MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The depot hosted a Warrior Transition for Families Life Trauma Workshop at the Bay View restaurant, March 24, to help Marines and their families work through and heal traumatic stress. The workshop taught participants to communicate openly with each other, to transform upset from the past into positive plans for the future, and move on to a complete recovery.
The workshop’s guest speaker and author of “No Open Wounds – Heal Traumatic Stress NOW Complete Recovery Using Thought Field Therapy,” Robert L. Bray, gave the class tools on how to control emotions.
“All emotions are normal,” said Bray. “You feel what you feel and you start there.”
Bray also taught the class a tapping method to help students control emotions. The method has participants using a series of repetitive taps on different parts of their bodies such as the hand, under the arm and eyes.
Although the method was unusual at first, Bray said he received positive feedback, after participants practiced the exercise.
“Once you get over the silliness, it works,” said Col. Stephanie Smith, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
“Communication is a huge release,” she said. “If we trust someone and share our feelings, we will see that we’re not alone. when you have the confidence to articulate what the issue is, Marines will realize how and where to get help. Support is here.”
Smith also said Marines can turn to Military One Source or even go to their chaplain for confidential counseling.
“I’m always available to assist people in dealing with life traumas; and they should know that any type of life trauma can be healed,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ron Ringo, chaplain, Headquarters and Service Battalion, “The overwhelming feelings don’t have to fester.”
Ringo said the effects can be triggered by anything at any time.
“It affects families in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. You don’t know when you might be triggered and it can be overwhelming when you don’t know how to deal with it,” said Ringo. “The effects have lead Marines to isolation, destroying relationships or themselves. This workshop is designed to help Marines and families transition from a combat situation to a happier and healthier life.”
Many participants left the workshop with a positive outlook and knowledge on how to deal with post traumatic stress whenever it may happen.