Hoehling Co-Authors Journal Article

Dr. Kaethe Hoehling, director of counseling services at University of the Ozarks, has co-authored a recently published article in the "Journal of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress."

Hoehling teamed up with four other scholars to write the article, "Women serving in special operations forces: Practical recommendations for mental health providers."

"I am proud to be part of a team of five authors, most of whom work or study at the University of San Diego, who wanted to bring more awareness, preparedness, and deeper consideration about the mental health, physical health, and socio-cultural factors that servicewomen in military special operations forces experience," Hoehling said.

According to the journal published abstract, "Women have faced limited access to needed and appropriate services in many professional and societal conditions. Military Special Operations Forces (SOF) is one of these domains. However, despite recent changes that have allowed the inclusion of women into these units, they continue to endure cultural and systemic barriers as well as several subsequent mental and physical health issues. Experiences of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, non-acceptance, and the unique demands of SOF roles can create various health concerns for women in SOF, including PTSD, depression, trauma, and reproductive health issues. These significant concerns highlight the need for clinical and practical recommendations when working with clients of this population within a counseling setting. This article aims to identify and propose recommendations, including understanding women's service in SOF and its impact on mental health and advocating for collaborative care to identify physical health concerns. Utilizing these recommendations would serve to support this underrepresented yet vulnerable population better."

Hoehling completed her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., in December 2023. She earned her master's degree in counseling from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and her undergraduate degree from University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.

Topics: Faculty Spotlights