What is Moral Injury? We have finally come to understand that individuals who have been exposed to trauma often exhibit symptoms beyond anxiety and hyperarousal. At its core, Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is more than anxiety and hyperarousal. We have repeatedly observed that deeper core issues exist and are typically the most distressing to traumatized individuals. These are unresolved loss, guilt and shame now termed Moral Injury (Shay 1994, Litz, et al. 2009).The information contained in this book is the culmination of 20 years of treating traumatized veterans and first responders. Unlike many psychotherapeutic approaches which were conceptualized by researchers or theorists, this program is an integration of what veterans have taught us about the emotional wounds they carry and how best to treat these injuries. Our clients have taught us that leaving the deeper core issues of Moral Injury (unresolved loss, guilt and shame) untreated leaves them with lasting emotional wounds which interfere with all aspects of their lives and put them at risk for suicide. In this book, we will share our understanding of how Moral Injury develops, how to identify Moral Injury, why many current trauma treatments fall short in addressing Moral Injury and describe our approach to healing these wounds. We will share some stories of the injuries, the redemption, and the transformation of relationships when these issues are resolved. These shifts reflect a fundamental change in how our service members and first responders are able to carry their traumatic experiences signaling the resolution of moral injury. ALL OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS BOOK WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE CENTER FOR POST TRAUMATIC GROWTH A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH TREATS VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM MORAL INJURY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS. 501(c)3 EIN# 462962589. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR HEROES!
The Final Moral Injury
As the world watches the unfolding of the tragic and heartbreaking events in Afghanistan as the United States and allied forces withdraw after 20 years, veterans of the middle east wars as well as Vietnam veterans are feeling a myriad of emotions. These emotions range from anger, sorrow, confusion, helplessness, and disillusionment. The question on their minds and hearts is "Was it all for nothing?" The same sentiments the Vietnam veterans grappled with for decades after the fall of Saigon. Many of them have voiced their deep regrets about "breaking our word". They are reminded of the blood spilled, those lost, sacrifices made, and those left behind who helped us and who will very likely be tortured and killed. They are certain of the fate of the women and children of Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban. They are angry about the finger pointing of politicians, the musings of the media who focus on the financial costs and ignore the human costs, and they feel helpless to have a voice in the midst of what they see as misguided, misunderstood, and mishandled events of their war. They fear the war will come here next.
What do we do? How do we help? How do we help to find meaning and peace? "That is easier said than done" as one of my Marines told me. What I have to offer is a result of working with Vietnam veterans facing this same challenge since 1975. They must set politics aside. They must grieve these losses. They need to know from us that we are grieving with them. They need to know they are the witnesses to the bravery, sacrifices, and sorrows of war. They can tell the stories and honor those lost as no one else can. They are the keepers of the truth. Only they can make the meaning of their war, not public opinion, not the media and not the politicians.
Melinda J Keenan, PhD
Our mission is to promote and support the healing of combat veterans, first responders, and their families, from Moral Injury & Posttraumatic Stress
Center for Post Traumatic Growth
Melinda Keenan, PhD is a licensed psychologist who earned her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver in 2000. Dr. Keenan worked with veterans of all eras as a psychologist in...
Center for Post Traumatic Growth
Laura L. Williams, MA, LPCC, LPC (Co.). Ms. Williams earned her Master Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor...
Center for Post Traumatic Growth
Mr. Carlos Echevarría is an Army Combat veteran who served in support of operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in the war on terrorism. Mr. Echevarria was honorably discharged in April 2...
