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Veterans Healing Veterans

It’s a little-known secret that there’s a reserved, four-legged therapist named Dale that roams the halls at Connections Wellness Group in Rockwall, Texas. He isn’t paid, but he touches lives, lifts spirits and brings smiles everywhere he goes.

Chris Payne, LCSW, an Army veteran, leads the Front Line program at Connections Wellness Group in Rockwall, along with his service dog, Dale.

Dale, a 6-year-old Golden Doodle service dog, accompanies Chris Payne, LCSW, to his job as a licensed therapist at Connections Wellness Group as he leads Rockwall’s Front Line therapy program for active and veteran military personnel, as well as first responders and frontline healthcare workers. 

“As soon as Dale enters a room, the temperature from any stress or anxiety drops 10 degrees,” Chris says. “He’s great at relieving tension so people can talk about what’s on their mind.” 

Having the ability to bring a sense of calm to a room is especially important for those enrolled in a Front Line intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP), Chris notes. 

And Chris would know. As a veteran who served as an Army medic in Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris has seen—and experienced—his fair share of trauma and mental health crises. 

“In the military, police and fire services, when you’re in the heat of a battle or on a scene, we’re trained to call for back-up or reinforcements,” Chris said. “But there’s a mindset that if you call for help for your own mental health, you’re a coward. We need to change the mindset within the culture and the community.” 

Carlene Maxie, LCSW, who is a 30-year veteran of the Navy and leads the Front Line program at Connections Wellness Group in McKinney, Texas, couldn’t agree more. 

“Because of my years of experience serving in the Navy, I can truly say to the members of my Front Line group that I see them, and I hear them because I’ve been them,” Carlene says. “Whatever you’re carrying with you inside—bring it. I’ve seen it or talked to others who have.” 

Carlene Maxie, LCSW, is a 30-year Navy veteran and leads the Front Line program at Connections Wellness Group in McKinney.

If there’s something unique Chris and Carlene bring to the table as leaders of Front Line programs, it’s their ability to “speak the language” of military and first responders.

“You can talk about the trauma and graphic nature of what you’ve seen and use jargon without worrying if we’ll understand,” Carlene said. “We don’t ask anyone to relive what they’ve seen. I know that it’s hard living in the headspace you’re in. But you can give yourself a chance to start the healing process by joining our program.” 

One of the things that motivated Chris to become a licensed therapist after serving in the Army was his experience during his service when he intervened in others’ suicide attempts and survived a suicide attempt of his own. 

“I want people to know that if you’re having suicidal thoughts, trouble sleeping, or experiencing irritability or hiding depression—there are resources available,” Chris said. “I’ve had my own dances with the reaper. He’s stolen souls from me, and I’ve stolen souls from him. I’ve navigated the agony and understand the mindset and the pain, and now I want to help you navigate it, too.” 

 

Learn more about the Front Line program at Connections Wellness Group >>