Healing After Trauma
Discussing sexual assault in the military and working through or helping someone through the healing process afterward can be a challenging topic. Here are some tips to help:
Approach the topic from a leadership perspective: Marines are prepared for leadership. One of the Marine Corps’ key leadership principles is to know your Marines and look out for their welfare. This includes knowing how to prevent sexual assault and ensuring someone gets the help they need if they've been assaulted.
Raise awareness of programs beyond SAPR: In addition to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, there are other initiatives that assist with prevention and recovery. An example is the Combat Operational Stress Control (COSC) program, which promotes long-term health and well-being among Marines, attached sailors, and their families. The program helps commanders, Marines, and sailors maintain warfighting capabilities by preventing, identifying, and managing the effects of combat and operational stress.
Think outside the box: Healing from trauma may not always look like going to talk therapy every week. There are other strategies for trauma healing that can be used by anyone, including:
- Tactical Breathing: Also known as box breathing, this technique is commonly used in combat situations to help soldiers stay calm and focused under extreme stress. This technique can be used to regain and maintain mental clarity, calm your nervous system, and regulate emotions.
- Scent Therapy: Scent is one of the most powerful senses for triggering memories—both good and bad. Surrounding yourself with scents that bring back positive memories can be a helpful tool for emotional healing.
- Art Therapy: Art therapy provides a creative and nonverbal way to explore and process trauma. It offers a path toward healing that complements traditional therapies, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves, express difficult emotions, and rebuild their lives.
- Music Therapy: Binaural beats, which use two slightly different frequencies in each ear to create a perceived third tone, can help induce different brainwave states. For instance, alpha waves (8–14 Hz) promote relaxation and reduce stress, while delta waves (1–4 Hz) can help with deep sleep and recovery.
- Nutritional Support: Working with a nutritionist to incorporate foods that balance the nervous system can also contribute to healing by supporting overall mental and physical well-being.
Overcoming trauma of any kind, including sexual assault, is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. You are not alone when it comes to working through trauma - the Marine Corps has people willing to help.
For more information and additional resources on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, visit www.usmc-mccs.com/sapr.