Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health Through Therapy
In this episode of Therapists in the Hot Seat, we were joined by Shelley, a therapist with extensive experience supporting veterans’ mental health. Veterans often face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life, and therapy can play a vital role in helping them adjust, recover, and build resilience.
The Challenges Veterans Face
Leaving military service often means leaving behind a strong identity, structure, and sense of belonging. Veterans may struggle with:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related memories
Depression and anxiety linked to transition and uncertainty
Feelings of isolation after losing the camaraderie of service
Difficulties with relationships, family dynamics, or employment
Shelley highlighted how these challenges are compounded by stigma. Many veterans feel they should be “strong enough” to cope on their own, which can delay seeking help. But, as she reminded us, “Reaching out for support is not weakness—it’s the first step towards healing.”
How Therapy Helps Veterans
Therapy offers veterans a safe, confidential space to process their experiences. Evidence-based approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are particularly effective. CBT helps veterans:
Recognise and challenge unhelpful thought patterns
Reduce hypervigilance and manage trauma triggers
Build healthier coping strategies for anxiety and depression
Reconnect with their values and goals beyond military service
Shelley also draws on integrative methods, tailoring therapy to each veteran’s needs. For some, this may mean working through trauma directly; for others, it may involve building routines and skills to manage everyday challenges.
Addressing Trauma and PTSD
One of the most common mental health struggles among veterans is PTSD. Flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviours can make daily life overwhelming. Therapy provides structured ways to gradually face and reprocess traumatic memories.
Shelley explained how combining CBT with trauma-focused approaches can reduce distress while increasing a sense of safety and control. The aim isn’t to erase memories but to help veterans carry them in a way that no longer dominates their lives.
Rebuilding Identity and Connection
Another theme in our conversation was identity. For many veterans, leaving the military feels like losing a part of themselves. Therapy helps them explore new identities—whether that’s as a parent, a partner, a student, or a professional.
Equally important is restoring connection. Mental health support often involves not just the veteran, but their families and communities. Therapy helps veterans strengthen relationships, communicate more openly, and reduce the sense of isolation.
Breaking Down Stigma
Shelley stressed the importance of normalising mental health support. Many veterans delay therapy because of shame, fear of judgment, or misconceptions about what therapy involves. By sharing stories and increasing awareness, we can help shift the culture so that seeking therapy is seen as strength, not weakness.
Building a Path Forward
Veterans’ mental health is complex, but therapy provides a path forward. Whether through CBT, trauma therapy, or integrative approaches, the focus is always on helping veterans live meaningful, fulfilling lives after service.
Shelley summed it up beautifully: “The goal isn’t to take away everything difficult, but to give veterans the tools and support to carry it differently—and to know they don’t have to carry it alone.”
Final Thoughts
Veterans give so much in service, and it’s vital they receive the mental health support they deserve. Therapy offers a space for healing, rebuilding identity, and restoring hope.
👉 Listen to the full conversation with Shelley on Therapists in the Hot Seat. Follow us on Instagram and Spotify for more therapist-led discussions, or get in touch if you’d like to share your own experiences.
