DCoE Blog

• Couple Tidbits: Learn to Be More Loving

  Posted by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Brenda Gearhart on February 25, 2010

  In honor of Valentine’s Day, throughout the month of February Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart, a social worker who has taught relationship classes, is contributing a series of articles on the For Families section of our Web site that tackle the rewarding and often challenging issue of coupling aptly called “Couple Tidbits.” The fourth and final article of this series focuses on the role you play in a relationship and how to make positive choices to strengthen the bond. Realize change is a personal choice Bobbi West, ombudsman-at-large with the Chief of Naval Operations, with her husband Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West, on a recent visit to the Fisher House at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released) One of the difficult things to fully understand is that you can’t change another person unless that person ...

  Categories: Families   |   Comments (3)

• Participate in DCoE’s Monthly Webinar on Mobile Technology

  Posted by Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart on February 24, 2010

  Mobile devices can play an important role in enhancing access to psychological health and traumatic brain injury care and resources for service members, veterans and families.

  ** Don’t miss our webinar tomorrow (Feb. 25) on Mobile Technologies: A "Smart" Connection to Psychological Health and TBI Care, from 1300 to 1500 hrs EST.

  

  The National Center for Telehealth & Technology, a DCoE component center, is piloting mobile applications for psychological health and traumatic brain injury care. This technology can help support warriors, veterans and their families from the palms of their hands whether in theater or at home. This webinar will discuss T2’s efforts.

  All service members, family members, government employees, health care providers, subject matter experts and anyone interested in the psychological health of service members are encouraged to join.

  To register for this event or for more information e-mail us at: DCoE.MonthlyWebinar@tma.osd.mil.

  ** Please share this information with anyone you think would be interested.

  Categories: Technology, Conferences   |   Comments (1)

• Couple Tidbits: Dealing with Conflict

  Posted by Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart on February 23, 2010

  In honor of Valentine’s Day, throughout the month of February Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart, a social worker who has taught relationship classes, is contributing a series of articles on the For Families section of our Web site that tackle the rewarding and often challenging issue of coupling aptly called “Couple Tidbits.” Seaman Vernon Goodwin says goodbye to his girlfriend, Danielle, before leaving for a six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie L. Wood/Released) One of the greatest difficulties in any relationship is handling conflict. Often we try to avoid it or we blow up, or at the very least, feel frustrated or resentful. Learning how to manage conflict is a skill that can be learned with some very simple tips. Set aside planned time to handle conflict or emotion-laden issues Make time for positive and productive discussion, this allows you to feel ready for ...

  Categories: Families   |   Comments (0)

• Frontline Psych with Doc Bender: When Your Loved One Returns

  Posted by Dr. James Bender on February 18, 2010

  Dr. James Bender recently returned from Iraq after spending 12 months as the brigade psychologist for the 4-1 CAV out of Ft Hood. He served for four and a half years in the Army. During his deployment, he traveled through Southern Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad and many spots in between. He writes a monthly post for the DCoE Blog on mental health issues related to deployment and being in the military. Doc Bender on top of the Ziggurat of Ur in Southern Iraq, in February 2009. Hello. Last time I discussed service members returning from deployment and changes they may notice in themselves. This time, I’d like to talk to families and significant others. As a loved one of a deployed service member you have sacrificed a lot, and your country owes you its support and appreciation. You’re no doubt very excited when your loved one finally comes home. ...

  Categories: Reintegration   |   Comments (3)

• Couple Tidbits: Listening Skills

  Posted by Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart on February 17, 2010

  U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Alejandra Langhorne is welcomed home by her husband in San Diego, Calif. during the USS Sampson homecoming. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class George Labidou/Released) In honor of Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart, a social worker who has taught relationship classes, is contributing a series of articles on the For Families section of our Web site that tackle the rewarding and often challenging issue of coupling aptly called “Couple Tidbits.” This post is the second of the series. Check out the longer article on this topic. “You never listen to me!” is a common complaint in many couple relationships and if not dealt with, can often result in an unpleasant outcome. Usually if someone isn’t listened to, they talk louder and louder, or they stop talking and withdraw. Neither is healthy. Active listening is a learned skill that ...

  Categories: Families   |   Comments (0)

• Couple Tidbits: Expectations and Reality

  Posted by Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart on February 4, 2010

  U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rebecca Kruck/Released In honor of Valentine’s Day, throughout the month of February Cmdr. Brenda Gearhart, a social worker who has taught relationship classes, is contributing a series of articles on the For Families section of our Web site that tackle the rewarding and often challenging issue of coupling aptly called “Couple Tidbits.” Those of us who are married or in committed relationships have probably had experiences where expectations of our partner don’t meet up with the reality of his/her behavior. A focus on the need to have realistic relationship expectations is key because often they are not realistic and based upon: Experiences from our youth Positive things we liked form our parents’ or guardians’ relationship TV Romance novels Life in the military comes with certain expectations – moves, deployments, reunions and unfortunately sometimes injuries, either visible, or invisible, or both - ...

  Categories: Families   |   Comments (8)