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WASHINGTON D.C. (March 27, 2008) - A group of volunteer mental
health professionals that offers its services to troops and their
extended families will host a conference May 16-18 in Los Angeles
for military members who have served in the global war on terror
and those who interact with them.
Officials of the group, called The Soldiers Project, said the
conference theme is "Hidden Wounds of War: Pathways to
Healing."
Dr. Jonathan Shay, the first keynote speaker on the conference
schedule and a psychiatrist at the Veterans Affairs outpatient
clinic in Boston, will discuss combat trauma. U.S. Rep. Bob Filner
of California, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee,
will deliver the final keynote address.
In between, conference attendees will hear from other mental
health professionals, veterans and military family representatives
who will speak on everything from the impact of war on the soldier
and family to challenges facing therapists who counsel military
personnel and families.
Another workshop, titled "The Treatment of Mind, Body and
Spirit," will focus on different methods for treating issues facing
those individuals, said Dr. Barbara Schocet, a licensed clinical
psychologist based in California.
"It's a marvelous opportunity for people to really learn from
experienced therapists," she said.
Those who arrive in time for the first evening will be privy to
a special performance of "Action Conversations." The performance is
the culmination of a workshop that joined veterans, performing
artists and activists in a series of verbal and physical
conversations about their lives, their life histories, and
aspirations. It was directed by Victoria Marks, a choreographer who
challenges stereotypes and taboos, according to her Web site.
Those interested in attending The Soldier Project's first
national conference can visit the organization's Web site to
register for a discount before April 18 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Full-time students with valid identification also receive a
discounted registration rate.
Health or mental health professionals also may apply for 12
hours of continuing education credit, Schocet said.
The Soldiers Project is a supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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