05/12/2026
Many war veterans suffer from PTSD—Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The main causes are experiencing life-threatening events and the loss of life of fellow soldiers. People who are not war veterans also experience trauma that leads to PTSD, although some do not realize this is true.
“When a client feels that PTSD is ‘just for war veterans,’ I patiently explain the true definition of PTSD,” said Jennifer Edmonds, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Samaritan. “Any one of us, in any given moment, could experience a traumatic event. Most of my clients share a trauma history. When they learn that I support sexual trauma survivors, they often say, ‘Well, my issues are not as bad as theirs. They probably need more help than I.’ I remind them that each client issue is important and there is no hierarchy. Each individual has different needs in treatment, but I make a strong effort to meet each client where they are, in their faith, and when practicing in the secular arena of care. I believe that it is our role as counselors to educate and reassure in working through this particular myth.”
