From Darkness to Light: A Counselor Describes the Power of Alternative Healing for Veterans
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Today on the Stigma Free Zone podcast, we learn more about how those who have experienced trauma and rage, are discovering freedom from pain and turmoil thanks to their willingness to surrender.
Jon Christensen grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. He left school after two years at a small college in Nebraska to enlist in the Army. He arrived in Vietnam in time for the Tet Offensive of 1968, a series of sudden attacks staged by the North Vietnamese army that proved pivotal in the history of the war.
While overseas, among other duties, Christensen rode shotgun on military supply convoys.
Ironically, he would go on to spend much of his professional career in a different supporting role to veterans.
Jon spent his life as a therapist in private practice and as a counselor at VA related facilities. As time went on, Christensen modified his methodology. Rather than focusing on traditional therapies only, he applied elements of what’s called “alternative healing” to his interactions. Sometimes referred to as “new age,” the alternative healing strategies Jon utilizes are based in
ancient teachings. They include such things as yoga and an emphasis on gratitude. Christensen claims the therapeutic results can be life changing for certain veterans and military family members.
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DISCLAIMER: The information and content shared in each episode of the Stigma Free Vet Zone are for informational purposes only. The Stigma Free Vet Zone hosts, Mike Orban & Bob Bach, are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice mentioned or shared by Mike Orban, Bob Bach, or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with a medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment discussed or shared on this podcast.
Jennifer Pankowski grew up in Milwaukee. She proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1992-1998, and was named Soldier of the Year for her battalion in 1994.
Dr. Michael Dailey is the co-founder of the Infectious Disease Society of Georgia and Co-President of the 
Randy Zemel calls himself a “D-minus” student who had no interest in college. After graduating from his Chicago area high school, he enlisted in the Marines in 1965. He served in Vietnam from 1966-’68 and left the service in 1969 as a sergeant.
Mark was born and raised in central Wisconsin to a large family. Mark is the eldest male child of
Otis arrived in Milwaukee “on a stick” and homeless . It had been over thirty years since Otis had accepted a mainline injection of heroin as payment fora debt owed him. people, places and things were hard to make sense of.
In 1965, Campbell graduated from the Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Illinois to begin his career in the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army that December and served four years, including two tours in Germany with the 8th Infantry Division as well as a tour in Vietnam. 
In this segment of the Stigma Free Vet Zone, Vietnam veteran Joe Campbell reflects on his family’s experience during his active duty and beyond. We hear how Joe’s family grappled with the fear associated with not knowing where he was, what danger he might be facing, and if and when they might receive word that Joe had been killed. Campbell describes his mother’s torment as her emotions swung from her unending fear for his safety overseas to gnawing heartache and helplessness for the man who returned home.