Validation and Recognition Helps Heal PTSD
Comments (2) Read some interesting stuff today, from Matthew Tull, PhD, on About.com. In an article on “The Benefits of Group Therapy for PTSD,” he talks about the benefits of “validation.” He notes that in a group setting, other people with PTSD (or loved ones with PTSD) may be able to recognize and “validate” what you are going through, because they have had similar experiences.
It reminded me of an experience I had, that I believe is worth sharing. Many years after my divorce from my Nam vet, I was still hurting and wondering what I had done wrong in the relationship. Logically, I knew I’d been a loyal partner. But there was still that lingering feeling that I’d failed somehow.
I read about a lecture and workshop that was coming up. Patience Mason, the wife of Robert Mason, who flew helicopters in Nam (and wrote the bestseller, Chickenhawk) was giving a speech about combat-related PTSD. I went to hear her, and heard first-hand, that she knows her stuff. Unfortunately, I only found her book Recovering from the War- A Guide for All Veterans, Family Members. Friends and Therapists, long after my divorce. Continue reading 'Validation and Recognition Helps Heal PTSD'»
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