You are working at the veteran’s agency and your caseload includes men with PTSD. They are uniquely experienced in mortal combat. They recently returned from battle zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of their friends have died in battle. Some wonder why they are still here and their friends are gone. Your boss has asked you to research verbal and nonverbal ways to help you communicate with these men and build a therapeutic alliance. He wants you to demonstrate communication styles through a role play presentation for all the therapists at the weekly staff meeting:

Individual Portion:

Each group member should assume the role of a counselor and address the following in two pages:

• What are two types of positive communication styles that the men will benefit from such as non-judging, attentive listening, validating feelings, compassion/empathy and open body language
• What is one type of communication style the men might not be receptive to such placating, authoritarian language, closed body language, and judging
• Include a summary statement of at least 2 reasons why each communication style is either acceptable or non-acceptable for this population.
• 2-3 pages