Event: The Alchemy of Combat

HEALING HELP: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious affliction that affects many—if not all—combat veterans. Not only does the person diagnosed with PTSD suffer, but it can also be difficult for family and friends to know how to help. Santa Barbara psychologist Larry Decker recently wrote the book The Alchemy of Combat: Transforming Trauma in Combat Veterans to address these issues. The book “is an important discourse on the value of trauma and its underlying spirituality,” said Dr. Edward Tick, author of War and the Soul, “as well as an excellent ‘how-to’ guidebook on practicing therapy with former combatants.” Decker, who has specialized in PTSD for more than 30 years, will give a talk and sign books Wednesday, February 25, 6-7 p.m., at UCSB’s Mosher Alumni Hall. The event is free. For more information, contact Kevin Hagedorn, UCSB coordinator of veterans and military services, at 893-4724 or email kevin.hagedorn@sa.ucsb.edu.