Resources for Growth and Recovery
As a psychologist and arts-in-health practitioner with both professional and family connections to defence and policing communities, I’ve seen first-hand the effects of stress, trauma, and moral injury on health and wellbeing. My work today continues to be shaped by those histories of service and by the resilience of the people I work alongside.
The resources on this page are designed to support veterans, first responders, and their families in reflecting, making meaning, and finding practical steps toward recovery, growth and thriving.
The Health Effects of Stress
Stress isn’t just a feeling it has real effects on the body and mind. Ongoing or intense stress can disrupt sleep, lower energy, and affect memory and concentration. Over time, it can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems, weaken the immune system, and contribute to anxiety, depression, and physical pain.
For veterans and first responders, stress may come from repeated exposure to high-pressure situations as well as everyday demands. Paying attention to stress, not only trauma, is an important part of recovery. The resources here offer practical ways to understand and manage these impacts while also exploring opportunities for growth.
Just as in architecture, recovery and growth mean building something new without erasing what came before. The past remains part of the structure, while new perspectives and strengths rise alongside it, creating a connection between history and the future.
Resource Links
-
Finding the right support can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve created a Services Directory with details of local and national organisations that specialise in mental health, trauma recovery, veteran and first responder wellbeing, and community services.
This directory, compiled over several years with the help of my clients; veterans, first responders and their family members, is designed as a starting point whether you are looking for crisis support, counselling options, peer programs, or practical community resources. It is not exhaustive, but it highlights trusted pathways where help is available.
Access the Services Directory ➜
External Links:
Family Matters - Emergency Services
MESHA - Understanding and Supporting Service Families
WA State Government listing of ESOs
-
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological changes that can occur after difficult or traumatic experiences. For veterans and first responders, growth may include stronger relationships, a deeper appreciation for life, or new priorities that emerge alongside recovery.
It’s important to know that growth and recovery often happen at the same time, growth does not wait until symptoms are gone. Our PTG resource handout offers practical tools including journaling prompts, a self-reflection questionnaire (PTGI-SF), and strength-focused recovery ideas that you can try for yourself.
External link:
-
Moral injury occurs when experiences in service deeply conflict with a person’s values, leaving lasting impacts on identity, trust, and meaning. This free resource explains what moral injury is, how it differs from PTSD, and the role of organisational betrayal and military sexual trauma. It also includes reflective questions and links to further support.
Download the Moral Injury Resource➜
Eternal Links:
Phoenix Australia: The current state of Moral Injury
Fortem: moral injury blog post
Moral injury and the potential utility of art therapy in treatment
-
Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for healing after trauma, managing stress, and supporting post-traumatic growth. Yet for veterans and first responders, disrupted schedules, shift work, and service-related trauma can make restorative rest difficult to achieve. This resource outlines why sleep matters, the unique challenges faced in these roles, and practical strategies to reclaim healthier sleep patterns. It is designed to support recovery from PTSD, moral injury, and chronic stress, while promoting long-term wellbeing and operational readiness.
External Links:
-
Emerging therapies are expanding the options available for veterans and first responders living with PTSD and depression.
Preparation and integration remain essential parts of any therapeutic process involving altered states or novel interventions.
Learn more about how psychologists can support this work safely and ethically → Psychedelic Integration Therapy With additional external links provided on page.