Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Returning Soldiers and Their Families

combat stress treatment, Iraq War veteran, Afghanistan War veteran, PTSD treatment, TBI information, war related grief, reservist assistance, National Guard assistance, war related sleep problems, Veteran self-help, combat related sleep problems, Military family support, Post-war adjustment, PTSD and couples, Iraqwar service members, Afghanistanwar service members, combat related anger

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We've written Courage After Fire to acknowledge the many challenges faced by Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, and to support our troops and military families in their transition home. This self-help guide provides information on combat stress, war related grief, anger, and sleep problems, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as the effects of PTSD on couples and children. In addition, we offer specific strategies and assistance for the post-war adjustment and combat stress treatment of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, Active Duty service members, National Guard, and Reservists.

As clinicians who have worked for years with veterans of various war eras, we recognize that combat affects not only the troops but their entire circle of family, friends, employers, and community. Courage After Fire offers information and tips for family members and close friends-those who have kept things going on the home front and waited anxiously for their veteran's return. It is also for doctors, counselors, employers, coworkers, and others who may be asked to help with a veteran's transition home.

We understand the stigma people feel about asking for psychological help. And we know that seeking help can be especially difficult for military service members. Some believe that it shows weakness. The truth is, getting help for yourself or for someone you care about takes strength and dedication. Courage After Fire can help you begin that process.

Identifying and addressing problems related to war experiences as soon as possible is vital to overcoming them. Our goal is to offer help, hope, and inspiration to our newest veterans on their journey home from war.

Getting a Fair, Thorough and Accurate VA Disability Evaluation
The Seattle Vet Center has begun using a pamphlet to assist deserving veterans file disability claims, in their efforts to obtain thorough and accurate evaluations. "Getting a Fair, Thorough and Accurate VA Disability Evaluation: Guidelines for Veterans" was written to be helpful to the many men and women who have served our country, and their families. Returning service personnel and their families can benefit from thinking about and using the information provided in the pamphlet . . . read more (.pdf)

Courage After Fire Praised in Walter Reed Blog
Walter Reed Hospital Blogspot
4/28/07
"I think I have seen every kind of book possible here at Walter Reed. I have seen romance novels, science fiction, murder mystery, and even a few touchy feely self-help books. There are several books out there that address PTSD, several more that address healing family relations, but I have seen ZERO books here at Walter Reed that are as in depth as this one."

A Specialist's Benefits and Family
The NATION
3/16/07
Interviewed by The Nation, Courage After Fire co-author Keith Armstrong comments on how families are very important in helping soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder . . . "They bring in particular information that can be helpful," he says. "By not taking advantage of their knowledge and support, I think we're doing soldiers a disservice."

Military goes online to stem troop suicide
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
3/16/07
Courage After Fire co-author Keith Armstrong is interviewed for comments on new military website to help soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder . . . "If a large portion of your population won't step foot into a therapist's office in the first place, maybe this is the precursor to therapy that's necessary."

Bob Dole Op Ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer
"Now, Returning Vets can get the help they need."
12/10/06
"The Department of Veterans Affairs is doing more to help veterans and their families after deployment. Research and resources abound, and books like Courage After Fire can help our troops and their families to see that readjustment problems are common and can improve through family and professional support.

REVIEW: Courage After Fire: A guide to picking up the pieces
STARS AND STRIPES
6/20/06
“Courage After Fire" should also be available in unit ready rooms and tactical operations centers as well as on coffee tables in servicemembers' homes.

Therapist's book helps soldiers fight war at home
PORTLAND OREGONIAN
2/21/06
"Suzanne Best, a clinical psychologist in Portland, does research and treats people showing signs of mental distress in the wake of military service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom..."

This web site has been written strictly for informational purposes, and in no way should it be used as a substitute for consultation with professional therapists. All facts on this web site came from scientific publications, personal interviews, published trade books, self published materials by experts, magazine articles, the personal-practice experiences of the authorities quoted or sources cited. The authors are providing you with information on this web site so that you can have the knowledge and can choose, at your own risk, to act on that knowledge.

Contact: info@courageafterfire.com

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