How to work with Veterans when you aren’t a Veteran

Following our long war in Afghanistan, there has been an ever-increasing number of combat veterans who have returned home after active duty. They have special needs that are unique to them and it is important to have a working knowledge of how to help this population. Veterans are very different from other populations human service providers work with. Their experience is not something that can ever be fully understood by non-veterans.

In this interactive discourse and open dialogue format we will chat about how to better understand the veteran population you serve, by hearing from you and your cohorts, the experiences you have had and the new ways you want to grow to enhance your ability to be of service.

Objectives

• Expand your awareness in new/different ways so that you can better approach and support the way you work with veterans
• Develop cultural awareness of the challenges a veteran can face based on their point of view and demographics
• Know the deficits that veterans may face due to mental health, homelessness and other factors which can hinder their progress, such as adjusting to civilian life.

Realms to explore:

• Cultural awareness, perspectives, and worldviews
• Triggers, Traumas, and mental health
• Best practices and approaches
• New Mission

Dakota Gundy, PsyD, LPC,

Dr. Gundy–himself a veteran–is a passionate activist, advocate, and therapist. He has dedicated years of his life to supporting individuals who identify as GLB&TIA, veterans, those with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, and other underserved populations. Dakota actively participates in presentations at various venues, including NAMI, CSU-Pueblo, Denver Health, and UC Health, with the aim of raising awareness about medical and mental health care inequalities and the stigma that affect people based on their identities.

Eligible for 2 hours Certificate of Completion