It's delightful to see how this community is growing and deepening in it's commitment to come together for those in need. There is a new resource for Veterans with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, after a trauma or life threatening event it is common to have upsetting memories of what happened, to have trouble sleeping, to feel jumpy, or to lose interest in things. For some people these reactions do not go away on their own, or may even get worse over time.

Now there is a psycho-spiritual approach to helping our wounded soldiers heal. It was originally developed by Richard Miller, a clinical psychologist who did the preliminary studies with soldiers experiencing combat-related trauma at Walter Reed Army Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

He coined the term 'Integrative Restoration' for his work, or iRest for short. It integrates principles drawn from Buddhism, Yoga and psychotherapy. It incorporates self-care with an emphasis on unconditional acceptance, & compassion to foster a safe environment for heartfelt sharing. It offers stress management skills drawn from Buddhist and Yoga principles, and deep, healing, restful relaxation.

The success of the original project in Washington, D.C., has led to further studies being organized in conjunction with the military to continue to establish the relevancy of the iRest protocol for mental, physical and spiritual healing. iRest is currently being used Walter Reed Army Hospital Center. But that's not the end of the story.

This grass roots movement has inflamed other sites throughout North America where it is being recognized as an up-and -coming treatment for all kinds of trauma.

It is being used to train people for stress resiliency all over the country. On the California coast near Sebastopol, its being used among the homeless. In Chicago, it's being used to help inner city kids develop the resilience to escape the drug culture of the street. In Florida, it's being used with battered women, as well as being a means of dealing with chronic pain.

Now, Yuba City is about to see it's second series of six iRest Classes open only to veterans. Taught by local instructor, Gabrielle Pullen, it will provide support for learning how to detach from destructive emotions. It will provide tools to empower soldiers to take their lives back into their own hands. It will help them cope with the exhaustion caused by continuous hyper-vigilance.

Gabrielle has also started a closed forum online so that veterans using these strategies for mental health can network and support each other. "They have so much to offer each other, in terms of being heard, of being able to talk to someone who's been there. I can teach them the path, but I can't walk it for them."

In her work with Vietnam Vets locally, it became clear that they needed a resource they can turn to in the middle of the night when the flashbacks seem to have a life of their own. The online discussion board allows them to vent, to respond and to express the depth of unresolved emotion in constructive ways, ways that relate to the new coping strategies they are learning.

In Yuba City, the next Six Week iRest for Veterans, Trauma Resolution Skills Class will begin Thurs., March 20-April 24, 2008., 3:00-4:00 p.m., at Spa Therapy Wellness Center, 1528 Plumas Ct. Please register directly with the instructor, Gabrielle Pullen, GCFP at (530) 263-3323. gabrielle.pullen@gmail.com The location and the instructor's time is donated. There is a $33 charge to cover materials at cost, which includes six audio cd's. Check with www.focusmindandbody.com for links to the original study.

© Gabrielle Pullen 2008