Sample interview questions: How do you approach providing support to military personnel who may be struggling with feelings of guilt or shame related to their military-related substance-induced psychotic disorder?
Sample answer:
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Establish a Safe and Supportive Environment:
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Provide a nonjudgmental and confidential space where military personnel can openly discuss their experiences, emotions, and struggles.
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality to build trust and encourage honest communication.
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Demonstrate empathy and understanding to help them feel heard and supported.
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Active Listening and Validation:
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Listen actively to their stories, experiences, and emotions without interrupting or minimizing their concerns.
- Demonstrate active listening skills by maintaining eye contact, using open-ended questions, and reflecting on their statements.
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Validate their feelings and experiences, conveying that their emotions are legitimate and understandable.
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Psychoeducation and Normalization:
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Provide accurate and tailored information about substance-induced psychotic disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
- Normalize their experiences by explaining that these reactions are common among military personnel who have been exposed to traumatic events.
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Help them understand that substance use may have been a coping mechanism for dealing with the stressors of military service.
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Address Guilt and Shame:
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Help them recognize and acknowledge their feelings of guilt and shame as natural responses to challenging experiences.
- Encourage them to explore the underlying factors contributing to these feelings, such as moral injuries, perceived failures, or societal stigma.
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Offer guilt and shame-reduction strategies, including self-compassion exercises, mindfulness techniques, and reframing negative self-perceptions.
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_14/Military%20Psychologist