Stop Fighting Yourself. Start Living What Matters.
A 6-Week Virtual ACT Support Group for Veterans
You’ve been trained to push through, compartmentalize, and keep moving, no matter what’s happening inside. That training helped you survive.
But for many people, those same skills can start working against them after service.
This virtual group is for veterans who are tired of fighting their thoughts, memories, emotions, or even guilt, and are ready to learn a different way forward.
This is not about fixing you, because you’re not broken. It’s about learning how to carry what you’ve been through with strength, while building a life guided by what actually matters to you now.
What This Group Is About
This Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based group focuses on helping veterans:
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Stop getting stuck in internal battles that drain energy and direction
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Build psychological flexibility instead of emotional shutdown
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Reconnect with purpose, values, and identity beyond the uniform
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Learn practical skills to handle PTSD symptoms, stress, moral injury, depression, anxiety, or transition challenges
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Take meaningful action, even when difficult thoughts and emotions show up
Who This Group Is For
This group is a good fit for veterans who are experiencing:
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Stress or overwhelm
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Difficulty transitioning to civilian life
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PTSD symptoms or trauma reactions
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Moral injury, guilt, or shame
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Depression or anxiety
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Loss of purpose, identity, or direction
- Relationship conflicts
What to Expect
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Format: Virtual (secure, telehealth-compliant)
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Length: 6 weekly sessions, 90 minutes each
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Group Size: Small (minimum 3, maximum 8)
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Approach: Skills-based, experiential, discussion-oriented
This is a respectful, confidential space where you can speak honestly, or simply listen.
The Approach: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is not about digging endlessly into the past or trying to erase painful experiences.
Instead, you’ll learn skills based on six core processes:
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Acceptance – Making room for difficult internal experiences instead of fighting them
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Cognitive Diffusion – Learning how to unhook from thoughts that run your life
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Present-Moment Awareness – Getting grounded instead of stuck in the past or future
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Self-as-Context – Remembering you are more than your story or symptoms
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Values Clarification – Reconnecting with what still matters
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Committed Action – Taking real-world steps aligned with your values
Weekly Session Overview
Session 1: Orientation & Creative Hopelessness
“You Are Not Broken”
We establish safety, group agreements, and introduce the ACT model. We look honestly at what you’ve tried to control or suppress, and whether it’s actually worked long-term.
Session 2: Acceptance & Willingness
“Making Room for the Hard Stuff”
Learn how avoidance keeps pain stuck, and how allowing emotions can actually increase strength and resilience.
Session 3: Cognitive Diffusion
“You Are Not Your Thoughts”
Learn how to step back from self-judgment, guilt, shame, and trauma-related thoughts without obeying them.
Session 4: Self-as-Context
“More Than Your Story”
Explore identity beyond service. You are more than your rank, role, or experiences.
Session 5: Values
“What Still Matters”
Reconnect with meaning, integrity, and purpose, especially after loss, moral injury, or transition.
Session 6: Committed Action & Integration
“Living Forward”
Turn values into realistic action. Prepare for setbacks. Leave with a clear path forward and next-step supports.
Start Date & Time
- When: 2/10/2026 – 3/17/2026 (6 weeks) Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm
- Where: Online
- Cost: $60 for the entire series, paid upfront
- Facilitator: Tristan Kaczmarek and Tori Haerter, Graduate Counseling Interns, supervised by Sharon Hale, LMFT
- How to Join: Fill out the contact form on this page and we will contact you with next steps.
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
This group is about building a life that reflects who you are now, not who you had to be to survive.
If you’re ready to stop fighting yourself and start living forward, we’d be honored to have you.
Take the first step toward healing today.
Our next group is forming now, and spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, personal setting.
Have Questions?
Reach out to us at info@halecounselingnw.com to learn more. We’d be honored to walk this journey with you!
