. This episode also connects listeners with organizations like the Moral Injury Support Network, encouraging active participation in securing vital support systems. Whether you're a military spouse, a veteran, or a care provider, the episode provides a wealth of perspectives and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of PTSD and moral injury within military families.
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Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
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Dr. Amelia Duran Stanton, a revered colonel with an impressive 32-year tenure in the US Army, unveils her extraordinary life story and shares her wisdom on empowerment and resilience. Her journey from an enlisted soldier to a colonel is not just a tale of professional success but also one of personal growth and mentorship. Dr. Stanton's book "The Lotus Within" serves as a beacon for women striving to strategically plan their futures, offering insights into prioritization and time management. Tune in to uncover her motivations and the invaluable lessons she imparts for both women and men seeking to navigate their careers and personal lives with purpose and balance.
Find yourself captivated by discussions around ikigai, the beautiful intersection of passion, vocation, profession, and mission, as Dr. Stanton provides guidance on how to discover fulfillment in both career and personal life. The episode sheds light on the complexities of balancing professional duties and personal passions, especially for those in demanding roles like the military. Gain practical strategies for managing responsibilities, fostering supportive relationships, and aligning life with core values through reflective exercises and candid conversations. Learn how to gracefully transition from military to civilian life, with advice on planning for retirement and adapting to new routines.
This conversation also touches on the importance of self-care and routine during transitional phases, emphasizing the role of mentorship and community support. Dr. Stanton's experiences and insights provide a detailed roadmap for those approaching retirement, illustrating how to maintain health and well-being while embracing newfound freedom. Discover how to avoid common retirement pitfalls, plan for the future, and ensure a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're seeking personal growth, career development, or a deeper understanding of leadership and empowerment, this episode offers a treasure trove of advice and inspiration, with Dr. Stanton's book "The Lotus Within" as a guide to blooming where you're planted.
Read her blog at: https://www.ameliads.com/blog
Order her book at: https://www.amazon.com/LOTUS-Within-Purpose-Ignite-Passion/dp/B0DDR1GMD1
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Vicki Thompson spent over $100,000 on her own divorce, an experience that opened her eyes to the predatory nature of the family law system. Now, as the president and founder of Divorce Right and Farewell, Vicki is on a mission to educate and empower individuals navigating the tumultuous waters of divorce. In this episode, she shares her personal journey and the lessons she's learned, offering insights into minimizing the financial and emotional toll divorce can take on individuals, businesses, and government entities.
For those trapped in toxic relationships, the road to freedom can feel daunting, especially when children are involved. We explore the heart-wrenching choices between staying for the sake of family unity and leaving to safeguard mental and physical well-being. Vicki discusses the potential long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences and stresses the importance of making informed, fearless decisions. Her passion for transforming the divorce experience into a compassionate and supportive process shines, offering hope and practical guidance to those in need.
First responders and military personnel often face unique challenges that can strain marriages and personal lives. Vicki sheds light on the heightened risks of mental health struggles among these groups, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the emotional toll of their professions. Farewell's affordable mediation services offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional proceedings, designed to preserve financial and emotional stability. Vicki's dedication to supporting military veterans and first responders underscores her commitment to creating a dignified and understanding divorce process for all.
Vicky Townsend is a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate, dedicated to transforming the divorce process into a kinder, more affordable experience. As the founder of the National Association of Divorce Professionals, Divorce Right, and Fairwell, she has spent over two decades championing solutions that protect families from the financial and emotional toll of divorce. Her recent efforts focus on supporting first responders and military personnel during this challenging life transition. With unwavering commitment, Vicky continues to innovate and lead the charge for a more compassionate divorce industry.
Clients who are referred to Divorce Right services through Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. receive major discounts and some services are even free. Contact us at droberts@misns.org for more information.
You can reach Vicky directly at:
vicky@divorcerightinc.com.
https://www.divorcerightinc.com/
Www.familyhealthconsortium.com
Www.fairwell.com
Www.divorcerightinc.com
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Discover the profound impacts of moral injury on veterans and their families with insights from Dr. Daniel Roberts, president and CEO of the Moral Injury Support Network for Service Women Incorporated. Explore how feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame can lead to serious challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and social isolation. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of moral injury as we differentiate it from PTSD, and learn why this distinction is crucial for effective support and recovery. Through the compelling story of Faith, a Hispanic woman dealing with racism-induced moral injury, we illustrate the real-life consequences and encourage a compassionate approach to healing.
Join us as we offer a sneak peek into our upcoming book, which provides an extensive exploration of moral injury—from definitions and concepts to recovery strategies and spiritual support. This episode is essential for chaplains, mental health professionals, and anyone eager to grasp the intricacies of moral injury. We delve into empirically validated tools to assess moral injury and highlight critical research gaps, preparing the ground for future discussions on its impact on military families. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that promises to shed light on the psychological and emotional abuse nuances within these contexts, equipping you with immediate care guidance for those affected.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Unlock the mysteries of moral injury with Dr. Daniel Roberts as we journey into a realm often overshadowed by PTSD. What truly sets moral injury apart from other psychological wounds? This episode promises to enrich your understanding by delving into the intricate layers of moral injury, exploring its roots in experiences of betrayal, trauma, and ethical conflict. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, we aim to shed light on how moral injury manifests in various communities, including women veterans, racial minorities, and those facing sexual identity discrimination, emphasizing the vital need for recognition and tailored care.
As we navigate the tapestry of moral injury, you’ll hear how resource scarcity, discrimination, and toxic environments can erode one’s moral fabric, leaving deep wounds of guilt and responsibility. Dr. Roberts shares the transformative power of storytelling and forgiveness as pathways to healing, illustrating their significance in identifying and comprehending moral injury. This conversation brings to the forefront the widespread impact of moral injury across industries and highlights the urgent need for awareness and resources to support recovery. Tune in for an insightful exploration that not only defines moral injury but also calls for a compassionate response to its challenges.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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What if you could find a way to support your loved ones through the toughest times while also taking care of yourself? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Daniel Roberts and clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman as we uncover the crucial support systems for families touched by trauma and mental illness. Michelle's collaboration with her mother in creating resources for teenagers grappling with deployment-related issues is spotlighted, offering a unique perspective on the challenges military families face. This episode sheds light on the significance of trauma-informed educational approaches.
Together, we navigate the complex landscape of trauma's impact on family dynamics, particularly for veterans grappling with PTSD. Michelle shares her firsthand experiences from the VA hospital, emphasizing the emotional and physical hurdles these families encounter. From setting boundaries to transitioning from combat behaviors, the discussion is rich with insights on maintaining familial bonds amidst adversity. The need for effective PTSD treatments and strategies for communicating with children about these challenges is highlighted, ensuring listeners walk away with practical tools for everyday life.
Dive deep into the empowering message behind Michelle Sherman’s book, "Loving Someone with Mental Illness or History of Trauma," aimed at reaching those who need support but can't attend traditional groups. Through a compassionate narrative, Michelle provides evidence-based strategies from therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, offering listeners validation and encouragement.
Go to Michelle's website (www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com) and order these two books:
Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey (2025, Johns Hopkins University Press)
I'm Not Alone: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma (2024, Seeds of Hope Books)
Get the free Veteran's Guide to Talking to Kids about PTSD that Michelle mentioned during the interview: https://www.mirecc.va.go
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
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Discover the hidden psychological wounds of moral injury and how they profoundly affect our service women. Unpack the foundational elements of moral injury that separate it from PTSD, and learn about the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those in the military. Inspired by the groundbreaking research of Jonathan Shay and others, this episode sheds light on the situations that often lead to moral injury, including betrayal by authority figures and the pressure of high-stakes decisions. Real stories from women veterans bring these discussions to life, offering an intimate look into the struggles and resilience required to navigate these challenges.
Meet Ellie, whose heartrending story of sexual assault and its aftermath sets the stage for a broader discussion on the mental health struggles faced by women in the military. From issues of trust and self-worth to symptoms like anxiety and depression, these narratives reveal the multifaceted impact of moral injuries and their lasting consequences. Through the experiences of women who have faced combat situations, hostile environments, and other violations, we confront the complex reality of moral injury, emphasizing the necessity for understanding and empathy.
Learn about the vital work being done by the Moral Injury Support Network for Service Women Incorporated in North Carolina, an organization dedicated to aiding service women in their recovery journeys. We discuss how community support, prevention, and education play a crucial role in healing, and how your contributions can sustain these efforts. With stories of strength and the promise of hope, this episode highlights the importance of addressing and supporting moral injury survivors through shared understanding and active support.
Support the show
Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!
Follow us on your favorite social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moral-injury-support-network-for-servicewomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.danielroberts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misnsconsult/
Discover the emotional realities and valuable lessons from veteran caregiving with our guests, Shawn Moore and Natasha Swayze. In this episode, we highlight Shawn's transformative journey from founding Caregivers on the Homefront in 2017 to its evolution into Operation Frontline Families. Learn how Shawn and Natasha are revolutionizing support systems for military families, emphasizing the importance of mental health and youth-focused programs.
We delve into the heart-wrenching challenges caregivers face, particularly when caring for veterans with PTSD. Listen as we share personal stories and discuss the heavy burden and guilt that accompany caregiving duties. Explore the concept of moral injury and understand the frustration with care systems that often exclude caregivers. Our conversation also touches on the difficult choices military spouses must make, balancing their roles with their own well-being, and the essential role of setting boundaries.
Lastly, we shed light on the critical work of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Learn about the various initiatives designed to support caregivers, including self-care workshops, financial aid through the HOPE Fund, and the Hidden Helpers Coalition. Get inspired by their advocacy efforts and understand the significance of community and accessible resources in empowering caregivers. Don’t miss this episode packed with practical advice and moving stories that aim to make a meaningful impact on military families.
Operation Frontline Families and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Join Forces in Support of Military and Veteran Caregivers
Join us at the Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, September 16-19, 2024, Sandy Springs, GA
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What if the journey to recovery for servicewomen is more intricate than we thought? Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, a prominent authority on moral injury, as we uncover the deeply personal and unique experiences of female veterans dealing with moral injury. Through powerful storytelling, Dr. Brock illustrates the implicit biases that can hinder effective support, sharing a moving example of a veteran who, despite losing her legs, yearned to wear high heels. This episode shines a spotlight on the need to address gender-specific experiences to foster genuine healing and recovery.
Explore the profound impact of unresolved moral conflicts on one's conscience and how these can lead to moral distress and injury. Dr. Brock provides a nuanced differentiation between moral injury and PTSD, sparking a debate on whether moral injury should be medically diagnosed. We also delve into alternative cultural approaches to moral suffering and discuss protocols tailored for veterans that focus on acceptance and processing rather than attempting to erase the past. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of group support, as highlighted by a pilot program for female veterans, and how it adapted during the pandemic to continue aiding those in need.
Gain insights into the pioneering work of the Soul Repair Center and its diverse, religiously-informed approaches to moral injury and recovery. We discuss the center's comprehensive program for professionals and share stories that underline the complexities of moral injury. From the transformative journey of a chaplain at a psychiatric hospital to the life-long influence of compassionate religious leaders, this episode is a testament to the resilience and profound change that can come from addressing moral injury. Don't miss out on our preview of the upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, featuring an array of exceptional speakers and the invaluable contributions of Dr. Brock and Volunteers of America.
Find out about Volunteers of America.
Learn about the 2024 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference
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Can trauma from a single event create a lasting moral injury or PTSD? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Annette Hill, a licensed professional counselor and EMDR certified therapist whose dedication to trauma treatment is both professional and deeply personal. Annette shares her remarkable journey from her influential role in the Lifebook program for foster children to her creation of the Journey of Me curriculum. Her heartfelt commitment to veterans is evident through her long-term involvement with Operation Freedom Bird, and as a Gold Star mother, she brings a unique and profound perspective to her work.
Our conversation dives deep into the complexities of moral injury and its distinct impact on mental health, particularly among those in high-stress professions like the military, law enforcement, and emergency response. Annette helps us understand the nuanced differences between moral injury, PTSD, and unresolved grief. We discuss the importance of personalized treatment approaches, highlighting effective techniques such as EMDR for PTSD and the necessity of engaging with an individual's spiritual and ethical core to address moral injury. Through Annette's expert insights, we underscore the critical role of empathetic listening and the adaptation of therapeutic methods to best support those suffering from these complex forms of trauma.
As we look ahead to our upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, we touch on the excitement surrounding innovative therapeutic techniques and the gut-brain connection. Annette's contributions and keynote speech promise to add invaluable depth to the event. We discuss the importance of diverse treatment modalities, community partnerships, and overcoming organizational barriers to enhance mental health care for veterans and first responders. Join us for this enriching episode filled with practical strategies, transformative experiences, and a heartfelt dedication to supporting veterans on their healing journeys.
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Discover the profound connections between early childhood trauma and long-term well-being with Dr. Shanta Dubé, a trailblazer from the CDC Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, who graces our podcast with her extensive knowledge. Delving into the ACE study's revelations, we learn how these experiences shape not just physical and mental health, but also spiritual development, highlighting the concept of moral injury and its pervasive influence. Dr. Dubé shares anecdotes from her personal encounters with individuals in recovery, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of trauma, spirituality, and healing. Her insights promise to enlighten those curious about the lasting imprints of childhood experiences on our lives.
This episode also throws light on the delicate art of implementing trauma-informed care within structured environments like the military. We tackle the complexities of supporting growth and resilience within training that is inherently demanding, discussing the delicate balance military leaders must strike. The power of technology, specifically cell phone apps, is not overlooked as we discuss their role in extending support and collecting vital data for public health. The excitement around the upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference is palpable as I prepare to contribute to the conversation about the universal impact of ACEs, anticipating the opportunity to learn, network, and bring back valuable insights to our audience.
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When the weight of choice teeters between life and death, how does one find grounding in their decisions? Dr. Sarah Archer's voice trembles with the raw emotion of her time in Rwanda, post-genocide, as she maps the treacherous terrain of moral injury for us. Her candid recollection of reverse triage, the emotional toll it exacted, and her quest for solace through faith and service reverberate through the episode, offering a stark, humane look at the cost of crisis.
Our journey doesn't end there; we cross paths with a resilient 80-year-old former public health nurse who exemplifies the power of service and the potency of self-forgiveness. Her commitment to educating the next generation in public health, interwoven with personal redemption, unveils the silent battles many face as they transition from military to civilian life. As we dissect the complex web of social determinants of health and their role in moral injury, especially among veterans, we're reminded of the stark realities and the need for community and understanding.
Finally, we extend an open-hearted invitation to the upcoming retreat centered on addressing moral injury, discussing the poignant insights from a seasoned special operator. The conversation beckons leaders and those in service to join in solidarity to forge pathways of healing and to better support those carrying the unseen wounds of their professions. This episode is a call to arms for empathy, collaboration, and shared learning in our collective quest to alleviate the burden of moral injury.
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We are joined by Tiffany Marchink, a brave military veteran who reveals a dark side of the military that is often shrouded in silence: moral injury and military sexual trauma. Tiffany's personal narrative powerfully illustrates how systemic issues within military institutions can lead to severe emotional trauma. She shares her unforgettable journey of navigating a system that often prioritizes the career of a senior NCO over the wellbeing of victims, illuminating the harsh reality of feeling unsupported and alone in a place one calls home.
Did you know that moral injury can occur unbeknownst to the individual? Our conversation explores this insidious form of trauma that is not exclusive to any gender and can be caused by institutions, policies, and regulations. We discuss the emotional toll that victims endure when they must repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences. At the same time, we unpack the profound impact of family relationships on the recovery process and delve into the struggle of regaining trust and healing after sexual assault.
Today, we strive to bring attention to the pressing need for change within the military. We underscore the importance of believing survivors and the significant impact our reactions can have on victims. Are our military institutions prioritizing unit deployment over holding senior leaders accountable? Tiffany's story highlights the importance of better leadership education, more supportive environments, and the need for improvements in the military's handling of sexual assault cases. Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Tiffany's resilience and willingness to share her story is a beacon of hope and a call for action.
Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains discussions of military sexual trauma, which may include explicit descriptions and personal accounts of sensitive and distressing experiences. Listener discretion is advised, and please prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of military sexual trauma, please seek professional support or call a helpline for assistance.
Learn more about Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. and sign up for our newsletter at: https://misns.org.
Get to know our team: https://misns.org/about-us/
Find out about our upcoming conference at: https://misns.org/cmic
Donate to our cause: https://misns.org/donation/
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Are you ready to unravel the depths of moral injury? Join us as we delve into this profound topic with our esteemed guest Dr Amanda Yeck. Together we'll explore a realm of suffering that affects us biologically, psychosocially, and spiritually. We'll take a leap into the comparison of moral injury and PTSD, unmasking the unique characteristics and challenges of each.
Our discussion will unfold the trials experienced by veterans, who often face grief and loss at a far younger age than their civilian counterparts. We'll shed light on the disparity between veterans and civilians, and how well-intentioned expressions of gratitude can sometimes aggravate the pain. We'll also navigate the complexities of measuring resilience, post-traumatic growth, and self-worth in the context of forgiveness.
As our conversation progresses, we'll explore the concept of forgiveness. We'll debunk myths surrounding it, and emphasize the need for self-understanding in order to truly forgive. We'll also tackle the struggle veterans endure when reconciling responsibility in cases of erroneous intelligence. Our discourse concludes on a buoyant note, underscoring the significance of making sense of our experiences, reconnecting with our values, and the liberating power of self-forgiveness. So, regardless of whether you're a veteran, a family member, or anyone grappling with moral injury, tune in to find hope and a pathway towards healing.
Dr. Yeck is a psychologist, but not your psychologist. Don't take this as medical advice. This is meant to point you in a direction as you get a psychologist in your own area.
Learn more about Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. and sign up for our newsletter at: https://misns.org.
Get to know our team: https://misns.org/about-us/
Find out about our upcoming conference at: https://misns.org/cmic
Donate to our cause: https://misns.org/donation/
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In this podcast, Dr. Dan Roberts, Jamie Peer, and Mantay Toure will describe moral injury and many context in which it manifests, discuss Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen Inc.'s mission, and talk about MISNS' long-term goals of helping millions of women veterans suffering from moral injury.
Learn more about MISNS and sign up for our newsletter at: https://misns.org.
Get to know our team: https://misns.org/about-us/
Find out about our upcoming conference at: https://misns.org/cmic
Support the show
As a guest on The Rising Beyond podcast, Dr. Roberts and Sybil Cummin of Arvada Therapy Solutions, PLLC (http://www.arvadatherapysolutions.com/) discuss moral injury and how to heal from it.
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Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this videocast, participants will be able to:
1. Define moral injury.
2. Describe how it affects people’s self-esteem.
3. Explain ways chaplains, psychologists, social workers, and other caregivers can help a person rebuild their self-esteem.
Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRoberts.
To actively participate in these episodes, subscribe at: https://chaplainconsultants.com/product/monthly-network-subscription/.
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In this interview, given by Susan Sganaga, Public Health Specialist, Dr. Roberts speaks about how Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. (MISNS) got started, its work in the moral injury field, and how MISNS continues to support servicewomen around the world.
Important Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. links:
Tubman Chaplain Network: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/.
2023 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference: https://chaplainconsultants.com/2023-comprehensive-moral-injury-conference-cmic/.
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Barton discusses with Dr. Roberts, how Adler is working to help military veterans connect to their communities, recover from their war experiences and heal from moral injury. We also talk about how Adler is educating the next generation of psychologists.
To find out more, email Bart at bbuechner@adler.edu or go to: http://www.adler.edu/page/areas-of-study/online/militarypsychology/overview.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Barton discusses with Dr. Roberts, how Adler is working to help military veterans connect to their communities, recover from their war experiences and heal from moral injury. We also talk about how Adler is educating the next generation of psychologists.
To find out more, email Bart at bbuechner@adler.edu or go to: http://www.adler.edu/page/areas-of-study/online/militarypsychology/overview.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Steve Alpert is an accomplished artist who is here on this episode to discuss his Proudly She Served Gallery. Here is a brief description from Steve's website "The surface of the canvas is the focal point of my hopes, dreams, aspirations. It is that precise place in the physical world where I express my deepest passions for the beauty of this Earth. Communicated through the layers of ground-up minerals are images that bring honor and respect to the lionhearted individuals who serve others, extolling the virtues of ordinary people who deliberately put themselves into extraordinary circumstances."
Watch the video with the portraits at: https://youtu.be/tB00i9_0M0c
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/
Support the show: https://chaplainconsultants.com/donate/.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Steve Alpert is an accomplished artist who is here on this episode to discuss his Proudly She Served Gallery. Here is a brief description from Steve's website "The surface of the canvas is the focal point of my hopes, dreams, aspirations. It is that precise place in the physical world where I express my deepest passions for the beauty of this Earth. Communicated through the layers of ground-up minerals are images that bring honor and respect to the lionhearted individuals who serve others, extolling the virtues of ordinary people who deliberately put themselves into extraordinary circumstances."
Watch the video with the portraits at: https://youtu.be/jFwTI6hHi4U.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
On this episode we will speak with Katie Ross and Katie Civiletto Stenger about a variety of topics including: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in Veterans, Access to care, Navigating healthcare outside the VA, Continuum of Care, and much more.
Katie Ross is a seasoned professional in the veteran and military space, she has dedicated her career to Serving Those Who Serve. Katie currently serves as the Director of Veterans Services for Summit Behavioral Health Care’s Tactical Recovery Program. Katie worked to design the Tactical Recovery, this program was created because very few addiction and mental health centers are genuinely qualified in understanding and treating Veterans. Far too often, Veterans do not receive the level of treatment they deserve from people who understand the full impact of their service- she wanted to change this. For her, this work is personal, Katie is a seasoned military spouse, and grew up as a military brat. Her dedication to serving those who serve is exemplified in both her professional roles and volunteer roles in the community.
Katie Civiletto Stenger is a force multiplier in the veteran community. Katie now serves as a National Veterans Services Coordinator for Summit Behavioral Health Care’s Tactical Recovery Program serving veterans in need of residential treatment for mental health and addiction. Katie has spent nearly a decade working with veterans and their loved ones to improve access to care and the services provided to veterans, service members and their loved ones. Katie has served in case management, project management, and care coordination roles over the past ten years. In 2011, Katie fell into veterans services through a family friend who struggled with what we now know as Moral Injury. At that time, accessing services for veterans who were struggling with reintegration, PTSD and MI was complex and lacked access. Her career focus shifted to address gaps in services and barriers to care for the veteran and military population in relation to mental health needs. While it took her some time to realize, she grew up in a strong military family with grandparents in both WWI and the Korean war. Though she wasn’t fortunate enough to hear either of their stories first hand. Katie is an alumna of Cornell University's Sloan Program in Health Administration
Resources:
Tactical Recovery: www.tacticalrecovery.com
Tactical Recovery residential program
Psycharmor: https://psycharmor.org/
Code of Support: https://www.codeofsupport.org/
The Independence Fund: https://independencefund.org/
Semper Fi Fund: https://semperfifund.org/
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Resource Center: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/wwp-resource-center
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
On this episode we will speak with Katie Ross and Katie Civiletto Stenger about a variety of topics including: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in Veterans, Access to care, Navigating healthcare outside the VA, Continuum of Care, and much more.
Katie Ross is a seasoned professional in the veteran and military space, she has dedicated her career to Serving Those Who Serve. Katie currently serves as the Director of Veterans Services for Summit Behavioral Health Care’s Tactical Recovery Program. Katie worked to design the Tactical Recovery, this program was created because very few addiction and mental health centers are genuinely qualified in understanding and treating Veterans. Far too often, Veterans do not receive the level of treatment they deserve from people who understand the full impact of their service- she wanted to change this. For her, this work is personal, Katie is a seasoned military spouse, and grew up as a military brat. Her dedication to serving those who serve is exemplified in both her professional roles and volunteer roles in the community.
Katie Civiletto Stenger is a force multiplier in the veteran community. Katie now serves as a National Veterans Services Coordinator for Summit Behavioral Health Care’s Tactical Recovery Program serving veterans in need of residential treatment for mental health and addiction. Katie has spent nearly a decade working with veterans and their loved ones to improve access to care and the services provided to veterans, service members and their loved ones. Katie has served in case management, project management, and care coordination roles over the past ten years. In 2011, Katie fell into veterans services through a family friend who struggled with what we now know as Moral Injury. At that time, accessing services for veterans who were struggling with reintegration, PTSD and MI was complex and lacked access. Her career focus shifted to address gaps in services and barriers to care for the veteran and military population in relation to mental health needs. While it took her some time to realize, she grew up in a strong military family with grandparents in both WWI and the Korean war. Though she wasn’t fortunate enough to hear either of their stories first hand. Katie is an alumna of Cornell University's Sloan Program in Health Administration
Resources:
Tactical Recovery: www.tacticalrecovery.com
Tactical Recovery residential program
Psycharmor: https://psycharmor.org/
Code of Support: https://www.codeofsupport.org/
The Independence Fund: https://independencefund.org/
Semper Fi Fund: https://semperfifund.org/
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Resource Center: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/wwp-resource-center
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Jessica Greenbaum got in touch with us because decades after becoming an established poet and a teacher of poetry with three books and national recognition, she decided art can’t do everything and went back to school to become a social worker. Melding the fields of poetry and social work, she runs workshops for communities who have experienced trauma and she wanted to offer one to people who have considered themselves to have sustained moral injury. She has run such workshops for 9/11 First Responders, under the auspices of NYU Langone’s Medical Center; for people who have left Jewish Ultra-Orthodoxy, under the auspices of a service organization for that community called Footsteps, and for adult survivors of childhood brain tumors, under the auspices of the Child Brain Tumor Foundation. Inside academia she has taught at Barnard College and Vassar, and she also designs classes around Jewish text for two New York synagogues. She’s here to answer the question of why poetry people who feel they have sustained moral injury and how does it work?Resources:
website: https://poemsincommunity.org/
bibliography
Burack-Weiss, Lawrence & Mijangos, editors, Narrative in Social Work Practice; the Power and Possibility of Story (Columbia University Press, 2017)
Coleman, Elizabeth J, editor, Here: Poems for the Planet (Copper Canyon, 2019)
Collins, Billy, editor, Poetry 180; A Turning Back to Poetry (Random House, 2003)
Dungy, Camille T, editor, Black Nature; Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry (U. Georgia Press, 2009)
Herman, Judith, Trauma and Recovery (Basic, 1997)
Hirsch, Edward, A Poet’s Glossary (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014)
Levine, Peter, Waking the Tiger; Healing Trauma (North Atlantic, 1997)
Press, Eyal, Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America (FSG, 2021)
Stavans, Ilan, editor, All the Odes by Pablo Neruda (FSG, 2013)
van der Kolk, Bessel, The Body Keeps the Score; Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Viking, 2014)
Plays at the end of each episode.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Jessica Greenbaum got in touch with us because decades after becoming an established poet and a teacher of poetry with three books and national recognition, she decided art can’t do everything and went back to school to become a social worker. Melding the fields of poetry and social work, she runs workshops for communities who have experienced trauma and she wanted to offer one to people who have considered themselves to have sustained moral injury. She has run such workshops for 9/11 First Responders, under the auspices of NYU Langone’s Medical Center; for people who have left Jewish Ultra-Orthodoxy, under the auspices of a service organization for that community called Footsteps, and for adult survivors of childhood brain tumors, under the auspices of the Child Brain Tumor Foundation. Inside academia she has taught at Barnard College and Vassar, and she also designs classes around Jewish text for two New York synagogues. She’s here to answer the question of why poetry people who feel they have sustained moral injury and how does it work?Resources:
website: https://poemsincommunity.org/
bibliography
Burack-Weiss, Lawrence & Mijangos, editors, Narrative in Social Work Practice; the Power and Possibility of Story (Columbia University Press, 2017)
Coleman, Elizabeth J, editor, Here: Poems for the Planet (Copper Canyon, 2019)
Collins, Billy, editor, Poetry 180; A Turning Back to Poetry (Random House, 2003)
Dungy, Camille T, editor, Black Nature; Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry (U. Georgia Press, 2009)
Herman, Judith, Trauma and Recovery (Basic, 1997)
Hirsch, Edward, A Poet’s Glossary (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014)
Levine, Peter, Waking the Tiger; Healing Trauma (North Atlantic, 1997)
Press, Eyal, Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America (FSG, 2021)
Stavans, Ilan, editor, All the Odes by Pablo Neruda (FSG, 2013)
van der Kolk, Bessel, The Body Keeps the Score; Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Viking, 2014)
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Dr. Daniel Roberts and Mia Ricks have an in-depth conversation about the war in Afghanistan and how it impacts the field of Moral Injury.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Dr. Daniel Roberts and Mia Ricks have an in-depth conversation about the war in Afghanistan and how it impacts the field of Moral Injury.
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
The Soldier's Guide to PTSD: How to No-Shit Reclaim Your Life written by Virginia Cruse is a must read.
Part two of our interview with Virginia Cruse is an episode you do not want to miss!
Let's Talk Virginia Cruse
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Virginia Cruse is the author of, The Soldier’s Guide to PTSD: How to No-Sh*t Reclaim Your Life, a Soldier-to-Soldier guide for overcoming PTSD and Moral Injury that gives step-by-step guidance on how Service Members can take their lives back.
Dr. Daniel Roberts and Mia Ricks have an honest, eye-opening discussion with Virginia Cruse on Moral Injury and PTSD.
Let's Talk Virginia Cruse.
Conference Replay Link: https://chaplainconsultants.com/2021-moral-injury-conference/2021-comprehensive-moral-injury-conference-replay/
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
Part two we further discuss moral injury and finish our conversation with helpful information and resources.
Let's Talk Moral Injury
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
We are talking all things moral injury on this episode. Listeners will learn more about moral injury and begin to build a foundation of knowledge.
Let's Talk Moral Injury!
The Tubman Chaplain Network (TCN) is a network dedicated to matching qualified women chaplains with current and veteran servicewomen in need of spiritual counseling for moral injuries suffered during their military service. To learn more about the network and how to apply, go to: https://chaplainconsultants.com/tubman-chaplain-network/. Use the passcode: 34663965.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
This week we will finish our talk on introductions!
Listen to Part 2 of Let's Talk Introductions.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)
This week we will get to know Host, Founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Roberts and Co-Host, Director of Marketing Intern, Mia Ricks. We will discuss Moral Injury and how The Moral Injury Support Network for Injured Servicewomen Inc. came to life.
Let's Get Ready to Talk!
Part two coming in 2 weeks.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FURKS5NYJVH9L)