The Heart Behind the Mission: Honoring Social Workers Serving Veterans
Shining a light on social workers — exceptional individuals, whose communication abilities representing the pinnacle in connecting with others.
With remarkable empathy and expertise, they bridge conversations between medical professionals and Veterans facing the complexities of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other diagnoses. Their ability to listen, guide, and advocate distinguishes them as more than simply professionals; they are lifelines for those who once served. Their dedication makes a difference.
THE CALL
Meet Tonia Rayford, an Air Force Veteran, who deserves the highest accolades for her lifelong mission – of uplifting, empowering, and leading Veterans. She answered our nation’s call, by serving in the Air Force for 30 years on active duty. She’s been in the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) for three years as a Veterans Affairs Clinical Social Worker at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital. At other VA locations, she has previously worked as a Homeless Veterans Case Manager, and an Employment Specialist for a PTSD research grant.
As a VA clinical social worker in the Behavorial Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), a general mental health program, it is an interdisciplinary team that utilizes psychiatry, psychology, and social work. The providers in the program provide evidence-based psychotherapy to Veterans who have a wide variety of mental health issues (Major Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, etc.). This interdisciplinary approach within BHIP, as demonstrated by the Veteran's story below, highlights the potential for significant positive change in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges.
Some Veterans have difficulty engaging in treatment, but with the close-knit collaboration between Psychotherapists, medication prescribers, and medication, one Veterans’ major depression was reduced dramatically, so he could engage in Trauma Focused Psychotherapy for PTSD. One Veterans’ personal and professional life was disrupted by his past trauma however, teamwork kept him motivated to complete the treatment. Since his therapy, he has been elected to a small company council, rediscovered his passion for graphic design, and crossed skydiving off his bucket list.
“I was incredibly proud of him. He was fully embracing his life again and doing things which inspired him,” Rayford said.
OBSERVATION
Rayford has numerous innovative approaches to ensure the Veteran receives the suitable care. Sometimes the mental health assessment procedure needs to be slowed down, so the appropriate symptoms can be addressed in Psychotherapy. She advocates on their behalf; thus, she works hard to ensure she has communicated the situation accurately. Communication between her, psychotherapists, and pharmaceutical prescribers is well established, which aids in receiving consultations from her teammates; hence, the overall goal is to have Veterans certify they have learned new abilities, lowered the intensity of their symptoms, and felt better.
“I must admit, I feel pretty good too,” Rayford said.
A 78-year-old Vietnam veteran with PTSD was in psychotherapy with Rayford. He had never received mental health care since his return from combat. She slowed down the therapy sessions to ensure he understood each skill. As the difficulty of the sessions rose, his emotions flared up, and it took him some time to comprehend everything, including his opinions and beliefs about his combat trauma. His breakthroughs were literally breathtaking. She sees how hard he struggled to sort through the awful catastrophes he experienced in combat. For the first time in 50 years, he was speaking openly about something that had fundamentally affected him. She was touched and honored he trusted her enough to be his Battle-Buddy during his healing process.
‘Win the Morning!’ “Meditate, workout, eat a healthy breakfast, cultivate hobbies and spend quality time with loved ones and friends. When I take care of myself, I can be fully present for our Veterans,” Rayford said!
Their dedication to serve didn't end when she took off their military uniform — it simply took on a new form, one defined by compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our nation's heroes.