5.5 million military and veteran caregivers suffer untreated compassion fatigue, a serious clinical issue defined as emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others. Compassion fatigue creates health challenges that manifest as burnout, lack of empathy, detachment, anxiety, depression and physical/mental fatigue. Especially vulnerable are our Special Operation Forces (SOF) spouses. Research shows these symptoms may be a strong contributing factor to the 40% divorce rate seen in the SOF community. Neurotherapy is a non-invasive, drug-free and cost-effective intervention demonstrating positive impacts on the symptomatology of compassion fatigue and warrants further study.
ESPECIALLY HIGH-RISK OF HAMPTON ROADS SOF COMMUNITY FOR COMPASSION FATIGUE
Hampton Roads is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest Navy base in the world, as well as 16 other surrounding bases (including East Coast-based EOD and SEAL Teams). Local families experience long and sometimes sudden deployments, stress overload, rigorous training and unprecedented combat exposure. Service-related injuries such as mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder create additional stress and strain on SOF spouses/caregivers. Untreated compassion fatigue leads to anxiety, depression, addiction and divorce; plunging family members further into feelings of separation, isolation and loneliness.
WHY NEUROTHERAPY FOR SOF CAREGIVERS WITH COMPASSION FATIGUE
Neurotherapy includes talk therapy and neurofeedback. It has been shown to effectively treat several disorders such as depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research has long demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback in the treatment of addiction, PTSD and nervous system dysregulation. A 2022 retrospective study of 593 participants also demonstrated the effectiveness of remote neurofeedback in improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
Tier I Therapy Centers is focused on providing our community with essential tools for recovery, optimization and healing. Our neurotherapy program will leverage remote neurofeedback to demonstrate scalability and success in restoring health, improving quality of life and enhancing resilience in the SOF community, thus benefiting Hampton Roads families (and subsequently, the SOF community nationwide).
OUR PROGRAM
- Patients undergo an extensive intake. Psychophysiological profiles consisting of quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), physiological stress assessments and computer based cognitive assessments are performed.
- Based on assessment results, a personalized treatment protocol is developed.
- During treatment, precise instruments measure brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions and behavior, supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without the continued use of an instrument.
- The program also integrates group talk therapy to optimize healing.
- Post treatment QEEG and clinical assessments demonstrate evidence of results.
- Upon completion, patients receive a personalized neurofeedback device and access to tools for ongoing self-care.
If you or someone you know is suffering from compassion fatigue, whether they are a military spouse or civilian caregiver, call today and speak with one of our friendly, caring staff members about whether or not neurotherapy is right for you. 757-452-3934.
*Disclaimer: Information provided here is not to be considered medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-approved, off-label indications is considered to be investigational.
