Stars and Stripes Program for Veterans and their Families

LTC Leo J. Cordier with NECBT founder Capt. Thomas A. Cordier

According to the National Center for PTSD, a division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective treatment for PTSD.[1] At NECBT, we offer our own unique Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or I-CBT, tailored for Veterans. I-CBT itself has been developed and continues to be overseen by Thomas Cordier, NECBT’s founder, who served for 23 years active duty with the National Guard.

PTSD manifests in different ways for different people. Often, traumatic memories can be triggered by different sounds, smells, and other sensory input. These memories can return at any time and cause nightmares, or even flashbacks. Patients who are suffering from PTSD-related flashbacks might be avoiding people and situations that trigger the memories of their trauma. They also may be censoring their thoughts, avoiding talking, or even thinking about the experience. PTSD can lead to increased levels of anxiety, anger, irritability, frustration, and sleeplessness. Patients might begin to isolate from others, or find themselves suffering from a sense of emotional numbness.

I-CBT treatment begins by developing the relationship between therapist and patient, building a foundation of trust. We understand that veterans are often reluctant to begin treatment, and that they may be concerned about whether or not a therapist can understand the types of trauma that arise while serving in the military. At New England Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, not only do we emphasize the patient-therapist relationship, we work to pair veterans with a therapist who has also had military experience. 

    

NECBT’s Stars and Stripes Program is the first of its kind in the nation, and our highly-trained I-CBT therapists are achieving results with many individuals struggling with PTSD.  We offer individual and group treatment for members of the military, veterans, and their family members. Our treatment blends individual I-CBT with controlled exposure therapy, groups, and, if necessary, medication.
    

If you, or someone you know, have been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to refer them to our office to set up an appointment. We can help veterans suffering from PTSD to regain control over their thoughts, and their lives.

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[1] What Is PTSD? (2014). Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/what-is-ptsd.asp