Book Synopsis
Patricia Newman, licensed clinical social worker at the Bogalusa, Louisiana veterans’ outpatient clinic, helps veterans who struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder learn how to forgive and let go of difficult emotions and memories.
Ms. Newman’s therapeutic concept that “revealing is healing” resulted in Warriors’ Own Words, “You Had To Be There”. The book includes incredible stories of sacrifice and service from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The idea for writing this book came from discussions with veterans about their military service. They often said that they never talked about their combat experiences because it was easier to keep those memories to themselves.
This book then represents the legacy of heroic men who served their country with honor and pride. A byproduct of the book is that it gives their lives meaning, purpose, identity, and connection. Telling their stories has helped these veterans successfully find closure and a sense of peace.
About The Author
Patricia Newman grew up in Baton Rouge, La. She attended Louisiana State University where she earned a Masters Plus Thirty degree in Education in 1969 and a Masters Degree in Social Work in 1996. Her teaching career spanned thirty-three years including ten years overseas on military bases in Germany, Japan, and England. She began her second career as a mental health counselor in 2004 at the New Orleans VA Hospital working with veterans in the substance abuse recovery program. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed that hospital, she transferred to the Biloxi, MS. VA Hospital to work in its inpatient psychiatric unit. In 2012 the local veterans' clinic in Bogalusa, La. presented Ms. Newman the opportunity to pursue her real interest of working with veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was this work that led to this book of their stories.