The Emotional Cycle of Deployment

About the Book

This book was a labor of love that took way too long to reach the surface, but I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with others going through similar journeys. In the following chapters, we will discuss a range of topics related to deployments, including preparation and communication strategies, coping techniques for dealing with separation, deployment emotions, reunions, and tips for maintaining strong relationships amidst the challenges of military life. Whether you are a military spouse, significant other, or family member, I hope this book can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the ups and downs of deployments. Understanding of the stages of deployment can help to prevent crises, minimize the need for command or mental health intervention, and can reduce suicidal ideation. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. At some points, the journeys feels hard, but you have done hard before and you grew through those hard and challenging moments. We can make it through anything together. Sometimes, the deployment story/reality is sad, scary, and lonely, and will test our desire and will to continue down this path. Looking back, there is no other way I would have wanted to do the last twenty years. There were challenges, there were hardships, and our kids struggled at times, but in reality, they are much more prepared to cope with the roller coaster of this crazy world. Let’s dive in and explore the life of deployments!

About the Author

Allison Bratton LPC Allison won a first publishing master’s package from Balboa Publishing after submitting a book proposal for this book to a Hay House Publishing contest in 2023. Allison’s experiences as a military spouse and professional counselor have given her valuable insights into the unique challenges that military families face. She is passionate about providing support and guidance to those who serve our country and their loved ones. Allison earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and organizational development from American InterContinental University while being stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. In 2007, they were transferred to Virginia Beach (Naval Air Station Oceana) where they continued to build their life together as a family. While Allison’s husband Derek was deployed, she moved back to her mother’s and worked as a preschool teacher and volunteer at the Shelter from the Storm women’s domestic violence shelter. In 2011, their family was stationed as NAS Fallon, Nevada. Allison worked at the Navy Gate Way Inn and Suites as a receptionist and at the Western Nevada Regional Youth Center as a counselor. In 2017, Allison was awarded a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and professional Christian counseling from Grand Canyon University with honors. Allison started her master’s degree while living in Nevada and finished it while living in California. She held an associate marriage and family therapy license in California and moved to Oregon in 2018. In 2021, she became a licensed practicing counselor with the state of Oregon. Allison faced challenges of balancing her career aspirations with the demands of military life, frequent moves, and deployments. Allison had to quickly adapt to new environments and immerse herself in diverse cultures. Despite these challenges, she approached each location with a positive attitude and dedicated herself to helping those in need. This included working with individuals struggling with drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, as well as children, adolescents, and military families. Allison’s dedication and determination have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded her degree while her two older children sat with her coworkers at the ceremony held at the base chapel. Her youngest child Felicity, who was one year old, was in the base daycare at the time, and Allison’s husband Derek was deployed. Through her own experiences as a military spouse and professional counselor, Allison has gained valuable insights into the unique challenges that military families face. She is passionate about providing support and guidance to those who serve our country and their loved ones. Being a military spouse is no easy feat. It requires immense strength, resilience, and adaptability. Every day comes with its own set of challenges, be it dealing with deployments, moving to new locations, or managing the household alone while your partner is away on duty. Allison knows this all too well. She is married to her husband Derek, who is now retired from the military after twenty years of service. Allison had to navigate through numerous obstacles and responsibilities that come with being a military spouse. These included taking care of their home and children while he was deployed, supporting him emotionally from afar, and tirelessly working to improve the future of her family, her clients, and the military spouse community as a whole. Allison’s career began when she was in California volunteering with a women’s domestic violence shelter while Derek was deployed. She worked on base with the Fleet and Family Service Center in 2015. The Fleet and Family Service Center is a one-stop shop for all active duty, retired, and gold-star military families. They provide a wide variety of services from clinical counseling, new parent support services, child and youth programs, relocation assistance, resume workshops and employment assistance, return and reunion support, classes, and groups. The list is extensive. In 2018, Allison began working as a behavior health specialist at the prestigious Oregon State Hospital. This position allowed her to gain valuable experience and knowledge while also providing care for individuals with severe mental illness. In addition to her work at the hospital, Allison has her own counseling practice located in downtown Silverton, Oregon. She helps Oregonians of all ages and backgrounds improve their mental health and overall well-being. She also has an online coaching business where she can continue to provide support for active-duty spouses experiencing deployment. Whether it’s helping couples strengthen their relationships or working with individuals dealing with mental health issues, Allison is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. With her extensive knowledge and compassionate approach, she continues to make a difference in the military community and beyond. Allison’s story serves as an inspiration to many and showcases the resilience and dedication of military spouses. Her journey also highlights the vital role that mental health professionals play in supporting and strengthening military families. As a result, Allison’s work is not only meaningful but essential in creating a better future for those who serve our country. Her dedication and hard work are a true testament to the values of service and sacrifice that are at the core of the military lifestyle. Her story is a reminder of the strength and resilience that exists within military communities. Allison’s book is a compilation of her personal experiences and the work she has done with the emotional cycle of deployment. Her goal is to raise awareness and help others understand this crucial aspect of military life. By understanding the cycle, families can better navigate through the challenges of deployment and maintain healthy relationships. Allison wants to share her story not just for herself, but for the countless other spouses out there who may be struggling to navigate this lifestyle. Her hope is that her journey can bring a sense of understanding, comfort, and support to others in similar situations. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to offer accurate advice, the content is meant to provide general guidance. Individual circumstances may require tailored approaches from healthcare or mental health professionals. The author has made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time. The author does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. The strategies and advice presented in this book are not a substitute for professional counseling or therapy. Seek guidance from qualified professionals for personalized support.