The Fourth of July is a time that we celebrate the freedom of our nation, and a time to honor and recognize those that have fought for that freedom.  We often forget the challenges that veterans live with once they return home, maybe for a short time, or for a lifetime.  The issues that veterans struggle with are real, and they vary from person to person. At Lifeskills South Florida, we are proud to provide therapeutic services to veterans.  On average, many our veterans suffer from co-occurring issues, such as some form of substance or alcohol abuse with an additional diagnosis of either Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety.

In the article, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, by Faculty of the Harvard Medical School, we see the various aspects of PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder, including examples of trauma and the many associated symptoms. At Lifeskills South Florida, we aim to help our clients recognize the impact and connection between their trauma and their co-occurring issues associated with trauma. We have three trauma-trained clinicians, all of whom provide group and individual therapy to address the symptoms of trauma and PTSD.

Lifeskills South Florida is different in that we encourage our veterans to participate in at least 20 hours of groups during the week. Typically, our veterans are encouraged to participate in one form of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), either Chemical Dependency DBT or your traditional DBT. For clients with substance abuse issues, relapse prevention group and recovery based groups are added to their treatment plan. Additionally, clients suffering from PTSD or some form of trauma are placed in Trauma Track which meets twice per week to address and hone in on the issue of trauma.

Lifeskills South Florida offers modalities geared toward addressing the issues that veterans face, including, but not limited to:

• Weekly medical management by our highly trained and accomplished medical staff.
• Master of Science level and above-licensed clinicians trained in EMDR and Prolonged Exposure, working with Veterans w/PTSD, childhood abuse and dissociation and other trauma-focused modalities.
• Separate Male and Female Trauma Groups that meets twice a week and incorporates two modalities. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a treatment that focuses on thoughts and feelings for PTSD and related conditions and Seeking Safety a present-focused therapy to help people attain safety from trauma, PTSD and substance abuse. In combination, these therapies provide structured group therapy to help our clients with insight into the effects of trauma, coping techniques for those maladaptive behaviors and coping skills for distressful images, memories, and emotions.

These modules are proven to address the issues of trauma and its effects through psychoeducation and psychodynamic therapy. With individual therapy, our trauma-focused clinicians are dexterous in the field and can provide precise, individualized therapies and techniques to address the clinical needs of the clients served.

Our primary therapist, Ostin Celetin, currently works with three veterans, and in the past, has worked with combat veterans from the Vietnam War, incidents in Beirut and Panama, Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism. Clinically trained to use REBT, Narrative and Solution-Focus Therapy and as a marriage and family therapist, he is also trained to use Bowen and Structural therapy.  His therapy training allows him to see the how the influence of war and military effects various components of their lives including relationships, family, career, mental health and substance abuse recovery. Additionally, he uses EMDR to specifically hone in on the client’s trauma to assist tailoring an individualized treatment approach for each client. Ostin also co-facilitates our Male Trauma Track, utilizing techniques and interventions to help in recognizing the negative effects of trauma and the development of coping skills.

Lifeskills South Florida is fortunate to have an excellent relationship with Veterans Affairs social workers and mental health providers to help with discharge planning and treatment goals. As one of the most distinguished drug rehabs in Fort Lauderdale, Lifeskills is accredited to treat both addiction and common co-occurring psychiatric disorders effectively. We currently offer treatment services in both residential and outpatient settings and offer a clinical track for addiction. To learn more about the enrollment process, please contact us.