Helping Military Veterans in Crisis Heal

 “Listening to veterans” is the theme of a training Family Service of Rhode Island and Psychological Centers are sponsoring Friday, May 24th, 9 a.m. until noon in the Governor’s State Room, on the second floor of the Rhode Island State House.

The training, which is geared to mental health professionals, concerned community members and friends and family members of veterans, is entitled “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project, Helping Veterans Heal in Non-pathologizing, Low-risk Ways.”

Welcoming the trainees will be Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts. "I can't think of a more wonderful way to engage family, friends and community in the lives of veterans than 'The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project.' The trainings offer an enhanced understanding of how to support veterans in their healing process, helping us to strengthen and improve our relationships and connections,” she said.

 Also attending will be Major General Kevin R. McBride, the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard.

Attendees will be trained to better understand the scope of problems veterans experience, and why traditional approaches of therapy and medication are not enough. Attendees will also be provided with alternatives that both therapists and non-therapists can use to help veterans—and their loved ones—toward healing. Anyone interested in helping veterans adjust to their return home will find the training and the Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project useful.

Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., who has worked with veterans for more than a decade, will be leading the training. She is a clinical and research psychologist and associate at Harvard University’s DuBois Institute. Dr. Caplan is also an advocate, activist, and author. Her latest book, When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans, earned three national awards, including the prestigious PROSE Award for Best Psychology Book of 2011 from the Association of American Publishers. Dr. Caplan created and coordinates “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project,” and “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Coalition,” both working to end disconnection between war veterans and their home communities.

The program offers continuing education credits for psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. The cost for non-students is $55; students, $25. Advanced registration is required. To register, call 401-490-8900, ce@psychologicalcenters.com. On-line registration is available by clicking here.

 The training is free to all not seeking continuing education credits. Registration is available by calling 401-490-8900 or emailing ce@psychologicalcenters.com.