A Vietnam Trilogy, Vol. 2: Healing Journeys: Study Abroad with Vietnam Veterans

Raymond M. Scurfield

Jan 2006 · Vietnam Trilogy Book 2 · Algora Publishing

About this ebook

A Vietnam Trilogy studies the psychiatric impact of war on soldiers and veterans, both during and in the decades after the violence, and recommends proven innovative therapies for treating PTSD. Through the wrenching stories of veterans and the author's own understanding as a mental health professional, Scurfield describes his and his comrades' experiences during the war; then he describes the healing process fostered by innovative return trips he has led to peace-time Vietnam in 1989 and, in conjunction with a university history program, in 2000, described in this volume. A Vietnam Trilogy offers veterans and their families a vicarious "healing journey" by relating the experiences of those who participated in these therapeutic efforts, and offers recommendations to veterans and those who wish to help them. The therapy breakthroughs for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are now the model for innovative programs across America; and they will be the foundation for programs to help today's veterans of the Iraq War. * Raymond Monsour Scurfield, DSW, LCSW, ACSW, is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast. A Vietnam veteran, he worked for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for 25 years and directed PTSD mental health programs in Los Angeles, Washington DC, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and American Samoa. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in war-related PTSD through his leadership of innovative treatment programs, 50+ publications, 250+ presentations, educational videos, national media appearances and research. His most recent publications are on racism and PTSD, and the continuingpsychological impact of the events of 9/11. Scurfield co-led an award-winning study-abroad course taking three combat veterans and 16 history students to Vietnam in 2000, in a program that uniquely combined history and mental health curriculum and experiential learning. This, the second volume in A Vietnam Trilogy, details that project and includes a compelling formulation of what remains to be done concerning healing from the war - indeed, any war - and how to accomplish it. Scurfield has received several outstanding university teacher awards and he was awarded the Department of Veterans Affairs Olin E. Teague award for extraordinary contributions benefiting war-injured veterans. He received the 2006 Mississippi Social Worker of the Year Award by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in recognition of his post-Hurricane Katrina social work activities and post-traumatic stress interventions on the MS Gulf Coast since August 29, 2005. His achievements in the study and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder have become landmarks in psychiatry. "Dr. Scurfield's Vietnam Trilogy is a tremendous service to those of us in uniform who have served, as well as those charged with providing for the psychological well-being of our combat veterans, their families, mental health professionals, and the general public." -Kathy Platoni, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, LTC/MS/USAR