Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never served in the military, how were you qualified to write this book?
Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life is not about me or my life. I conceived the idea and wrote this workbook for active military personnel and veterans; it is entirely about the military and civilian experiences of the soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. I have provided a framework from general life review and autobiography work, and applied it to the specific needs of active military personnel and veterans. When the reader/participant goes through and begins the process of writing his or her life review and life story, it becomes very much their own book—their own life story. You can also see evidence of my successful university teaching and workshop facilitation on our Reviews page. I earned an M.A. in communication from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. in English literature from the University at Buffalo (SUNY). Since September 2001, I have taught communication, interpersonal relations, and media literacy courses at Indiana University (South Bend campus), Purdue University (North Central campus), and a few other universities and colleges in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Indiana.
What is this book about, and who can benefit from it?
Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life is the first workbook offering military personnel and veterans a way to begin exploring and recording the events and experiences of their service time, and their return to civilian life. Guided themes, examples, worksheets.
What are the benefits to be gained from using this workbook? Are there any drawbacks--or possible negative aspects--to using it?
What research studies support the idea that communication and social interaction skills can contribute to overall health and well-being?
Statistics from the Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics (a coalition of nine Federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and the Administration On Aging). Also, the Harvard Study of Adult Development (Directed by George Vaillant, MD). The MacArthur Foundation study,"Aging Well," headed by John Rowe, MD, and Robert Kahn, PhD, is an excellent source. The work of anthropologist Edward Hall also provides timeless insight into the social psychology of adaptation.
Can this book be used in place of therapy? Can it be used to somehow supplement professional therapy?
Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life is NOT therapy, and was not conceived to ameliorate or fix issues or problems experienced by the user. Professional medical and/or mental health providers should be consulted to address issues or problems any active military or veteran may be experiencing. With that in mind, Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life can be an excellent supplement to a therapeutic regimen undertaken with a professional medical or mental health provider who understands and is able to effectively utilize this approach as a narrative therapy, or as part of a cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Much of what therapists and counselors address is related to discussing and explaining experiences, feelings, and personal expectations, and Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life can function as a valuable launching point for such professional therapy. Beyond any formal therapeutic benefit in professional settings, the benefits of reminiscing and writing about one's experiences can have a cathartic effect, just as any writing experience may. Autobiographical devices and their benefits are explored every day in English classes and other academic and writing courses the world over. Looking back at where we've been can help us understand where we are now, and possibly give us direction for where we want to be tomorrow.
Would this book make a good gift?
A great gift for active military or veterans. It allows them to give a voice to their experiences, and is one more step toward helping them and others around them realize how much they've devoted and given to their country and their communities and their families. Additionally, see how rugged the book really is in the next question...
Is this book durable and fit for extreme environments?
Your Military Life, Your Civilian Life is an extremely durable book, and is field-ready. Here is a list of just how rugged it is:
- Water-resistant.
- Resistant to seawater.
- Oil & grease resistant.
- Tear-resistant (almost tear-proof).
- Chemical-resistant (such as ammonia, caustic soda, isopropyl alcohol).
- Withstands extreme heat and cold, remaining dimensionally stable up to 160F and down to -40F.
- No paper used in this book! No trees taken... ...the entire book (including covers and interior pages) is comprised of a non-toxic synthetic paper that can be recycled and, because of its durability and long life, contributes to source reduction.
- Stands up to repeated handling and use.
- Holds up very well outdoors in sunlight due to its good UV resistance and weathering characteristics. Contains no artificial whiteners, brighteners, or chlorine, which cause other plastics to become brittle and break in the sun. Book's synthetic paper is manufactured through high pollution control procedures� its manufacturing facility recycles a large percentage of internal waste.
- The book contains no ozone-depleting chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (class 1 or class 11), and no such compounds are used during any facet of manufacturing.
- Archival quality.
- Stows away easily.
- Lays flat for easy use.
- Published and printed in the United States.
Is this book limited to working alone, or can it be used with two or more people--or even a group setting?
It was written and designed to be undertaken by one person, but adapts very well to be used with two or more people, or even in groups, who can discuss ideas and share responses and reactions.
Can this book trigger negative memories or feelings?
Yes. Invariably, any reminiscing, life review, or other autobiographical work will trigger negative memories or feelings now and then. This is not always a negative indication. Some people benefit in a cathartic way when they purposefully address such issues; they see it as a way of reconciling with the past. However, other memories and feelings resulting from them may present challenges that transcend the scope of life review, and must be brought to the attention of medical or mental health professionals. The methodology of life review, or any autobiographical work, is, by nature, introspective and , but it is never suggestive or prescriptive. In other words, without the proper guidance of a licensed mental health professional, it cannot and should not be used to ameliorate or 'fix' confusing or negative emotions, paranoid ideation, or other problematic symptoms. The important thing to remember is that while this negative energy may not have surfaced without life review, you still must seek the proper professional help as soon as possible. Do not ignore the shadows.
What should I do if this book triggers negative memories or feelings?
Immediately seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional.
What quantity discounts are available for my group or organization?
Quantity discounts are negotiated on an individual basis. Please email your request to 
How can I contact the author or submit my ideas for the next edition of the book?
Send your request to us (the publisher) at  and we will make sure the author receives your input or suggestions. Readers of the book please see the Bonus Material section for faster access to author advice.
Can you ship this book overseas? How much will it cost to ship overseas?
We offer free Media Mail rate shipping (U.S. Postal Service) to U.S. addresses. We charge lowest available shipping fee for foreign/overseas addresses, securing the best possible rate for our customers.
What is the Bonus Material, and how can I gain access to it?
The page you are currently on is part of this book's Companion Website. This website supplements the book by providing additional tools, materials, and features. It also direct readers, students, and instructors to the best online and off-line resources available in the area of life review and life story for military personnel and veterans. Certain bonus materials, such as the Glossary of Terms and Events listings, are freely accessible, while other premium content is available only to our book customers. Go to the Bonus Material page for this information.
The answer to my question is not here. What can I do?
Contact us (the publisher) at , and we will immediately address your concern or request.
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Companion Website for the book