8-Week Veterans Support Group

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Format: Open Group (participants may join any week)

Duration: Weekly 90-minute sessions

Facilitator: Licensed clinician or trained veteran peer support leader

Setting: In-person or virtual

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🎯 Group Objectives

Participants will:

• Connect with fellow veterans in a respectful, confidential environment

• Share experiences and challenges related to civilian life, trauma, and identity

• Learn practical coping strategies for stress, relationships, and reintegration

• Reduce isolation, build community, and foster resilience

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🕒 Weekly Agenda (90 Minutes)

0:00–0:10

Welcome, check-in, review group agreements

0:10–0:20

Grounding or mindfulness exercise

0:20–1:10

Weekly discussion and peer sharing

1:10–1:20

Wrap-up, takeaway, and announcements

📘 8-Week Outline: Weekly Topics

(Each session is self-contained for flexible attendance)

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Week 1 – Introductions & Transition to Civilian Life

• Common challenges in adjusting to civilian routines

• Identity shift after military service

• Building trust in a new support system

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Week 2 – Managing Stress & Anger

• Recognizing triggers and stress responses

• Tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness

• Sharing coping strategies that work

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Week 3 – PTSD & Trauma Awareness

• Understanding the impact of trauma

• Reactions vs. responses

• Encouraging support-seeking and self-compassion

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Week 4 – Relationships & Communication

• Navigating relationships with partners, family, and friends

• Communication styles and conflict resolution

• Relearning trust and connection

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Week 5 – Purpose, Identity & Work After Service

• Finding meaning outside the military

• Career transitions and vocational identity

• Exploring values and long-term goals

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Week 6 – Mental Health & Substance Use

• Addressing stigma around mental health

• Resources for substance use and recovery

• Grounding and harm reduction practices

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Week 7 – Building Resilience & Self-Care

• What resilience means in the veteran experience

• Identifying daily self-care habits

• Role of routine, exercise, rest, and reflection

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Week 8 – Legacy, Strength & Moving Forward

• Reflecting on service and growth

• Honoring strengths gained through experience

• Setting goals for continued connection and healing

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🔐 Group Norms (Review Weekly)

• Confidentiality and respect are essential

• Speak from personal experience (“I” statements)

• Participation is encouraged, not required

• No judgment—every experience is valid

• This is a space for support, not therapy or advice-giving unless invited