Courage to Connect: Help for Veterans Navigating PTSD.

Our PTSD support meetings begin at 7:00 PM (CST) and are scheduled for two hours. We warmly invite you to join us, even if you're unable to log in exactly at 7:00 PM. The format of these meetings is flexible, allowing participants to join or leave as needed, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. While interaction is encouraged, please know that it is entirely optional—your presence is valued regardless of your level of participation.

The Courage to Connect: PTSD virtual Zoom meetings for veterans has been designed to create a safe, supportive, and confidential space. Here's how the meetings will follow these guidelines:

• Confidentiality - These virtual PTSD meetings will prioritize confidentiality to create a trusting environment. Participants can feel secure knowing that anything discussed within the meeting stays within the meeting.
• No Recording Policy - There will be no recordings of the meetings to ensure that everything shared remains private and secure. This aligns with our commitment to protect the privacy of participants.
• Anonymity - Participants will be encouraged to use first names only or remain anonymous in any way they feel comfortable. Video is optional but encouraged. This helps foster an atmosphere where people can share openly without fear of judgment or exposure.
• No Registration Required - There is no need for advanced registration to attend these meetings. We follow the "open-door" policy, where anyone who feels the need to attend can simply show up without prior commitment. This makes the meetings more accessible to veterans who might be seeking support but don’t want to commit to formal registration.
• Peer Support and Shared Experiences - Meetings are led by a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and veterans who understand the struggles and challenges associated with PTSD. This shared understanding fosters empathy and mutual support.
• Open and Non-judgmental Atmosphere - Meetings focus on shared experiences and support rather than formal therapy or treatment. This ensures that participants can share their experiences without feeling evaluated. Meetings will be open to all veterans regardless of their background or severity of PTSD. Everyone's experience is valid, and there will be no judgments or expectations—participants are free to share only what they are comfortable with.
• Focus on Support, Not Treatment - While these meetings provide emotional and moral support, they will not serve as a substitute for clinical treatment or therapy. The goal is to create a space where veterans can speak openly about their PTSD, hear from others who understand their struggles, and offer encouragement and solidarity.
• Structure of the Meetings - These virtual meetings will follow a structure where each session includes time for participants to share their experiences, feelings, and coping strategies. There may be an opening statement or guidelines, followed by a chance for each participant to speak if they choose. The meetings will also allow space for informal interaction and support outside of the formal speaking time, encouraging peer-to-peer connections.
• ZOOM - The Zoom platform is used for these meetings allowing the veteran to join the meeting from anywhere as long as they have access to the Wi-Fi and Zoom. Video is encouraged, but not required.

By adhering to these principles, the PTSD virtual Zoom meetings will aim to create a safe, supportive, and anonymous environment for veterans to share their challenges, find comfort, and connect with others who understand their journey.

Click the button below to join the Zoom meeting. The link will only work during the days and time of the meeting. Password not required.