Author Description

Warning: The letters contain graphic descriptions of death and carnage and may be triggering for some people. If you find yourself triggered or upset by the content of these letters you are encouraged to reach out for support to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Press 1 for Veterans.What is Moral Injury? We have finally come to understand that individuals who have been exposed to trauma often exhibit symptoms beyond anxiety and hyperarousal. At its core, Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is more than anxiety and hyperarousal. We have repeatedly observed that deeper core issues exist and are typically the most distressing to traumatized individuals. These are unresolved loss, guilt and shame now termed Moral Injury (Shay 1994, Litz, et al. 2009).The information contained in this book is the culmination of 20 years of treating traumatized veterans and first responders. Unlike many psychotherapeutic approaches which were conceptualized by researchers or theorists, this program is an integration of what veterans have taught us about the emotional wounds they carry and how best to treat these injuries. Our clients have taught us that leaving the deeper core issues of Moral Injury (unresolved loss, guilt and shame) untreated leaves them with lasting emotional wounds which interfere with all aspects of their lives and put them at risk for suicide. In this book, we will share our understanding of how Moral Injury develops, how to identify Moral Injury, why many current trauma treatments fall short in addressing Moral Injury and describe our approach to healing these wounds. We will share some stories of the injuries, the redemption, and the transformation of relationships when these issues are resolved. These shifts reflect a fundamental change in how our service members and first responders are able to carry their traumatic experiences signaling the resolution of moral injury.ALL OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS BOOK WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE CENTER FOR POST TRAUMATIC GROWTH A NO