Est2 3 Pages APA In-Text Citations You Are Working At The Ve

Est2 3 Pages APA In Text Citationsyou Are Working At The Veterans Age

Est2 3 Pages APA In Text Citations You are working at the veteran's agency and your caseload includes men with PTSD. They are uniquely experienced in mortal combat. They recently returned from battle zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of their friends have died in battle. Some wonder why they are still here and their friends are gone.

Your boss has asked you to research verbal and nonverbal ways to help you communicate with these men and build a therapeutic alliance. He wants you to demonstrate communication styles through a role play presentation for all the therapists at the weekly staff meeting: Individual Portion: Each group member should assume the role of a counselor and address the following in two pages: What are two types of positive communication styles that the men will benefit from such as non-judging, attentive listening, validating feelings, compassion/empathy and open body language What is one type of communication style the men might not be receptive to such placating, authoritarian language, closed body language, and judging Include a summary statement of at least 2 reasons why each communication style is either acceptable or non-acceptable for this population.

Paper For Above instruction

The communication with veterans suffering from PTSD, particularly those with combat experience, requires a nuanced understanding of their unique psychological and emotional needs. Effective verbal and nonverbal communication strategies are vital in establishing trust and fostering a therapeutic alliance. Among these strategies, two positive communication styles stand out as particularly beneficial: attentive listening and empathetic validation.

Attentive listening is a cornerstone of therapeutic communication. It involves not only hearing the words the veterans express but also demonstrating genuine interest through appropriate body language, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding affirmatively (Johnson, 2019). This approach reassures veterans that their experiences and feelings are acknowledged and valued, which is especially important given their trauma history. Research indicates that attentive listening can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and promote openness in veterans with PTSD (Smith & Miller, 2020). For instance, when a veteran discusses a traumatic event, a counselor's focused attention signals respect and safety, encouraging deeper disclosure and engagement.

Empathetic validation complements attentive listening by explicitly recognizing and affirming the veteran's emotional state. Showing compassion and understanding helps veterans feel accepted and reduces defensiveness (Williams & Garcia, 2018). For example, saying, "It sounds like that experience was incredibly difficult for you," validates their feelings without judgment. Empathy fosters a sense of connection, which is crucial in overcoming the mistrust many veterans hold towards authority figures or mental health professionals (Brown et al., 2021). Moreover, empathetic communication aligns with trauma-informed care principles, emphasizing safety and trustworthiness.

Conversely, a communication style that veterans might not be receptive to includes authoritarian language characterized by control, judgment, or dismissiveness. Such styles often manifest as commanding speech or harsh tone, which can trigger defensiveness (Darken, 2017). For example, telling a veteran to “just get over it” or using closed body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding eye contact, can reinforce feelings of mistrust and alienation (Lee & Kim, 2020). This approach is non-acceptable because it disregards the veteran's lived experience, potentially exacerbating their trauma, and impeding therapeutic rapport.

Summary: Attentive listening and empathetic validation are acceptable communication styles for veterans with PTSD because they foster trust, demonstrate respect, and validate their experiences—factors critical for effective therapy (Miller & Carter, 2019). On the other hand, authoritarian and judgmental styles are non-acceptable as they can retraumatize veterans, foster mistrust, and hinder recovery, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed, empathetic communication practices (Williams & Garcia, 2018).

References

• Brown, T., Johnson, P., & Davis, R. (2021). Trauma-informed communication in mental health practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 876–886.
• Darken, R. (2017). The impact of authoritarian communication on trauma survivors. Trauma Studies Journal, 15(2), 115–130.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Active listening techniques in mental health counseling. Counseling Today, 34(1), 23–27.
• Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2020). Nonverbal communication and trust in veteran populations. Journal of Military Psychology, 31(2), 132–144.
• Miller, A., & Carter, S. (2019). Building trust with trauma survivors: Approaches and challenges. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20(3), 319–336.
• Smith, K., & Miller, J. (2020). Therapeutic engagement with combat veterans: Strategies and best practices. Journal of Veteran Studies, 12(4), 45–60.
• Williams, R., & Garcia, L. (2018). Empathy and validation in trauma treatment. International Journal of Mental Health, 47(2), 132–149.