PTSD and C-PTSD in the Military: How Brainspotting Helps Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members Heal Without Talking
Military life demands strength—but even the strongest can break under the weight of trauma.
At Paloma’s Serenity Counseling, we provide trauma-informed therapy for veterans and active-duty military service members across Colorado. Whether your trauma happened during deployment, training, sexual trauma, or even long before service, we want you to know: you don’t have to suffer in silence.
PTSD Isn’t Just About War
Many people associate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with combat—but trauma can happen anywhere in military life.
High-stress operational tempo
Leadership betrayal
Toxic command environments
Sexual trauma
Repeated exposure to grief and loss
Childhood trauma triggered by service
Moral injury or value conflict
Constant relocation and separation from loved ones
You don’t need a combat ribbon to justify your pain. If it overwhelmed your nervous system, it’s trauma.
PTSD vs. Complex PTSD: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can help you find the right path to healing:
PTSD often results from a single traumatic event—like an IED explosion, assault, or near-death experience.
C-PTSD is caused by ongoing, repeated trauma over time—such as ongoing abuse, emotional neglect, or chronic stress without relief.
C-PTSD symptoms often include:
Difficulty trusting others
Emotional numbness or instability
Low self-worth or deep shame
Chronic relationship struggles
Persistent anxiety or dysregulation
Both forms of trauma are valid—and both are treatable.
Why Many Military Members Don’t Seek Therapy
As a military spouse and trauma therapist, I understand how hard it is to reach out for help. Many of my clients say:
“I don’t want this to affect my career.”
“I don’t want to be labeled or judged.”
“I can’t talk about what I’ve seen or done.”
“I’m afraid if I open the floodgates, I won’t be able to stop.”
You are not alone. And there is a path to healing that protects your privacy, dignity, and story.
What Is Brainspotting—and Why Is It Perfect for Military Trauma?
Brainspotting is a body-based, neuroscience-backed therapy that allows you to process trauma without having to retell or relive it.
Here’s how it works:
Your therapist helps you find a “brainspot” in your visual field that connects to unprocessed trauma.
As you hold focus there, your brain and body begin to naturally process and release what’s been stuck—physically and emotionally.
You stay in control the whole time. You don’t have to speak unless you want to.
Why military clients choose Brainspotting:
No pressure to explain or talk
Noninvasive, confidential, and body-led
Works with the nervous system, not against it
Deeply effective for PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, grief, and emotional numbing
No talking is required unless you want to.
You remain in control of the process—and your story.
Real Support for Real Warriors
You’ve trained to protect others—now let us support you. At Paloma’s Serenity Counseling, I offer:
Individual trauma therapy for veterans and active-duty members
Specialized treatment for Complex PTSD, and moral injury
Brainspotting sessions for trauma release without retraumatization
Military-sensitive, confidential care in a safe and supportive space
I understand the systems, culture, and weight of service. Whether you’re seeking therapy in Colorado via secure telehealth, you are welcome here.
Ready to Heal on Your Terms?
You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Let’s explore a trauma therapy approach that honors your story—without forcing you to relive it.
📍 Serving clients throughout Colorado
📞 Schedule a free 15-minute consult: palomasserenity.com
📞Call or text: 720-509-9084
📧 Contact: barbara@palomasserenity.com
Barbara Clark, MS, LPCC, Brainspotting Certified
Paloma’s Serenity Counseling
Trauma therapy for veterans, active-duty military, and families