
If you are a service member or veteran with an immediate crisis, please contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, text 838255, or chat with someone at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Our In-Person Post-Traumatic Growth Program
Our in-person Post-traumatic Growth Program is a series of five-day sessions that take place in our relaxing facilities in Crystal Beach, Texas, and Fayetteville, North Carolina.
During your time with us, we will use tools that focus on relief from the symptoms of PTSD, mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and chronic pain. At the end of your program, our licensed clinicians will help you make a plan for continued healing.
Eligibility
- All service eras and US branches are welcome
- Previous deployment to a combat zone is required
- A diagnosis or service-connected disability through VA is NOT required
- Applicant must be able to interact in a group environment and be willing to have a roommate
- Applicant must be able to administer his or her own medication(s) if applicable
- If substance abuse has been an issue, the applicant must have been in recovery for at least six months prior to attending our program
- A signed form from a healthcare provider stating that our program is appropriate for the applicant is required for in-person programs
The Post-traumatic Growth Program Progression
“Family members are a crucial part of the daily life of a veteran. You can take a veteran and heal him up, but if you send him back to a family that has not recovered, he’ll just regress.”
– Marcus Luttrell
Our Program includes a progressive series of three Post-traumatic Growth Program sessions.
The first session that you will attend will be for veterans and service members only. At this session, we will work on education, coping skills, and symptom reduction through multiple therapeutic tools. We will then help you create a plan for continued healing once you return home.
If you have a significant other, you may be invited back after approximately 6 to 18 months for a Couples’ Session. During this session, we will provide education and tools for more effective communication and a deeper connection so that you can work together towards healing. We will also provide tools and guidance to help reduce Caregiver Stress.
If you have children living at home, you may be invited back for a third time for a Family Session. The Family Session will take place approximately 6 – 18 months after the Couples’ Session. This Session gives the children the opportunity to express their feelings and needs, and provides education for the whole family on how best to communicate and support each other. The goal is to form a more resilient bond between family members, allowing them to move forward together as a cohesive unit.
What to Expect
Our program is five days long. You will typically travel in on a Thursday and travel home on a Monday.
You will be with a small group of 8 – 10 other participants who are dealing with the same issues that you are. The session will be staffed with a small team of professionals and a veteran Team Leader that will provide individualized care that is customized to your needs.
Our facilities are large, specially-designed houses in Crystal Beach, Texas and Fayetteville, North Carolina. They are both located in areas that take advantage of peaceful natural environments and they are designed to make you feel comfortable while encouraging comradery with the other participants. For Individual Sessions, you may be sharing a room with another veteran. For Couples’ and Family Sessions, you and your significant other will have your own bedroom.
During your session, you can expect to spend each day rotating through a variety of different activities designed to introduce you to therapeutic tools that focus on renewing your mind, body, and spirit. You will also have some free time and community time with the other participants.
Therapeutic Tools Used in Our Program
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
A.R.T. reduces fear, panic, & distress without the need to tell the clinician about the trauma that you are working through. A.R.T. utilizes rapid eye movement (REM) while the participant is awake to control and direct the processing power the brain uses during the deepest phase of sleep. For more information about A.R.T., please visit www.acceleratedresolutiontherpy.com.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Specially trained Trauma-Informed Yoga practitioners teach mindful meditation and movement designed to provide relief from stress and physical pain while managing symptoms of PTSD and mild Traumatic Brain Injury. For more information on Trauma-Informed Yoga, please visit www.veteransyogaproject.org.
Education Classes
Each day of our sessions, we offer multiple interactive discussions focused on the needs of our participants. Topics typically include PTSD, TBI, nutrition, HeartMath, chronic pain, battlefield acupuncture, and relationship topics for couples’ sessions. We also offer an optional faith-based group.
Alpha-Stim
Alpha-Stim is a Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation device (CES) that is FDA approved to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. We provide an in-depth tutorial on the device and its application. Participants are encouraged to use the device throughout their sessions. For more information on Alpha-Stim, please visit www.alpha-stim.com.
The Application Process
- Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire below
- If you are eligible, respond to the email requesting a DD214 or Proof of Service
- Once the documentation have been received, our program team will contact you to discuss further details and scheduling.
If you have any questions regarding our programs or the application process, please email us at programs@lonesurvivorfoundation.org.