The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies welcomes veterans, mental health advocates, counselors and caregivers to its annual Hidden Wounds of War Conference on May 23 at the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The conference examines and discusses the emotional and mental well-being of veterans by bringing awareness and education to treatments and resources for the veteran community.
“The conference helps raise awareness of the often unseen psychological and emotional scars carried by our veterans, encouraging conversation among experts, caregivers, veterans, and the community,” said Brent Holmes, associate director of the Hauenstein Center. “This year’s theme of posttraumatic growth will emphasize the potential for positive transformation in the aftermath of traumatic events.”
The conference will feature two keynote speakers along with several breakout sessions for more in-depth discussions on resources available to veterans, how to create an inclusive workspace for veterans, understanding trauma and practicing resilience, as well as other topics.
Rich Tedeschi and Bret Moore from the Boulder Crest Foundation and authors of The Posttraumatic Growth Workbook: Coming Through Trauma Wiser, Stronger, and More Resilient , will deliver the conference’s two keynote sessions.
In the morning session, Tedeschi and Moore will introduce and examine their work on posttraumatic growth, or how people report transformational growth in the wake of traumatic events. The afternoon session builds off their morning discussion by exploring an intervention strategy which looks to address the traditional limitations veterans face in confronting their PTSD.
Visit the Hauenstein Center’s website for more information and to RSVP for the conference.
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