WEBVTT 00:00:01.680 --> 00:00:02.000 Alright. 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:07.380 So today, we're here to learn about how you can serve to heal the emotional wounds of veterans. 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:13.220 You yourself, you may be a veteran or you may know someone who has served. 00:00:13.735 --> 00:00:35.240 And, we're excited to have this webinar today as our very first military webinar, which which will try to address the the uncommon, and unfortunate circumstances of having mental illness, whether it be PTSD, facing trauma, or any other mental health condition. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:37.740 So we're excited to have you join us today. 00:00:39.800 --> 00:00:45.675 My name is Ebony Schamberger, and I'm the marketing and communications manager here at Divine Mercy University. 00:00:46.295 --> 00:00:51.595 And I'm happy to have Michelle Drennan and Steve Showalter here on the line. 00:00:52.295 --> 00:00:55.755 They are here from our master's degree programs. 00:00:56.550 --> 00:01:08.170 And, just to give you a little bit of background about us, Michelle Drennan is a product of a father who served proudly in the US Army Air Corp and the United States Air Force for thirty two years. 00:01:08.435 --> 00:01:16.135 She attended 13 different schools from the first grade to the eighth grade and professes to be a fine military brat. 00:01:17.075 --> 00:01:26.960 Her career spans many years of being in the world of college admissions for technical and nursing schools and now Divine Mercy University's master's in psychology degree. 00:01:27.260 --> 00:01:35.520 She has helped to guide many military men and women to new vocations after leaving the military or while still serving our country. 00:01:36.815 --> 00:01:44.435 Steve Scholes Walter is a part of a family history that has served in the military from the civil war through World War two and up to the present. 00:01:44.735 --> 00:01:58.840 After a twenty five year career leading marines during peaceful times and not so peaceful times, Steve joined the Department of Labor where he continued helping veterans and their families as they transition out of the military into the workforce. 00:01:59.700 --> 00:02:05.560 He has over ten years of experience in helping students determine their career goals and obtain their education. 00:02:06.425 --> 00:02:14.045 At Divine Mercy University, Steve is applying his knowledge and skills in student assessment and helping them through the admissions process. 00:02:15.225 --> 00:02:26.930 And my ties to the armed forces include various family members who have served, including my grandpa father's service in the Korean War and my father's service in Turkey for the NATO military command. 00:02:27.230 --> 00:02:37.245 As a marketing and communications manager here at DMU, I'm I'm excited to help serve the mental health needs of veterans and help end the stigma surrounding it. 00:02:40.265 --> 00:02:40.665 Alright. 00:02:40.665 --> 00:02:42.285 I'm gonna kick it over to Michelle. 00:02:42.745 --> 00:02:53.850 Well, I saw some names on the bottom on our chat, some folks that I've talked to before, and interestingly enough, another Michelle that I was on the chat line with right before the webinar started. 00:02:53.850 --> 00:02:55.470 We welcome each of you. 00:02:55.850 --> 00:03:01.470 My first slide gives you a perspective, about the history of Divine Mercy. 00:03:01.815 --> 00:03:17.035 It is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, and we're very unique because we're dedicated to the scientific study of psychology, but it has a Catholic Christian understanding of the person, marriage, and family, treating the whole person, if you will. 00:03:17.230 --> 00:03:25.570 We were founded in 1999, and at one time were was called, originally, the Institute for the Psychological Sciences or IPS. 00:03:26.270 --> 00:03:35.295 In 2014, we launched, our MS in psychology for which I'm the admissions counselor, focusing on educating working professionals. 00:03:35.755 --> 00:03:43.775 And in 2015, renamed ourselves to Divine Mercy University with the addition of the school of counseling. 00:03:44.075 --> 00:03:47.055 So that's how we became to be Divine Mercy University. 00:03:51.090 --> 00:03:58.710 It's very important, those of you who are looking at a master's degree, that you look at an accredited school of learning. 00:03:59.250 --> 00:04:06.375 We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award both masters and doctorate degrees. 00:04:07.235 --> 00:04:12.535 Very much, places like Duke University also have Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 00:04:12.675 --> 00:04:20.870 So it's very important to look at a a master's program that would springboard you into a PHD or whatever you wanna do in the future. 00:04:21.250 --> 00:04:24.390 So that's an important aspect is going to an accredited college. 00:04:24.690 --> 00:04:43.755 We also, because we are located in the state of Virginia, have various state council of higher educations, and our program is aligned with premier in industry programmatic 2,000 and, 16 standards established by CACREP, and we are very close to that final approval. 00:04:44.250 --> 00:04:51.470 So as you can see, also the American Psychological Association and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. 00:04:57.225 --> 00:05:04.205 The very first degree that I'm just gonna give you some cliff notes about is the master's in psychology for which I'm the admissions representative. 00:05:04.905 --> 00:05:12.330 That one is 100% online, internationally recognized, so I do deal with people from Zambia to California. 00:05:13.030 --> 00:05:15.850 It is composed of thirty six credit hours. 00:05:16.150 --> 00:05:19.610 It's a minimum 2.5 GPA to enter the program. 00:05:19.830 --> 00:05:39.430 It does not have a license, but as each of you look at your different pathways, some of you will not need that, and so lots of individuals who are sometimes in the military or in the, health care field or perhaps they are individuals that work in the churches, may not need that. 00:05:39.430 --> 00:05:45.690 So that just gives you a quick overview, and I'll hand it over to my colleague, Steve, to explain the masters in this ID. 00:05:46.230 --> 00:05:47.290 Oh, thank you, Michelle. 00:05:47.590 --> 00:05:55.445 And, you know, I did recognize a lot of names, on the chat session, so, some familiar friends and faces there. 00:05:55.445 --> 00:05:57.305 So thanks for joining us. 00:05:57.845 --> 00:06:05.705 The master's program in counseling is is a hybrid program in addition to our online learning. 00:06:05.845 --> 00:06:18.160 And the reason it's a hybrid is you will come to the university for three extended weekends during your program for training that can't be conducted over the Internet. 00:06:19.020 --> 00:06:24.735 And your licensing, which is kind of it prepares you for that. 00:06:25.595 --> 00:06:31.775 You know, licensing occurs at the state level in the state that you want to practice in. 00:06:32.075 --> 00:06:40.650 And if you are interested, it would take too much time now to get with those of you that are interested in your particular state, the licensing requirements. 00:06:41.190 --> 00:06:50.045 But please, at the end of this webinar, please reach out to me, and, I can talk to you about your state licensing requirements. 00:06:58.505 --> 00:07:05.570 Our PsyD in clinical psychology does require one to be on campus for five years. 00:07:06.030 --> 00:07:21.025 It is nationally recognized, APO APA approved, about a 122 credit hours, and just like the, masters in counseling does require, a specific GPA, taking a GRE, and prepares for licensing. 00:07:27.005 --> 00:07:27.325 Okay. 00:07:27.325 --> 00:07:32.460 I'm just I'm just gonna give you a minute here to absorb some of these statistics. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:43.900 And as as you read down through them, we have classes that give you the knowledge to help heal those in need, you know, those those people that comprise those statistics. 00:07:44.760 --> 00:07:54.435 And, you know, a great thing about it, our core faculty are actual working clinicians that bring that current experience into the classroom. 00:07:55.295 --> 00:08:07.360 And because they bring that experience into the class room, they ensure that what you learn is directly related to what you'll use in the field. 00:08:09.980 --> 00:08:10.460 Alright. 00:08:10.460 --> 00:08:23.435 And just in case some folks are joining us, only via our phone lines, we did wanna just read off some of these statistics, that you may already know and you may not know. 00:08:24.135 --> 00:08:36.500 Some of those are fourteen percent of suicides, whereby US veterans in 2017, according to a national veteran suicide prevention annual report. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:49.875 There is a high rate of PTSD in active duty service members, and the rate of depression is five times higher in those active duty service members compared to civilians. 00:08:50.975 --> 00:09:08.125 And we also, brought up this statistic on sexual harassment, which may not be known, that fifty five percent of women and thirty eight percent of men will experience some sort of sexual harassment in the military, and that is according to the US Department of Veteran Affairs. 00:09:08.585 --> 00:09:11.405 And so we did wanna just put this up here. 00:09:11.465 --> 00:09:20.765 We don't want it to be frightening, but we do want to make sure that we are aware so that we can reduce that stigma that exists right now. 00:09:25.650 --> 00:09:37.675 So I think it's important, to ask yourself some very specific questions and say to yourself, so why do you think veterans don't always feel comfortable about seeking care? 00:09:37.675 --> 00:09:43.135 We know that sometimes it's personal embarrassment about service related mental disabilities. 00:09:43.195 --> 00:09:49.375 They went in to serve our country and came out with some of those, really difficult situations. 00:09:50.140 --> 00:09:57.760 Sometimes it's getting better, but there is a long wait time sometimes to receive mental health treatment in the VA, but I will say it's getting better. 00:09:59.020 --> 00:10:23.530 A specific, over needing to seek mental health treatment, shame, perhaps, fear of being seen as weak, a stigma that's associated with mental health issues, and perhaps a lack of understanding or a lack of awareness about mental health problems and treatment options because they are far improved and have been doing so for many years as we seek greater understanding of how to treat the whole person. 00:10:24.310 --> 00:10:31.450 There are also some demographic barriers and some false perceptions based on these demographics, such as age or gender. 00:10:31.655 --> 00:10:40.075 So I guess what we're saying is is don't forget to reach out to those that you know and let them know that there are many, many resources that are available. 00:10:42.135 --> 00:10:42.455 Yes. 00:10:42.455 --> 00:10:46.350 And, we're kinda curious, if everyone could put in the chat box. 00:10:46.430 --> 00:10:52.110 Are there other reasons that you've heard of, possibly that veterans aren't seeking care? 00:10:52.110 --> 00:11:03.325 We'd like to, see those so that we can all share that information and possibly read it off, once it comes through so that we can speak to that. 00:11:03.785 --> 00:11:08.925 We did get a question earlier, from a listener who was here today. 00:11:09.705 --> 00:11:23.950 And the question the statement is, the military is a subculture characterized in high expectations of strength and fitness, which can make it difficult for those struggling with mental illness to get the necessary help while serving. 00:11:24.650 --> 00:11:32.885 How can we cultivate a climate that removes the stigma of weakness surrounding mental health, especially for military members? 00:11:34.785 --> 00:11:36.625 Steve, do you I can yeah. 00:11:36.625 --> 00:11:39.425 I'll I'll go ahead and take that one. 00:11:39.425 --> 00:11:45.860 And really, if I understand the the question, it really is in two parts. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:12:10.700 So, really, in the military, we've been doing a much better job of educating our junior leaders and our senior staff and CEOs that, obviously, taking a look at the previous slide, the statistics there are kind of pushing this new education process within the military down to the lowest level. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:23.775 So the leadership needs to be educated on those aspects of, you know, it really isn't a sign of weakness if somebody comes forward for help. 00:12:24.155 --> 00:12:26.335 So that that's kinda within the military. 00:12:26.955 --> 00:12:42.900 And outside the military, it really is part of patience on the caregivers and those people that are around those in need that, you know, it really is an education process of the person themselves. 00:12:43.520 --> 00:12:54.385 As far as you're not looked down upon anymore if you do seek help out here as a transition service member or a veteran. 00:12:54.525 --> 00:13:06.980 So it's almost a deprogramming of the veteran them themselves that it it's okay out out here to ask for help, and there are many avenues out here to help you. 00:13:07.280 --> 00:13:10.580 So I hope that that answers, your questions. 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:15.300 If not, just go ahead and and put it back up to clarify your question a little further. 00:13:15.735 --> 00:13:19.175 Steve, those are great answers, and I'm gonna say just one more addition. 00:13:19.175 --> 00:13:20.075 This is Michelle. 00:13:21.095 --> 00:13:37.970 I think that military recruiters are now doing a better job because one of the things that Steve and I and anybody involved in admissions at Divine Mercy do is to give students realistic expectations about the commitment, about what it's gonna take. 00:13:38.190 --> 00:13:49.675 And I do believe that there was a time, that that maybe that wasn't happening in the recruitment area in the military, But I think part of it is understanding this is what you're gonna face. 00:13:49.675 --> 00:13:51.135 This is what it's gonna be. 00:13:51.755 --> 00:13:54.095 It is not all glory and all beautiful. 00:13:54.235 --> 00:14:00.190 And I think that, that's an important aspect of giving realistic expectations. 00:14:00.410 --> 00:14:06.350 And I do believe, again, in the military that people who are in recruitment areas are doing a better job of that. 00:14:08.730 --> 00:14:09.230 Alright. 00:14:09.290 --> 00:14:13.390 And so I did wanna just read off a few of the comments that just came in. 00:14:14.075 --> 00:14:25.855 I have one comment saying, additional reasons may be that the team might perceive someone as weak and mistrust their ability to provide protection or the other person's back. 00:14:26.900 --> 00:14:32.200 Another comment that came in is poor health literacy can play a part in health inequalities. 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:38.760 And, one other statement, that was just shared that is very unfortunate. 00:14:39.380 --> 00:14:41.835 It's kinda heartbreaking just to read it. 00:14:42.795 --> 00:14:49.775 It reads, a friend of mine has sought counseling treatment from the VA in the past and felt much more like a number. 00:14:50.315 --> 00:14:58.860 The counselor didn't even remember the veteran's name, and that really contributed to this alienation and mistrust of the counselor. 00:14:58.920 --> 00:15:01.740 I could certainly see why that would be the case. 00:15:01.880 --> 00:15:03.020 Sorry to hear that. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:05.880 Alright. 00:15:05.880 --> 00:15:10.595 And please feel free to continue putting those in the box, and we'll read them as we go along. 00:15:14.255 --> 00:15:14.655 Alright. 00:15:14.655 --> 00:15:20.250 So here is, just a moment for us to just, participate in a poll. 00:15:21.370 --> 00:15:25.370 Sometimes we may think we know the answers to things, but maybe we don't. 00:15:25.370 --> 00:15:26.890 Maybe you all have the answers. 00:15:26.890 --> 00:15:27.790 So let's see. 00:15:28.170 --> 00:15:40.645 The question is, of all of the returning veterans who actually need mental health care, what is the percentage of them that receive the mental health treatment that they need? 00:15:40.645 --> 00:15:48.645 So I'm gonna go ahead and launch the poll for everyone to participate, and this can serve as a learning moment. 00:15:48.645 --> 00:16:02.060 So please put in your guess, or if you know the exact answer, put that in there, and we'll let it run just for a few moments, and I'll continue to read a few more of the from the last slide. 00:16:02.380 --> 00:16:10.295 Other reasons why veterans may not be seeking the help that they should get is that the fear of losing security clearances. 00:16:10.915 --> 00:16:11.655 Oh, man. 00:16:11.955 --> 00:16:12.455 Wow. 00:16:13.475 --> 00:16:14.375 That's true. 00:16:16.035 --> 00:16:27.210 And, another comment is, sadly, in my interaction with veterans that have worked with the VA, those that don't feel like a number is the exception and not the rule. 00:16:27.210 --> 00:16:27.710 Wow. 00:16:28.330 --> 00:16:32.350 So oh, boy. 00:16:33.065 --> 00:16:36.445 So we all have come it kinda hits home for everyone. 00:16:36.585 --> 00:16:41.805 So we'll allow just a few more seconds to allow everyone to vote. 00:16:43.225 --> 00:16:46.045 Have about 66% of folks who have voted. 00:16:46.505 --> 00:16:48.845 If you don't want to, that's completely fine. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.480 Alright. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:05.705 So if you can't see on your screen right now, here's our results from the poll. 00:17:06.245 --> 00:17:12.325 And, actually, a majority of you, are almost almost right. 00:17:12.565 --> 00:17:21.630 So, actually, less than fifty percent of veterans who need mental health care will actually receive the mental health treatment. 00:17:22.410 --> 00:17:29.230 So it is a little more than we could have expected, but it's still not adequately 100. 00:17:29.610 --> 00:17:34.535 So we're working to get to that actual threshold. 00:17:39.875 --> 00:17:42.915 Before I start the top of this slide, this is Michelle again. 00:17:42.915 --> 00:17:44.675 I would like to compliment all of you all. 00:17:44.675 --> 00:17:49.440 It is so wonderful to have a webinar where there's such, a participation. 00:17:50.540 --> 00:17:55.360 And your insights and some of your questions are just fabulous, so thank you. 00:17:56.380 --> 00:18:03.825 So the big takeaway if an individual decides to enter a degree program is what is my return on investment? 00:18:03.825 --> 00:18:05.425 What am I gonna take away from this? 00:18:05.425 --> 00:18:09.765 What am I gonna be able to learn and share with those I serve? 00:18:10.305 --> 00:18:30.280 In the master's in psychology, you're going to have the opportunity, and, again, that's the one that's a 100% online, to recognize a mental health challenge in people and communities, learn proper resources to help crisis hotlines, books, government aid, know what questions to ask, and more importantly, what to do with the answers. 00:18:30.280 --> 00:18:32.625 I actually had a priest say that to me one time. 00:18:33.185 --> 00:18:37.365 And how to lead a team with a variety of human behaviors and needs. 00:18:37.825 --> 00:18:49.610 I think a lot of people don't understand that when you get into a role, whatever role that is, if you're a leader in the military, if you're a priest, if you're a person who's in health care, you need to understand people. 00:18:49.830 --> 00:18:52.970 And there are so many human behaviors and needs. 00:18:53.430 --> 00:18:57.930 And I think the way we teach, it becomes less about you and more about them. 00:18:58.535 --> 00:19:13.355 And even anybody who goes into a leadership degree like the master's in psychology is, you have to learn how to budget, negotiate, evaluate program effectiveness no matter what managerial or mid management level you're in. 00:19:14.060 --> 00:19:19.020 You know, I often hear from priests and people who are in the military deacon area. 00:19:19.020 --> 00:19:26.080 You know, I didn't realize that I was going to have to have the accountability of some business areas that I didn't know about. 00:19:26.255 --> 00:19:29.855 So that's just a quick overview on the masters in psychology. 00:19:29.855 --> 00:19:42.840 And as Steve said earlier, as you look through these things, if you wanna talk to either one of us or both of us, we're available, you know, to have either a Zoom interview or a PowerPoint interview to make sure that you can go through these and see, hey. 00:19:42.840 --> 00:19:44.200 That does fit me, or, no. 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:45.180 It really doesn't. 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:50.700 And, again, that's what's important to us is finding the right fit for any of our students that we talk to. 00:19:50.840 --> 00:19:53.660 And Steve will explain the masters in counseling for you. 00:19:53.905 --> 00:19:54.405 Alright. 00:19:54.545 --> 00:20:05.845 Kind of the endgame for the master's in counseling is, you know, you'll be able and be trained to help individuals and couples through family therapy. 00:20:06.730 --> 00:20:21.310 Much like the master's in psychology, you're gonna get eight week courses focused on particular topics to give you those tools in your toolbox to be able to assist and heal those people that are coming to you. 00:20:22.015 --> 00:20:40.780 You know, that second bullet point down there, trauma, addictions, crisis, marriage and family, child and adolescent, those are some of the classes that you will get trained in to have that depth and breadth of knowledge to help heal those individuals. 00:20:41.080 --> 00:20:50.295 And, ultimately, you know, the training in the masters in counseling is focused on becoming a licensed mental health counselor. 00:20:55.475 --> 00:21:03.975 And are there any, particular, maybe, jobs that would speak to, the post coursework? 00:21:05.320 --> 00:21:06.520 Or do you Yeah. 00:21:06.520 --> 00:21:08.140 I'll start that out in psychology. 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:11.800 For instance, people that are in health care. 00:21:11.800 --> 00:21:17.100 And right now, god bless them, a little prayer for all those nurses and doctors that are on the front line. 00:21:17.805 --> 00:21:27.665 But with baby boomers coming at the population level that they do, people that are in hospitals often go to the route of saying being a discharge planner. 00:21:27.805 --> 00:21:29.325 You know, mom falls down. 00:21:29.325 --> 00:21:32.860 She can't ever go back to where she lives before or a veteran. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:34.140 That happens to them. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:39.740 How are we gonna find an appropriate living environments or helping them to get into a facility? 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:43.340 So that one title is actually called a discharge planner. 00:21:43.785 --> 00:21:50.525 There are nurses and doctors in our program because they're dealing with situations that they haven't dealt with in some of their training. 00:21:51.705 --> 00:21:58.840 A lot of people love the cloth, whether they're a Baptist minister or priest, sometimes need more tools in that toolbox. 00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:07.480 They learned philosophy and theology, but maybe they didn't learn some of the things that they need to really be helpful to that person at the human level. 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:22.865 I've got HR professionals, people who are in criminal justice or wanna go into criminal justice to help people that are maybe locked up in, say, families that have you know, their children are no longer around in the foster care program, people who open up nonprofits. 00:22:23.725 --> 00:22:34.340 It's a very heartfelt type of helper degree where people are are drawn by spiritual directors or not being happy with a current career to find opportunities. 00:22:34.560 --> 00:22:35.440 But let's face it. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:39.060 In all career fields, psychology is a very valuable entity. 00:22:39.505 --> 00:22:45.505 And so when Steve and I talk to you, we talk a little bit to each individual about what your goal and objectives is. 00:22:45.505 --> 00:22:46.545 What is your dream job? 00:22:46.545 --> 00:22:48.005 What do you wanna do next? 00:22:48.465 --> 00:22:51.825 So I don't wanna take up too much time about that, but you're absolutely right. 00:22:51.825 --> 00:22:58.290 There are many positions in the masters in psychology, and I'll let Steve explain some of the ones in master's in counseling. 00:22:58.910 --> 00:22:59.230 Sure. 00:22:59.230 --> 00:23:00.750 Much, thank you, Michelle. 00:23:00.750 --> 00:23:11.925 Much and much like master's in psychology, I mean, you could find yourself working in a school, working in a clinic, hospice, VA. 00:23:12.465 --> 00:23:20.645 I mean, there are a lot of I refer to as shingles that you could hang out above your professional door for people to come into. 00:23:20.865 --> 00:23:22.338 I mean, just a few. 00:23:22.338 --> 00:23:35.013 We see a lot of, individuals on the chat that said, you know, the VA is not treating our individuals and our veterans, with any type of speed or accuracy. 00:23:35.013 --> 00:23:46.185 And, you know, one of the shingles would be a veteran's rehabilitation counselor, trauma counselor, marriage counselor, vocational rehabilitation counselor. 00:23:46.245 --> 00:24:02.000 There is just a number of focuses that you could have in psychology or counseling that you could just about go anywhere and utilize these tools that we're gonna put in your toolbox. 00:24:03.020 --> 00:24:04.700 And you brought up an important one, Steve. 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:15.715 I have a lot of teachers in the masters in psychology as well, because once again, they're dealing with things that they didn't have to deal with, like school shootings and parents who aren't really equipped to raise children. 00:24:15.715 --> 00:24:18.615 And so you bring up a good point about the teaching part. 00:24:25.950 --> 00:24:26.450 Alright. 00:24:26.670 --> 00:24:40.385 And as far as our doctor of psychology and clinical psychology, which is our five year on campus program, you would really learn how to treat and diagnose severe mental health challenges. 00:24:40.845 --> 00:25:11.035 So this could be anything from dealing with the loss of a loved one and maybe a fallen soldier, learning how to live with a physical disability, which I'm sure we're familiar with people undergoing, an, you know, so it's not a great thing to have, but as this soldier, here is pictured, you he may his life may change and have to be a little bit less mobile than before. 00:25:11.415 --> 00:25:21.970 And then there's a thing of survivor's guilt, wondering why you survived a certain, war mishap and, you know, your comrades did not. 00:25:22.990 --> 00:25:29.650 Again, this, you could also gain experience working for a VA medical center or a local hospital. 00:25:30.030 --> 00:25:45.575 And if you are really passionate about it, you would actually be able to help increase those, you know, the effectiveness of those VA hospitals and also reduce that number, you know, everyone being seen as a number. 00:25:45.575 --> 00:25:51.130 So, with your genuine compassion, that is something you would be able to do. 00:25:51.750 --> 00:26:01.350 There is also the aspect of presenting a dissertation and also a poster, which is something that our students do here. 00:26:01.350 --> 00:26:12.425 And an example of a title that a student just presented not too long ago was combat trauma and complex PTSD, a proposed treatment. 00:26:12.965 --> 00:26:32.055 So, you know, once you're able to understand the human behaviors and also, you know, as you all mentioned, understanding how to work with the actual veteran and the intricacies of their life, then you could be able to present a proposal that could be implemented at some point. 00:26:32.915 --> 00:26:36.535 And as a result, you would be able to, go into various jobs. 00:26:36.835 --> 00:26:52.010 A few of them, just to name them, is the a military psychologist, a dean or professor for a clinical psychology program, or even a counseling program, and, lastly, a director of an outpatient clinic. 00:26:52.010 --> 00:27:01.175 So, you'll be able to oversee certain, departments in that aspect. 00:27:01.315 --> 00:27:02.435 It's a good point, Ebony. 00:27:02.435 --> 00:27:17.030 And one thing Steve and I forgot to share is that we feel so importantly about the capstones that are written in both the masters in psychology and masters in counseling and PsyD is we actually print the titles of those in our graduation program. 00:27:17.090 --> 00:27:31.565 And such titles as how can you prevent burnout in a lifetime missionary, to how can I help children who have been raised in a traumatic and drug induced, you know, parental arena to prevent them from going into a life of crime and drugs? 00:27:31.625 --> 00:27:36.925 So very interesting that each of the programs, you write either a capstone or a dissertation. 00:27:39.370 --> 00:27:39.690 Alright. 00:27:39.690 --> 00:27:52.170 Some of the on on this side, some of the things that Michelle and I are constantly talking with people is, you know, do I have what it takes to taking this graduate level course? 00:27:52.170 --> 00:27:57.895 It's something we spend time and and just about every person we work with talking to them. 00:27:58.035 --> 00:28:00.755 And everyone's always concerned, rightfully so. 00:28:00.755 --> 00:28:01.395 You know? 00:28:01.395 --> 00:28:04.515 Can I take this graduate level course? 00:28:04.515 --> 00:28:04.835 You know? 00:28:04.835 --> 00:28:08.670 A lot of them think, I'm not prepared to take this program. 00:28:09.550 --> 00:28:18.130 But take a look at some of the present skills and characteristics that you have that have been honed by your previous career. 00:28:18.270 --> 00:28:21.090 And we've listed just a few of them here. 00:28:21.230 --> 00:28:36.065 I'm sure we could start up the chat, once again by what your previous careers bring to the table, but I would be reticent if I didn't talk about the moms and the wives out there. 00:28:36.445 --> 00:28:43.880 I mean, I put you at the top of the list for having these skills that will make you sing a very successful student. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:56.815 My wife continually tells me that she has had the hardest job in my military career, raising our two our two boys and, well, actually, three boys taking care of me. 00:28:57.275 --> 00:29:10.680 So I'm I'm I'm sure you could list a a few more in there, but what Michelle and I do is just help you realize that you do have what it takes to make it through this program. 00:29:12.580 --> 00:29:22.280 It's such an important point because I've had a student say to me, Michelle, he goes, you need to tell your individuals who are coming into the program not to forget the wisdom that they bring. 00:29:22.795 --> 00:29:24.655 And we each share our wisdom. 00:29:25.035 --> 00:29:35.310 And even in a virtual world, since most of it is online, the exciting thing is you're learning from one another because you're digging down into very deep subjects each eight weeks. 00:29:35.790 --> 00:29:48.290 So not only do you learn from the instructor, but you also learn from the aspect of making sure that you can take the skills you already have and really dig down deep into being a great master's candidate. 00:29:59.875 --> 00:30:00.355 Alright. 00:30:00.355 --> 00:30:08.720 So we wanted to share just a few of our students who are actually service members themselves or were previously. 00:30:09.820 --> 00:30:16.480 Pictured here, we have Garrett, who is an officer candidate with the United States Army National Guard. 00:30:16.620 --> 00:30:25.965 He is a doctoral student in clinical psychology and interested in working as a military psychologist for the army upon completion of his program. 00:30:27.305 --> 00:30:33.085 So that's our five year doctoral program where he's actually gaining the the knowledge that is necessary. 00:30:34.270 --> 00:30:43.890 Our master's in counseling student, Kyle Wright, service as a naval aviator in air operations aboard the USS Dwight d Eisenhower. 00:30:45.070 --> 00:30:52.235 So he didn't provide us with his headshot, but you could just imagine seeing him right there, on the USS. 00:30:54.375 --> 00:30:54.775 Alright. 00:30:54.775 --> 00:31:09.890 And one other student well, actually, an alumna, that we have, from our master's in psychology program is Noelle, and she serves as the reserve response department head at Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth, Virginia. 00:31:10.430 --> 00:31:17.330 And her husband is an active duty coast guard, which she has a lot of traveling experience with him. 00:31:17.625 --> 00:31:32.525 And she is, enrolled in the program because she needed a fully online flexible degree that would allow her to move anywhere in The United States, and that is certainly, one bonus of our master's in psychology program. 00:31:34.350 --> 00:31:43.010 Ebony, I just saw the pop up that tells us how small the world is that, one of the people on the call actually knew Garrett Boyer. 00:31:44.190 --> 00:31:45.230 Oh, did you? 00:31:45.230 --> 00:31:45.550 Yeah. 00:31:45.550 --> 00:31:49.025 It was one where I believe he said he'd maybe play the piano. 00:31:50.445 --> 00:31:52.765 It is a small world, and I'm amazed yeah. 00:31:52.765 --> 00:31:53.325 The organ. 00:31:53.325 --> 00:31:53.825 Okay. 00:31:54.125 --> 00:32:05.540 So I'm amazed when I talk to people all over the world internationally how we find some common ground, and it it always amazes me, especially having been a a military brat, how small the world is. 00:32:06.800 --> 00:32:07.280 Oh, yeah. 00:32:07.280 --> 00:32:15.220 And then I even see a a comment coming through saying that there is a fear of losing VA benefits, by seeking care. 00:32:16.205 --> 00:32:24.385 You know, there's the idea that they may they might experience healing, but they're afraid to lose those benefits. 00:32:24.445 --> 00:32:28.065 So, that's that's always so very unfortunate. 00:32:35.580 --> 00:32:35.900 Alright. 00:32:35.900 --> 00:32:43.155 And we actually have a testimonial from one of our students who was planning on being here. 00:32:43.475 --> 00:32:54.515 But, you know, due to COVID nineteen, there have been so many different changes that our students are adjusting to, and we're actually helping accommodate their needs at their time at this time, actually. 00:32:54.515 --> 00:32:57.240 And she gave me a quote that I like to just read off. 00:32:58.200 --> 00:33:03.900 She's she said that I'm currently an human resources officer for the army reserve. 00:33:04.040 --> 00:33:12.935 I qualify for the patriot scholarship, which we'll talk about later, and I have also been able to apply for external scholarships through military friendly organizations. 00:33:13.955 --> 00:33:25.495 Some semesters have certainly been more challenging than others to balance, especially depending on the particular course load in addition to the different roles and responsibilities I've had on the reserve side. 00:33:26.020 --> 00:33:37.935 I think the military teaches and requires excellent time management and efficiency, so I've definitely learned to balance and prioritize where to spend my efforts and energy at each moment. 00:33:38.415 --> 00:33:47.715 The school has also been supportive when I needed to miss classes or other events for military training, so I've never felt like I couldn't manage or ask for help. 00:33:48.175 --> 00:34:00.790 From professors to department heads and staff members in the different student services, I know that they are willing to work with me if I could benefit from from flexibility to make all the requirements work. 00:34:00.930 --> 00:34:08.635 I would absolutely encourage prospective students because experiences in the military and school support each other. 00:34:08.635 --> 00:34:15.135 So I've seen how I'm growing as a student, clinician, soldier, and leader at the same time. 00:34:15.995 --> 00:34:23.580 I say not to be afraid to ask for support or help if there's a situation where your different responsibilities are conflicting. 00:34:24.360 --> 00:34:39.205 Finally, so many of the core values of the military align with the vision and mission of DMU, and I think prospective students coming from the military might find that DMU is easily integrated with their already evident dedication to service. 00:34:40.225 --> 00:34:54.580 And so I was actually surprised that she was able to take the time to, give such an elaborate testimonial via email given that our students study from actually are in classes from nine to one, and she was still able to give that to me. 00:34:54.580 --> 00:35:01.000 So I appreciate miss Kirsten Long for submitting that and want to make sure you could hear it yourselves. 00:35:02.740 --> 00:35:03.240 Great. 00:35:06.925 --> 00:35:11.425 Well, the next couple of slides are gonna talk a little bit about affordability. 00:35:12.525 --> 00:35:33.250 We do have some folks online today that are gonna be eligible for some special scholarships, but if you're not, the joy of Divine Mercy University being a nonprofit entity is to make sure that we can do everything within our power to help it be affordable for people who maybe have wanted to go through a master's program, but just didn't find that it was possible. 00:35:33.555 --> 00:35:35.075 So we are VA approved. 00:35:35.075 --> 00:35:37.495 That's the first thing to put at the top of the list. 00:35:37.795 --> 00:35:46.775 And even though once you finished a bachelor's and you're no longer eligible for grants, there are specific loans and opportunities, through master's loans. 00:35:47.740 --> 00:35:57.600 Unfortunately, there are not as many employers that have tuition reimbursement, but VA funding does have GI bills, VA loans, yellow ribbon, of which we handle students all the time. 00:35:58.140 --> 00:36:16.435 And and just like Chris Kristen said on her testimonial, I'm always reminding women and men that places like the Rotary, individual men's and women's clubs, all the time are looking to support individuals, and those scholarships often go unused. 00:36:17.010 --> 00:36:26.630 If you're Catholic, sometimes Catholic charities or Knights of Columbus are wanting to award scholarships, and sometimes parishes have specific agreements. 00:36:27.010 --> 00:36:31.335 So I guess as my old granny used to say, you know, where there is a will, there's a way. 00:36:31.575 --> 00:36:47.630 But with Divine Mercy University, if you're not even eligible for some of the military opportunities, we have our own two scholarships that we can offer each academic year if an individual is willing to write essays for those scholarships. 00:36:49.450 --> 00:36:54.990 We do know that I'll tell you about the next steps on specifics on scholarships as well. 00:37:00.105 --> 00:37:10.525 So we recently signed an agreement with we I don't like, what I call abbreviations, but it is the archdiocese for the military services. 00:37:11.145 --> 00:37:30.655 But many times, based on what your role is, deacons, different individuals that are in the military, anywhere from 25 to 50% off the tuition, and that only applies to the master's degrees, not to the PsyD or doctorate awards. 00:37:31.115 --> 00:37:38.815 We also have for our own scholarships, a Patriot scholarship, which is 10% off tuition on all degrees. 00:37:38.880 --> 00:37:45.680 And then as I said before, there are other scholarships that you can write, individual, essays for. 00:37:45.680 --> 00:37:47.220 And I'll give you a for instance. 00:37:48.160 --> 00:38:00.185 On the Patriot scholarship, you just simply have to be an individual who, are eligible veterans, spouse dependents, active duty military reservists, retired military. 00:38:00.645 --> 00:38:03.705 You do have to meet the GPO for the program. 00:38:04.245 --> 00:38:17.370 And then on the archdiocese, to break that down, if you're a full time employee of the archdiocese for military service and or a member of their immediate family, children or spouse, you can get as much as 30. 00:38:17.590 --> 00:38:29.835 And we do award our our former chaplains or chaplains or deacons, in the military with the archdiocese with a half off the tuition because they are dealing with some very difficult situations. 00:38:30.615 --> 00:38:38.795 And then 25% for active duty personnel and their families that are in good standing with the archdiocese for the military services. 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:46.640 And I can't help but repeat over and over and over, whether you're part of these organizations or not, we have international scholarships. 00:38:46.700 --> 00:38:51.520 I noticed there was a gentleman on here from Zambia, which can give you a very nice monetary. 00:38:51.875 --> 00:39:04.110 I think Steve counted there's between eleven and thirteen different scholarships that you can choose from to write your essays and determine if you do, in fact, are eligible for those. 00:39:04.430 --> 00:39:13.810 So that kinda gives you an individual once we talk to people individually, we break down what their, opportunities would be with various kinds of scholarships. 00:39:13.870 --> 00:39:16.690 So I hope that helps in the understanding a little bit. 00:39:17.955 --> 00:39:18.195 Alright. 00:39:18.195 --> 00:39:25.735 And I'm actually really excited to have, someone joining us here from the archdiocese for the military services. 00:39:26.675 --> 00:39:31.840 Mark, who is on the line now, and he said he is very excited about sharing this collaboration. 00:39:31.840 --> 00:39:34.020 We're, we're equally excited. 00:39:34.080 --> 00:39:40.800 So thank you for joining us today for today's webinar, and we look forward to continuing our work with you, Mark. 00:39:40.800 --> 00:39:41.620 Thank you. 00:39:46.455 --> 00:39:46.935 Alright. 00:39:46.935 --> 00:39:49.035 Just just four simple questions. 00:39:49.255 --> 00:39:51.995 You know, is this path right for you? 00:39:52.455 --> 00:40:00.710 And I I feel if you answer yes to just one of these, you know, this career path may be right for you. 00:40:01.330 --> 00:40:01.810 You know? 00:40:01.810 --> 00:40:20.825 You owe it to yourself to contact Michelle or myself to learn more about how this master's in psychology or master's in counseling program fits in to answering your yeses to those four things. 00:40:21.285 --> 00:40:40.400 And I'd I'd just kinda like to leave leave you with a a quote that I have here in my office, and it says, the most human thing a person can do is put their needs, wants, and ego second to the needs of the community they will heal. 00:40:42.405 --> 00:41:20.985 And, you know, you now have an opportunity to become that professional to help heal hundreds, if not thousands, of the individuals during your professional career, and that's what really gets Michelle and I energized and goosebumped all over our arms when we know obviously, we both get excited for helping you reach a career goal, but we're constantly thinking about you helping the hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals heal and go to a better place. 00:41:22.710 --> 00:41:23.750 Great point, Steve. 00:41:23.750 --> 00:41:26.250 And, you know, again, we're all about fit. 00:41:26.870 --> 00:41:29.350 We have a standard thing that we say. 00:41:29.350 --> 00:41:38.205 If it's right for you, we're gonna guide you through the process and have the comfort levels there from admissions to orientation and starting class. 00:41:38.345 --> 00:41:50.100 And if it's not right, you know, we shake hands with you and we part as friends, but we encourage all of you, if it's on the tip of your iceberg, to look at an opportunity that we'd love to have a conversation with you. 00:41:51.940 --> 00:41:55.800 And and Michelle and I will be available immediately afterwards. 00:41:56.340 --> 00:41:59.320 Ebony is going to put up our contact information. 00:42:00.500 --> 00:42:12.285 And, please, if we're talking to somebody, just leave us a voice mail or, just contact us via these, our individual email addresses. 00:42:14.825 --> 00:42:15.305 Alright. 00:42:15.305 --> 00:42:35.115 So, if you're able to see the screen right now and can jot down the contact information, Michelle with our masters in psychology, for those of you who are listening, her email address is m drennen, mdrennen,@divinemercy.edu. 00:42:35.335 --> 00:42:42.395 And you can also, text to call her at (859) 414-5999. 00:42:43.095 --> 00:43:01.830 And as far as Steve's information for the master's in counseling, you can contact him at sshowalter@divinemercy.edu, and his phone number is (571) 290-7580. 00:43:03.075 --> 00:43:10.055 And just to, give everyone a special offer for taking time out of your day, you may be quarantined. 00:43:10.275 --> 00:43:38.245 You may be stuck in the house with your children or your spouse or still trying to multitask and work on your actual work or even, your your other work if you have any projects that are currently going on, you are qualified for an application fee waiver for all three of our programs, which is $55 value value until April 6. 00:43:38.705 --> 00:43:42.405 So that's, not next Monday, but the Monday following. 00:43:42.465 --> 00:43:45.480 So, please do submit your application. 00:43:45.540 --> 00:43:49.000 If you have questions about how to do that, please reach out to us. 00:43:50.100 --> 00:43:53.640 Feel free to research our website to learn more about our programs. 00:43:54.260 --> 00:43:59.985 And, we just wanna give a few moments to allow you to ask any last moment questions. 00:44:00.685 --> 00:44:03.905 So, we'll stick around just for a few moments now. 00:44:04.365 --> 00:44:12.840 If you have any comments, questions, concerns, please put those in the chat box, and we'll spend about five minutes answering those. 00:44:13.560 --> 00:44:19.000 And Steve and I often will reach out because we'd love to have feedback on how you felt about our webinar. 00:44:19.000 --> 00:44:23.660 We are constantly trying to improve the way that we deliver webinars. 00:44:23.720 --> 00:44:34.535 We've made them a little shorter, a little more factual, and we always appreciate from our potential students, you know, what worked, what could we have done better. 00:44:34.535 --> 00:44:42.510 And by listening, I think we have incredible improvements in a lot of our webinars and such wonderful participation on this one. 00:44:42.510 --> 00:44:43.410 So thank you. 00:44:49.390 --> 00:44:54.930 Did we have any questions on the chat, Ebony, that we didn't, answer? 00:44:56.265 --> 00:44:56.665 Alright. 00:44:57.065 --> 00:45:00.525 I'm looking through, and, no questions. 00:45:00.745 --> 00:45:01.305 Thank you. 00:45:01.305 --> 00:45:01.805 Bye. 00:45:02.345 --> 00:45:04.125 Thank you for joining us today. 00:45:05.145 --> 00:45:14.100 I do see, a question that came through about the, trying to decipher between the two master's degree program. 00:45:14.320 --> 00:45:23.600 So, if we can reach out to you after this call, hopefully, we have your your phone number in the system or your email. 00:45:23.600 --> 00:45:33.355 So, we will make sure that we reach out to you to give you that answer directly just because it's different for each individual person. 00:45:34.375 --> 00:45:50.730 And it is not uncommon that Steve and I will both present an, information session to people if they're really on the cusp, and they're not really sure which one is gonna suit their long term, goals, ambitions, needs to help. 00:45:50.950 --> 00:45:52.550 We have no problem in doing that. 00:45:52.550 --> 00:45:55.975 We're very collegiate in our approach to working with students. 00:45:56.515 --> 00:45:58.275 And, again, we're all about fit. 00:45:58.275 --> 00:46:01.415 That's very important for people to be happy in their life work. 00:46:04.595 --> 00:46:05.095 Alrighty. 00:46:05.340 --> 00:46:09.120 And then I see a question about our PsyD program. 00:46:11.100 --> 00:46:17.840 If I'm if I live out of state, which would be, outside the state of Virginia, what are suggestions? 00:46:18.780 --> 00:46:26.655 So the main suggestion for that would be to, plan how you can move to Virginia. 00:46:27.755 --> 00:46:32.975 It may be a loaded answer, but, you would have to study here on campus. 00:46:33.035 --> 00:46:43.830 Unfortunately, there's no opportunity to do that online, just because of how, and extensive the the training is. 00:46:43.830 --> 00:46:48.485 So, we have some students who have moved their whole families here. 00:46:48.885 --> 00:46:53.305 Some students have moved themselves and learned how to live in community. 00:46:53.765 --> 00:47:03.740 So those are ways, we could talk to you about, housing options and also, the financial aid package that could help you do that. 00:47:03.740 --> 00:47:12.400 So, I'll be sure to have our PsyD counselor follow-up with you about information as far as that goes. 00:47:12.860 --> 00:47:15.200 It's definitely an important question. 00:47:20.075 --> 00:47:22.255 And thank you for all the thank yous we're getting. 00:47:23.515 --> 00:47:24.395 No problem. 00:47:24.395 --> 00:47:25.375 Thank you, guys. 00:47:26.155 --> 00:47:29.500 And I see, we'll just answer one more question. 00:47:30.680 --> 00:47:39.500 Can you talk about DMU's motto, and how it it relates to the university's mission? 00:47:41.000 --> 00:48:00.100 So as far as fetus faith, ratio reason, and action, acto, so the faith is the integration of our Catholic Christian, understanding of the human person in all of our courses. 00:48:00.160 --> 00:48:01.620 That's for all of our programs. 00:48:02.400 --> 00:48:15.985 Our faculty have worked extensively to make sure that, there's a a faith driven understanding, in addition to the reason, which is the scientific approach and understanding of psychology and human behavior. 00:48:16.765 --> 00:48:18.705 So that that is those two. 00:48:18.845 --> 00:48:26.260 And the action is actually, getting on the ground to help people and serve, the world and your local community community. 00:48:26.400 --> 00:48:32.500 So, that is, that is actually a part of our logo, and that is what it stands for. 00:48:32.640 --> 00:48:42.495 I'm sure it could get more detailed than that, but that's just an easy way you can actually understand it, and you can feel free to look at our website to learn a little bit more as well. 00:48:42.495 --> 00:48:43.695 That was a great question. 00:48:43.695 --> 00:48:45.235 I've never gotten that before. 00:48:45.935 --> 00:48:48.435 And our educators are very committed to the mission. 00:48:49.520 --> 00:48:57.140 They are very, very, invested in the individual success of each of our graduates. 00:48:57.360 --> 00:49:15.545 Having been in the admissions field pretty much all of my life, the one thing that I know is that a well educated student is really our product, and you go out there and you represent yourself and us and the world by being, you know, in a helper type environment. 00:49:15.765 --> 00:49:20.390 And, we we just can't go over more and more how many people say, okay. 00:49:20.390 --> 00:49:20.630 Wow. 00:49:20.630 --> 00:49:27.690 I started learning something I could use in my personal life, my professional life, and my community each of those eight weeks. 00:49:29.155 --> 00:49:30.935 Thank you all for your great questions. 00:49:31.955 --> 00:49:32.455 Yeah. 00:49:33.315 --> 00:49:33.635 Alright. 00:49:33.635 --> 00:49:36.275 Well, we won't hold you all too much longer. 00:49:36.275 --> 00:49:37.815 We thank you for your time. 00:49:38.115 --> 00:49:46.850 If you do have questions, again, please feel free to email us, call us, and we would be happy to answer it, as soon as possible. 00:49:47.870 --> 00:49:53.230 Have a blessed day, and try not to, get bogged down by life itself. 00:49:53.230 --> 00:49:56.585 Remember that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. 00:49:57.205 --> 00:50:05.705 So you all have a blessed day, and we hope that we can have you all join us later in in helping you transition your career path. 00:50:06.165 --> 00:50:08.085 Stay safe, and keep your hands washed. 00:50:08.085 --> 00:50:09.191 God bless you all. 00:50:09.911 --> 00:50:10.391 Alright. 00:50:10.391 --> 00:50:11.211 Bye bye.