LIVING WITH TRAUMA,
FINDING
the Light
AGAIN
Manuscripts LLC
A powerful and deeply personal memoir, Struemph draws on her own stories of overcoming life’s small obstacles to developing the tenacity and resiliency to conquer much larger ones.
With a keen eye, Struemph untangles how the subtle nuances of common behaviors and actions can set us up to become a predator’s target. She knows first-hand the overwhelming effects of sexual trauma and the unique obstacles that exist within the military as one tries to seek justice, support and a way forward. Determined to find her own path to healing, Struemph now wants to share her journey with others.
This book is a tool to help victims of sexual trauma find their own path to healing; understand and combat harmful behaviors; and to understand how our culture sets females up as targets for sexual predators, a reality magnified within our Armed Forces. This book will also help educate people about the lasting and profound damage trauma victims experience, and what needs to change to make the military a safer and more inclusive place for women to serve.
We can shine a light on this pervasive and insidious evil, and collectively we can heal, make a difference, and be a part of creating more inclusive organizations for future generations.
Photo Credit: 1SG Parrish Taggart, Retired, U.S. Army Veteran
About the Author
A Legion of Merit recipient, Struemph was a highly decorated and respected soldier while serving. She achieved many firsts throughout her 32-year military career, including establishing a Women's Mentorship Council to identify inhibitors that prevent servicewomen from achieving successful and fulfilling careers. Through this council, Struemph and her team accomplished many positive changes, including amendments to Army and National Guard regulations which eliminated unnecessary uniform and pregnancy restrictions. Struemph continues her work by mentoring servicewomen and sharing her story, and the stories of others, of military sexual trauma. She believes the lessons of courage, transformation, and hope found in those darkest of times can inspire others and ultimately create positive change.
Recent Reviews:
"A compelling account of the author's journey from trauma to restoration. This is a soul-inspiring read in which Struemph provides the reader with wisdom, inspiration, and empowerment."
— Dr. Libby Bennett, Psy.D., coauthor of Finding & Revealing Your Sexual Self: A Guide to Communicating About Sex
“A captivating story of triumph that speaks loudly on behalf of the silent voices of women in the military. This book is a manual on how to overcome the atrocities they endure under the disguise of sound leadership, where sexual harassment, assault and coercion become the normal interaction between high ranking officers and their sub-ordinates. This is simply a masterpiece that paves the way for the change we are seeking in our branches of service.”
-Johan E. Tocre, Army Veteran, BS Neuroscience & Behavior, creator of Warrior Fitness Program, BASICS for Army Leaders and founder of CREATIVE NEUROCONCEPTS
“A captivating story of triumph that speaks loudly on behalf of the silent voices of women in the military. This book is a manual on how to overcome the atrocities they endure under the disguise of sound leadership, where sexual harassment, assault and coercionbecome the normal interaction between high ranking officers and their sub-ordinates. This is simply a masterpiece that paves the way for the change we are seeking in our branches of service.”
“Power and inflexible systems — wielded indifferently — can leave a trail of harm in their paths. Struemph’s story embodies how the constant tension between caring for others and organizations, and caring for self, can cause us to question our commitments and values. Her story asks us to face the broken systems and relationships that shape who we are and determine whether we can move out of our darkness and into the light.”
— David Dillon, U.S. Army Veteran, VP Public and Media Relations, MHA
Finding the Light Book Tour
Meet Struemph and listen to her talk about
her new book.
June 6 - P.E.O. Sisterhood (Private Event)
June 8, 3 PM - Book Launch Party
Capitol City Cinema
July 11, 5 PM - Stephens College, Columbia
TBD - Green Leaf Cafe, JC
TBD - Plate & Pour, JC
TBD - Stephens College, Columbia
Future Dates & Locations to be determined soon!
Read it now!
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What is Military Sexual Trauma?
The “VA uses the term ‘military sexual trauma’ (MST) to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no.”
The VA provides free, confidential counseling and treatment to male and female veterans for mental and physical health conditions related to experiences of MST. You do not need to be service connected and may be able to receive this benefit even if you are not eligible for other VA care. You do not need to have reported the incident when it happened or have other documentation that it occurred.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome
Civilian MST Healing Modalities (listing is not all inclusive)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Acupuncture
- Art Therapy
- Breathwork
- Cognitive Behavioral or Processing Therapy (CBT or CPT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Group Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Journaling
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
- Psychiatry Services (medications)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Reiki
- Rhythmic Movement (Yoga or Dance Therapy)
- Rolfing
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- Tai Chi & Qigong
Veterans Affairs (VA) MST Services
(If not available locally, referrals can be made to the nearest VA facility or community outsourced. Listing is not all-inclusive.)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive Behavioral and/or Processing Therapy (CBT or CPT)
- Creative Arts Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Group Therapies ( Connected Healing for Women Veterans, Sexual Healing Intimacy [SHI] for Women Veterans, Transforming Trauma with Creative Expressions, Warrior Renew, WoVeN [Women Veterans Network])
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Ketamine Therapy
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
- Outpatient Recreational Therapy/Community Events/PRRC (Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery) Programs/Groups/Clinics
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- Psychiatry Services (medications)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Whole Health (Biofeedback, iRest Yoga Nidra [guided meditation], Mantram, Reiki, Sound Baths, Tai Chi & Qigong, Whole Health Coaching, Yoga)
Contacts
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7, call, text, or chat)
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, select 1 (available 24/7)
Women Veterans Hotline: 855-829-6636
Author’s Email:
finding.the.light526@gmail.com