Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilian Clinicians

This article’s purpose is threefold: to articulate a portrait unique to the new generation of veterans; to identify existential/transpersonal, animal-assisted, and play therapy approaches with veterans and military families; and to advocate the use of trauma informed practices by counselors. Culturally competent civilian counselors best serve veterans and military families when their practice includes collaborative approaches, individual and family focused processes, community coordinated efforts, strength based and meaning reconstructive ideas, and polytraumatic care needs.