Veteran X?
Who is Veteran X?
The Louis A. Johnson VAMC has begun a new Peer led group program by Veterans for Veterans. Veteran “X” is a fictitious Veteran that is being assisted by other Veterans that are acting as a Treatment Team. Participants in the group are given a scenario of a Veteran that is having a variety of issues, i.e.: Homeless, Legal Issues, Depression, P.T.S.D., Substance Abuse, etc. They look at the Veteran “X” as a whole person that has perhaps a family, work history, unstable environment, as well as other societal issues that may be difficult for civilians to relate to.
Veterans that are helping “X” use their own personal experiences, resource knowledge, and true empathy to help “X” to set treatment goals thereby re-enforcing their own life and coping skills as well as proactively build their confidence and independence.
The hands on approach of being on a “Treatment Team” encourages Veterans to move from a passive role in their own care to being an active contributor not just for “X’, but on their own road to wellbeing.
This IS NOT a 12 step approach. Many of those that have been offered this group automatically think “Oh no, not another meeting!” The Veteran “X” group is engaging, and truly allows participants the opportunity to “think outside the box”.
Veteran “X” focuses on giving the participants an active role in finding solutions and treatment goals they may be experiencing. The group also utilizes outside real life resources such as Social Workers, HUDVASH, Mountain Cap, Pension experts, Disability claims, Legal Aid representatives, etc.… that may participate to help clarify some of the murkier issues that are faced by our Veteran “X”
This group is all about Veterans helping Veterans by sharing solutions, goals and information. To move forward through empowerment and self-reliance by achieving goals, knowing resources, thereby building confidence and self-image.
For more information contact Duce Moore Ext: 3086 or Kevin Bower Ext:2065.
