Click here for details of our intensive couple and family sessions.
The pressure of deployment and reintegration of a family member takes a significant toll on parters, children and the family unit as a whole. Among many stressors, the deployed partner faces uncertainty, danger, concern about how much to tell loved ones, and sometimes guilt at missing major milestones in the lives of children left behind. Meanwhile, the partner at home may be overwhelmed by the full responsibility of managing day to day living and parenting alongside anxiety over their partner's wellbeing. Children may have difficulty expressing their fear, grief and anger over the departure of one parent, which may manifest in bedwetting, nightmares, oppositional or regressive behavior - all of which can be extremely hard for the remaining parent to cope with.
While the first home leave of the deployed partner is greatly anticipated by all involved, this time may in fact be difficult and desperately disappointing as there is not enough time to reconnect and learn how to be together again before it is time to return to duty.
Over time, the family typically learns to function very well in the absence of the deployed partner, with the remaining parent and older children assuming the outstanding roles and responsibilities. When the partner returns, the inevitable clash of who gets to assume which role can be devastating for all involved.
At Minnesota Renewal, we understand how hard all of this can be for all members of a military family. Our therapists are trained in understanding military culture, and include a military wife and veteran on staff. We offer counseling and therapeutic support for all stages of the deployment and reintegration process for individuals, couples and children. Our services include:
- Family therapy
- Marital therapy
- Individual therapy
- Premarital counseling
- Play therapy for children
- Intensive sessions for families in crisis
For more information or to make an appointment for military-related counseling services, please contact therapist Trisha Wohlfeil at 651-428-5106 or click here to request an appointment.