The Military Mode (Workshop 1 of 2) - A Schema Conceptualisation

Military personnel are generally recruited between 17–25 years of age, which is a key developmental period where we explore the world to better understand ourselves (who we are), others (our relationships), and the world (where we belong).

During recruit / initial training, the Defence Force socialises individuals into the military culture, providing a military identity and community for the individual to belong to and like minded people to relate to. It also provides concrete answers to existential questions. This serves the organisation, creates group cohesion and allows personnel to do their job without conscious thought, and prepares them for combat.

In schema terms, this can be conceptualised as a ‘Military Mode’, which is a learned coping mode that is adaptive for service in the Defence Force - particularly operational and/or combat service, as it surrenders to serve the organisation, avoids emotions and does whatever is required to get the task done (over-compensation).

Megan Fry, ex-Army, Australian Clinical Psychologist and Advanced Individual Schema Therapist (supervisor and trainer), has developed a unique schema therapy approach when working with military personnel, which accounts for the psychological effects of military service and addresses the Military Mode. This approach allows us to look beyond PTSD in veterans and instead identify and understand the effects that military service has on one’s identity, beliefs and behaviours, and consequently their ability to adjust into the community after military service.

After a few years of research, Megan returns with new insights to deliver two workshops online via Zoom. Megan will help you understand the schema conceptualisation of the Military Mode and its implications at transition and on wellbeing. Outcomes of her research will deepen our understanding of what we know about this Military Mode and the benefits of a schema-focussed approach to assist transitioned military personnel after military service.

Workshop 1: The Military Mode ($150 AUD + booking fee)
(Monday 11 November, 3:00pm to 5:00pm AEST (Brisbane, QLD- GMT+10:00), online via Zoom)

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Military Mode - what it is, why and how it develops;
2. Understand the Military Mode Model and how to use it in therapy; and
3. Schema Therapy considerations when working with military personnel.
   

Workshop 2: Treatment Techniques and Considerations ($150 AUD + booking fee)
(Monday 25 November, 3:00pm to 5:00pm AEST (Brisbane, QLD- GMT+10:00), online via Zoom)
BOOK WORKSHOP 2 HERE:

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn specific schema-focussed techniques for working with the Military Mode; and
2. Understand and work through barriers when working with the Military Mode, including specific issues such as anger and arousal levels.
   

These workshops will be recorded and available for access for 12 months.

Supervision Session

Participants who register for both workshops will be invited to attend a group supervision session with Megan, Monday 9th Dec, 3:00pm to 5:00pm AEST (Brisbane, QLD - GMT+10:00), online via Zoom.

Participants who register for one workshop can purchase the group supervision session for an additional $50 (AUD) + small processing fee.

This supervision session will provide you with an opportunity to have your questions answered, and build your understanding of your learnings and confidence to apply this model in your work with clients.

Host or Publisher M Fry Psychologist