Veteran and Military Counseling
Veteran and Military Counseling in
Colorado Springs
Our practice includes counselors who are prior military members and bring firsthand understanding of the unique stressors that come with military service. Having lived within military culture themselves, they understand the demands of service, deployments, chain of command, transition to civilian life, and the unspoken expectations that often make it difficult to ask for support. This shared understanding allows for a therapeutic space grounded in trust, respect, and credibility, where service members and veterans can speak openly without needing to explain or justify their experiences.
Common Issues Faced by Veterans and Military Members
Emotional Regulation:
Military service and veteran life often require emotional suppression and constant vigilance, which can make emotional regulation challenging long after service ends. Many service members and veterans struggle to identify, tolerate, or express emotions in safe ways once the mission-driven environment is gone. Our therapists can support the development of emotional awareness and regulation skills without compromising strength, values, or identity.
Behavioral Issues:
Military training emphasizes discipline, rapid response, and control, which can sometimes translate into behavioral patterns that are difficult to adjust in civilian life. Veterans and service members may notice increased irritability, avoidance, or difficulty slowing down when no longer in high-stress environments. Our therapists can help identify these patterns and support healthier, more flexible responses while honoring the skills developed through service.
Family Changes:
Military service can place significant strain on families through deployments, frequent transitions, and long periods of emotional or physical absence. These experiences often impact communication, attachment, and family roles, even after service ends. Our therapists can help service members, veterans, and their families rebuild connection, improve communication, and navigate these challenges together.
Social Skills Development:
Military culture often prioritizes hierarchy, direct communication, and mission focus, which can make civilian social interactions feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Service members and veterans may struggle with connection, vulnerability, or feeling understood outside of military environments. Therapy can support the development of social skills that foster meaningful relationships while respecting military identity and values.
Trauma and Loss:
Military service can involve exposure to traumatic events, cumulative stress, and profound loss, including the loss of other service members, roles, or identity. These experiences may impact emotional well-being long after service ends and can resurface during transitions or life changes. Our therapists offer a safe space to process trauma and grief at a pace that honors both resilience and the weight of what was endured.
How to get a VA Community Care Referral
Veterans seeking counseling through our practice may be eligible for services at no cost if they have authorization through the VA Community Care program. To get started, veterans typically need to contact the VA to request a referral and ensure our practice is listed as an approved community provider. Once authorization is in place, our team will help coordinate care and verify coverage before scheduling services. If you need assistance with this process, call us at 719-370-0710.
Our Approach to Veteran and Military Counseling
At The Center for Connection, we tailor our counseling approach to meet the unique needs of our service members.
Our experienced therapists use evidence-based methods, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and no longer interfere with daily functioning.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Evidence-based trauma therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to traumatic experiences in order to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Person-Centered Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where service members feel valued and understood.
