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    • Home
    • Services
      • Couples Counselling
      • Separation Counselling
      • Pre-marriage Counselling
      • Equine Assisted Therapy
      • EMDR
    • Areas of Focus
      • Emergency Services
      • Military and Veterans
      • Adult Childhood Trauma
    • Location
    • Fees
    • About Me
    • Bookings
Connection Matters Counselling
  • Home
  • Services
    • Couples Counselling
    • Separation Counselling
    • Pre-marriage Counselling
    • Equine Assisted Therapy
    • EMDR
  • Areas of Focus
    • Emergency Services
    • Military and Veterans
    • Adult Childhood Trauma
  • Location
  • Fees
  • About Me
  • Bookings

Support for Military Veterans & Medically Discharged Personnel

The Unique Challenges of Veterans and Medically Discharged Military

 Whether you left the military at the end of your service or were medically discharged, the transition to civilian life can feel like losing a part of yourself. For many, it’s not just about leaving a role—it’s about leaving behind an identity, a team, and a sense of purpose.

Veterans often describe:


  • Loss of role and mission – no longer being part of the unit or structure that gave life direction
  • Grief, anger, or moral injury – especially if discharge was sudden, unwanted, or tied to painful events
  • Sleep disturbances and hypervigilance – a nervous system that struggles to stand down from high alert
  • Disconnection – feeling isolated from family, friends, or a civilian community that may not fully understand military life
  • Anxiety, depression, or emotional numbing – difficulty finding motivation or joy in everyday life
  • Relationship strain – pulling away from loved ones, or struggling to reconnect after service
     

These are heavy burdens to carry—but with the right support, it is possible to find steadiness, healing, and a new sense of purpose

How Therapy Helps

 Leaving service doesn’t mean leaving the impact of those experiences behind. Trauma, moral injury, or the sudden loss of identity after discharge can feel overwhelming—but healing is possible.


  • EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess painful memories, so they no longer control your sleep, moods, or daily life. Many veterans describe finally being able to rest, think clearly, and let go of the constant replay of service experiences.
     
  • Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a powerful, non-judgmental space to regulate stress, rebuild trust, and reconnect with yourself. Horses respond authentically in the moment, helping you find calm and groundedness even when words aren’t enough.
     
  • Nature-based counselling provides time away from the pressure and noise of everyday life, in a quiet rural setting that supports recovery and a sense of peace.
     

Together, these approaches create a path forward helping you reclaim control, strengthen relationships, and build a new sense of purpose beyond service.





Australian Army badges and medals arranged with a red poppy flower on a blue surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Q1: Do I need to talk about everything that happened during service?


No. With EMDR, you don’t need to relive or retell every detail for healing to occur. The therapy works by helping your brain reprocess trauma so it no longer overwhelms your present.


Q2: What if I was medically discharged—can therapy help with the loss of identity and purpose?


Yes. Therapy is not only about processing traumatic memories, but also about navigating grief, rebuilding self-worth, and creating a sense of meaning beyond service.


Q3: I’ve never worked with horses—will I need to ride?
Not at all. Equine-assisted sessions are ground-based. Horses offer presence, safety, and regulation, which can be especially powerful when words are hard to find.


Q4: What if I get triggered or overwhelmed in a session?
Your pace and safety are always the priority. I’ll guide you through grounding and regulation strategies, so you feel steady and supported throughout.


Q5: Are there rebates or funding options available for veterans?
Some veterans may be able to access rebates through their health funds. Please see the fee's page for details 


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