Counseling
COUNSELING
COUNSELING: 1 to 1 Peer & Groups- This part of our program is a little more specialized, as each of our Peer Counselors are Master's level mental health Counselors, and Combat Veterans themselves. We hold the same, and a few more specialized licenses and certificates than most VA Social Workers. The primary efforts with the Counseling are not to help Vets "find a cure for PTSD", but learn how to live with PTSD and often depression, and the often co-occurring substance abuse that comes with it- from fellow Vets and peers. Each of our Counseling staff sees more than 60+ Veterans per week, for 1 on 1 Counseling, as well as multiple PTSD support Groups.
1 to 1 Counseling is set up by appointment only with our staff clinicians, [see more about them below]
Our Group efforts include:
MONDAYS: Homebase AA Group [AA site T421], Mondays at 5:30 pm, in conjunction with the efforts of our staff in substance abuse counseling for Vets. *Every week
TUESDAYS: First of the Group Week PTSD support Groups, helping with camaraderie & learning about what PTSD is.Starts at 2pm *Every Other Week, starting again the 1st week of January. **Currently a CLOSED Group with over 20 Veterans
WEDNESDAYS: 2nd Group of the Group Week. PTSD driven, with Veterans from combat as well as other traumas working together to find some answers. Starts at 12 noon. *Every Other Week, starting again the 1st week of January. *** 1x per month is Warrior Retreat Followup group, please call for day, starts at 6:30 pm.
THURSDAYS: 3rd and 4th Groups of the Group Week. Thursday afternoon is PTSD driven, with some co-occurring substance issues mixed in. Afternoon Group starts at 2, and is an every other week Group. *Starting again the 1st week of January.
- Thursday Evening Group: Slightly more relaxed peer support Group. Will cover many PTSD topics, but not as intensive. *Every week starting at 5:30 pm.
FRIDAYS: Are strictly set aside for COOKOUT Days, all Vets are welcome to join us on the Fridays from 12 Noon - 2pm!
ANTHONY [AJ] PAIGE, MA-CP, LSW, GCDW, CCTP, VSR
AJ is also retired from the Army with over 20 years, and is a graduate as well from Antioch. His clinical degrees include Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. He is also a former Vet Center therapist as well as former clinical counselor at Monadnock Family Services. AJ's background and licensures include work and training in Critical Trauma, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Career Counseling. He is also the former Regional VSO for Vietnam Veterans of America, with more than 18 years in work on VA and Social Security claims.
DONALD SPENCER, MA-CP:
Don is a retired Army 1SG, and still jumping, and a graduate of the Counseling Psychology Program at Antioch University. He works with other Veterans bringing over 30 years of military background and knowledge into his work. Don also brings in background of work with substance abuse counseling. As a Gulf War Combat Veterans he understands the needs and worries of the Veteran Community.
