Healing Resources
Many new and/or lesser-known healing options are available for Veterans
and their families who face the "invisible wounds of war" like PTSD and
TBI, depression and anxiety.
Common methods for dealing with war related issues are the traditional
"talk therapy" which can include individual and group counseling. In
addition, sometimes medications are prescribed. While these are the most
commonly used techniques, new healing options are emerging daily that are
proving very beneficial.
Listed on this tab are some of the newer or less known methods of
intervention and links to locate more information about them and/or lists of
providers. Some are covered by insurance, like TriCare or Blue Cross Blue
Shield.
We hope that this list helps visitors to our site understand that there
are many wonderful options available. We encourage you to ALWAYS visit with
your care team (doctor, counselor, etc.) about considering techniques that
may be of interest to you.
Note: VFU provides this comprehensive view
of healing techniques for your convenience, but does not endorse nor
recommend any specific technique. VFU does not guarantee results or outcomes
from any of the materials listed on this website.
About Healing Practitioner's
Many of the acronyms can be confusing. Following is a brief list of
acronyms and what they mean.
D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
is a licensed physician who practices osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic
medicine is a complete system of medical care. The philosophy is to treat
the whole person, not just the symptoms. It emphasizes the
interrelationships of structure and function, and the appreciation of the
body's ability to heal itself.
- M.D. – Medical Doctor. Can have many specialties, like "Psychiatrist" who
are trained in a medical model to address mental health challenges. Often
manage medications only.
- N.D. - A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) attends a four-year
graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the
same basic sciences as an MD but also studies holistic and nontoxic
approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and
optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the ND is
required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition,
acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology and
counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of
their personal health). A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional
board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction
(only 12 states recognize this licensure at this time) as a primary care
general practice physician. (see www.naturalhealers.com for more
information).
- Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy. Can have many specialties like
"Psychologists" who are trained extensively in mental health disorders and
who often excel in testing and evaluating to diagnosis challenges, research
to seek help for challenges and/or may provide therapy using techniques such
as BioFeedback, EMDR and other highly skilled therapeutic interventions.
Cannot prescribe medicine.
- LMSW or MSW – Licensed Masters of Social Work or Master of Social Work.
These are "Masters Level" therapists whose specialties are social systems.
They provide support and guidance to obtain resources for clients and
therapeutic interventions. They may provide therapy using techniques such as
BioFeedback, EMDR and other highly skilled therapeutic interventions. Cannot prescribe medicine.
- LPC's, LMFT's, LBP's– Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed
Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Behavioral Practitioners. These
are "Masters Level" therapists whose specialties focus more on the
individual within the social system. They provide therapeutic intervention
and may provide techniques such as BioFeedback, EMDR, PsychoDrama and
other highly skilled therapeutic interventions.
Cannot prescribe medicine.
- CADC – Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor must have at least a
Bachelor's degree in alcohol and drug counseling, or a related field. In
addition, the professional must complete 1000-3000 hours of supervised work
experience and pass a licensure exam. In most states, this license level
would be a step between an entry level license (Associate's degree) and a
full license (Master's degree plus 1000 to 3000 additional supervised work
hours). Cannot prescribe medicine.
- Network Provider – This is a term used by insurance companies to indicate
WHICH of the aforementioned will be covered under their policy. An "in
network provider" means that a practitioner is on the insurance company's
list of practitioners that will be covered by their plan.
Every state has a list of practitioners who are licensed that you should
be able to find on your state's Department of Health website.
TOP
Therapies
Description:
Biofeedback is a non-invasive form of treatment. The
therapist attaches sensors or electrodes to the body and these sensors
provide a variety of readings--feedback--which is displayed on the equipment
for the patient to see. The signals typically measure skin temperature,
muscle tension and/or brainwave function. With this information, patients
can learn to make changes so subtle that at first they cannot be consciously
perceived. With practice, however, the new responses and behaviors can help
to bring relief and improvement to a variety of disorders.
Who it may help:
Biofeedback may help veterans or family members with migraines, anxiety
and stress related disorders, panic disorders, addiction, chronic pain, ADD
and ADHD as well as other issues.
Who can perform Biofeedback:
There are many types of biofeedback
techniques. Be sure that the person proposing to work with you is trained to
provide biofeedback for your problem.
For medical/psychological diagnoses:
Only people who are licensed or otherwise credentialed by their state, can
treat diagnosed medical disorders independently. People trained in
biofeedback but not state credentialed can work under the supervision of an
appropriately credentialed provider. Be sure any uncredentialed provider is
working under appropriate supervision. You need to check that a person
offering biofeedback services has both the appropriate type of training in
biofeedback and the appropriate state credential to work with your
diagnosis.
Where to find Biofeedback practitioners: One link to find
providers is www.bcia.org. Always check professional credentials and
certifications. Other websites that may be helpful are
www.isnr.com and
www.eeginfo.com.
Will insurance cover Biofeedback: Coverage for biofeedback
is often available from health insurers but the plans vary widely. You or
your primary care provider may want to check with your insurance company for
coverage details regarding biofeedback. Your local biofeedback provider is
also likely to be aware of coverage issues.
TOP
-
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing:
Description:
During
EMDR1, past and present experiences are reviewed in brief doses while, at
the same time focusing on something else, like a light or movement or sound.
Then the client is instructed to let new material become the focus of the
thought while focusing on something else again. This is called
dual
attention. This sequence of dual attention and personal association is
repeated many times in the session helping the client to "reprocess"
troubling experiences in a new way that is meant to bring relief.
Who it may
help:
For people who have experienced a traumatic event(s), EMDR may be a
very helpful therapy. Appropriate for veterans who have faced traumatic
events and adult family members who may be suffering secondary trauma.
Who
can perform EMDR:
Only a licensed mental health therapist certified in both
stages of EMDR.
Where to find EMDR practitioners:
There are EMDR therapists
available all over the country. Visit www.emdr.com and go to "find a
therapist" and there will be a list and phone numbers provided in your
community.
Will insurance cover EMDR:
Behavioral health practitioners who
are certified in EMDR must be licensed mental health practitioners. Check
with your insurance company to see if the EMDR practitioner in your area is
eligible for coverage OR call the practitioner to determine insurance
eligibility.
TOP
-
EFT – Emotional Freedom Therapy
Description:
EFT is a powerful
new discovery that combines two well established sciences so you can benefit
from both at the same time:
1. Mind Body Medicine
2. Acupuncture (this new
version does not require needles--anyone can do it).
Emotional Freedom
Techniques (EFT) is
an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture that is
based on new discoveries regarding the connection between your body's subtle
energies, your emotions, and your health.
It involves learning techniques of
"tapping the body" in specific locations to release unhealthy emotions.
View
an EFT information video here:
Who it may help:
EFT may help both veterans and family members who are suffering from
emotional challenges.
Who may perform EFT:
Individuals can actually practice EFT by downloading the free written manual or by purchasing the DVD "how to"
videos offered through the official EFT website and/or obtaining the
guidance of a Certified EFT practitioner.
Where to find an EFT practitioner:
"Certified" EFT practitioners who can be found by going to
www.emofree.com
and clicking on the "Practitioners" link.
Will insurance cover EFT:
In most
cases, no. The only time EFT may be covered by insurance is if a licensed
mental health practitioner who is an insurance eligible network provider,
uses EFT as a therapeutic method of treatment.
TOP
Description:
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for
emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a
licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and
horses to address treatment goals. Because of its intensity and
effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.
EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about
themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and
then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This
approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists,
treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But
EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living
beings. (www.eagala.org)
Who it may help:
EAP is a powerful and effective
therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth,
families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human
development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder,
substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety,
relationship problems and communication needs. (www.eagala.org)
Who May
Perform Equine Assisted Therapies:
EAGALA promotes that EAP sessions are
conducted with a team of a clinical professional and a horse professional.
When seeking psychotherapy services, always verify that a licensed therapist
is involved. Please also read the
EAGALA Code of Ethics. Please research and
monitor that organizations and individuals associating themselves with EAGALA abide by this Code and inform us of any violations of that Code.
(www.eagala.org)
Where to find an Equine Assisted Practitioner:
Go to www.egalala.org then to "Resources" then to "Find a Practitioner in your
Area".
Will insurance cover Equine Therapy:
There is a possibility that
Equine Therapy may be a billable service when provided by a licensed mental
health practitioner.
TOP
Description:
Energy Psychology methods use the same Energy
Meridian System of the body that is used in the medical treatments of
Acupuncture and Acupressure as well as other aspects of our bio-energy. To
accomplish this goal, energy medicine utilizes techniques from healing
traditions such as acupuncture, yoga, kinesiology, and qigong. Flow,
balance, and harmony can be non-invasively restored and maintained within
an energy system by tapping, massaging, pinching, twisting, or connecting
specific energy points (acupoints) on the skin; by tracing or swirling the
hand over the skin along specific energy pathways; through exercises or
postures designed for specific energetic effects; by focused use of the
mind to move specific energies; and/or by surrounding an area with healing
energies (one person's energies impacts another's). (www.innersource.net)
Examples of energy therapies are TFT, EFT and the TARA
Approach.
Who it may Help:
Energy Psychology is appropriate for all ages
that may have issues with
- effects of past trauma such as abuse, crime,
accidents, and negative personal events large and small.
- emotional issues
such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, phobias, grief and loss,
love pain, jealousy, anger, obsessions, compulsive behaviors, etc.
-
personal relationships, parenting and families
- and can help people in
recovery successfully manage addictive cravings and the ups and downs of
life without returning to their addictive substances and behaviors.
Who May Perform Energy Therapies:
Each year every community has a growing
resource of practitioners skilled in the use of energy methods for enhancing
physical and emotional healing and health. They may be found in any of the
healing professions, from physicians and massage therapists to personal
coaches and energy consultants. (from www.innersource.net)
Where to find an
Energy Practitioner:
Finding the right practitioner in the healing arts is
part of the healing journey, and it can be challenging. At least as
important as the person's professional specialty is the person. The most
straightforward way to find a local practitioner is to talk with people in
your community whom you trust: "Do you know a health provider who works
directly with the body's energies?" (from www.innersource.net)
Always ask
about the person's training, experience level, philosophy, and healing
approach, as well as previous success with your particular condition.
Other
websites to review are www.EnergyMedicineDirectory.com,
www.energypsych.org
and www.tara-approach.org.
Will insurance cover Energy Therapy:
There is a
possibility that Energy Therapy may be a billable service when provided by a
licensed medical or mental health practitioner as part of their therapeutic
intervention.
TOP
Description:
Over the past 25 years, the
effectiveness of guided imagery has been increasingly established by
research findings that demonstrate its positive impact on health, creativity
and performance. In many instances even 10 minutes of imagery can reduce
blood pressure, lower cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, and
heighten short-term immune cell activity. It can considerably reduce blood
loss during surgery and morphine use after it. It lessens headaches and
pain. It can help reduce anxiety. (Belleruth Naparstek, 2000)
An individual
can purchase guided imagery CD's from a variety of sources and listen to
them. It is kind of like gentle story telling that carefully engages all of
the senses. It has both a meditative and hypnotic flavor that allows the
mind/body/spirit to relax and process difficult memories/challenges in a
different manner.
Who it may help:
ANYONE. The beauty of guided imagery is
that men, women, and children from all walks of life and experiences may
benefit.
Who may perform Guided Imagery:
Guided imagery can be performed and
created by anyone, including ourselves. However, CD's are available from a
variety of sources that have carefully developed specific imageries to
support and encourage healing for many issues including panic, trauma,
anxiety and grief. A trained therapist is not required. Individual's may
purchase these CD's and listen to them as often as needed.
Where to find a
Guided Imagery practitioner:
There is no certification or license required
for guided imagery. However, many licensed therapists USE guided imagery as
part of their therapy.
Sources of guided imagery CD's are
www.healthjourneys.com and
www.guidedimageryinc.com or search the web site
for many options in creating or purchasing your own guided imagery.
For
SPECIFIC help for families of veterans, visit
www.veteranshelper.com to find
guided imageries created especially for them!
Will insurance cover Guided
Imagery:
Insurance does not cover Guided Imagery. However, a "provider"
(healing practitioner) may USE guided imagery as part of his or her therapy.
TOP
Description:
Therapeutic massage is the systematic healing
art of soft tissue manipulation (skin and muscles), which results in an
impressive range of benefits to health and well being.
Massage influences
pain stimulation and pain perception through physical removal of waste
products from the muscle tissue. As the body is kneaded, stroked and heated,
blood flow is increased, taking oxygen and nutrients into the area. Waste
products are removed reducing the effect of the pain-inducing chemicals.
Benefits include substantially reducing the effects of stress and related
problems, reduces blood pressure, reduces tension-related headaches,
provides complete mind/body relaxation, etc.
Who it may help:
Massage can
help both veterans and their family members, including children.
Who may
perform massage therapy:
Different states have different requirements and
massage therapy is not as strictly or widely monitored as other therapeutic
techniques. Visit www.ncbtmb.org to find out who may be a Board Certified
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork therapist in your area AND what that
certification means.
Where to find a massage therapist:
You may look at www.ncbtmb.org or check the yellow pages in your area. It is always good
check that the therapist has a Code of Ethics posted or available and what
their personal credentials mean.
Will insurance cover massage therapy:
In
most cases insurance will NOT cover massage therapy, although it never hurts
to ask.
TOP
Description:
Action methods are used to enable past,
present and future life events to be explored. Issues or problems and their
possible solutions are enacted rather than just talked about. Psychodrama
offers the opportunity to practice new roles safely, see oneself from
outside, gain insight and change. There is a director, an action area and
group members. The director supports groups to explore new solutions to old
problems, group members participate in the drama as significant others and
share how they personally relate to and can learn from the presenting issue
at the end of the session.
Who It may Help:
Psychodrama can be used in a group or individually for
therapy and personal growth. It can also be applied to family and couples
therapy. Psychodrama is practiced and taught extensively through the world.
The vast majority of conditions in psychiatry and therapy are accessible to
psychodrama. Common examples are affective disorder (including drug
resistant depression), phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders,
self harm, alcohol and substance abuse. Long term problems in life-styles or
relationships, including marital and family stress, can be addressed through
psychodrama whether or not they have resulted in mental illness.
Who May
Perform Psycho Drama Therapies:
It is the position of VFU, that only highly
qualified and licensed mental health practitioners who are trained and very
experienced in individual and group therapy and through a certified course
in Psychodrama should be considered. Also ask about the types (individual,
group, children, adults, etc.) and years of experience a licensed therapist
has in making your decision.
Where to find a Psycho Drama Practitioner:
It
may be difficult to find a Psychodrama practitioner, but one place to search
is www.asgpp.org (American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama)
and go to "contact us". You may ask them about finding a practitioner in
your area.
Or you may go to www.psychodramacertification.org and to "Find a
therapist".
You may also browse the web for locations of a psychodrama
therapist in your area.
Will insurance cover Psycho Drama Therapy:
Licensed
mental health practitioners who are in your insurance network will be able
to answer this question specifically. If it is part of individual or group
therapy, there is a possibility that it may be covered by insurance.
TOP
Description:
The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of
ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring
between the mind, body and spirit. What is commonly referred to as "yoga"
can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word
asana, which refers to
the practice of physical postures or poses.
In addition to practicing the
poses, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, call and
response chanting, meditation, or an inspirational reading by the teacher.
The variety and amount of this will depend on the individual teacher and the
yoga tradition in which he or she has trained. Typically, a yoga class at a
gym will be more focused on the purely physical benefits of yoga, while one
at a yoga center may delve more into the spiritual side. Some people find
that the physical practice of yoga becomes a gateway into a spiritual
exploration, while others just enjoy a wonderful low-impact workout that
makes them feel great.
Who It may Help:
Yoga is for all ages and may help with the following:
· reduced stress
· sound sleep
· reduced cortisol levels
· improvement of
many medical conditions
· allergy and asthma symptom relief
· lower blood
pressure
· smoking cessation help
· lower heart rate
· spiritual growth
·
sense of well-being
· reduced anxiety and muscle tension
Who May Perform
Yoga:
It is best to find a Certified Yoga Instructor. This does not require
formal education, but you should always ask for credentials when seeking any
form of training to indicate the level of the practitioners' expertise.
Where to find a Yoga class:
You may find yoga classes at reputable places
like the YMCA, YWCA, Community Colleges, Gyms and Yoga studios. This is as
easy as looking in the yellow pages and making a few calls.
There are also
Yoga videos/DVD's that can be purchased for you to use at home. Some
examples of websites in which you can buy videos are at
www.gaiam.com and
www.yogajournal.com.
Will insurance cover Yoga:
No, therefore it might be
more helpful to buy a video first and try it at home. Video's start at
$15.00 and can be used time and time again. Yoga classes often start at
$10.00 per lesson, but the personal instruction and time spent with others
learning yoga is often beneficial.
TOP
|
Connecting
Veterans and their Families to Compassionate Resources.
