This presentation will provide an overview of the multi-cultural aspects of counseling with the military population and discuss common issues in this group. It has long been acknowledged that the military has its own unique culture and counseling needs (e.g., increasing levels of stress, frequent relocations, and extended parental absence). This presentation is designed to help civilian counselors better understand these unique aspects of the military community and how these characteristics directly impact counseling needs. Presenter will discuss how play therapy interventions are an appropriate fit for the counseling issues presented in the military population today. This session will focus on specific interventions to assist military families navigate their challenges associated with the military lifestyle with a focus on directive play therapy techniques that build attachments and promote resiliency. Participants will better understand these challenges and gain an understanding of the cycles face by military families including loss, separation, and transitions associated with moving and deployments as well as understand the importance of building resiliency. Counselors will also gain and understanding of available resources and how to include psycho-educational components when working with parents. Attendees will get an insiders perspective from an experienced military spouse regarding military lifestyle, challenges faced and overcome by military families.
Learning Objectives
After the workshop, participants will be able to
- have increased knowledge of the cultural aspects of military life and how these characteristics impact counseling needs,
- identify the unique challenges faced within the military lifestyle with specific examples of play therapy techniques to address specific challenges including loss, separation and transitions; and
- identify resiliency with an understanding of strategies to build the resiliency of military children and families.
Speaker
Lisa Remey, MEd, LPC, RPT, NCC is a 21 year military spouse who understands firsthand the challenges of military life. She specializes in providing play therapy services to military populations as well as presenting about military families at professional conferences and to military families, on the radio, and contributing to books and articles. Visit Lisa Remey.com to learn more.