What does it take to lead, support others, and maintain your own well-being in the demanding environment of military service? In this Veterans Day episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Dr. Stacey Krauss, a Bronze Star veteran and military psychologist, to discuss her experiences serving in the US Army and providing mental health support in challenging environments, including Afghanistan.
Dr. Stacey shares her perspective on serving as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated military environment, the challenges of working in combat zones, and the importance of understanding the difference between authority and presence in leadership. She also discusses her experiences developing innovative mental health programs for soldiers and helping service members navigate the emotional demands of deployment.
The conversation goes beyond military service to explore resilience, leadership, self-care, and the responsibility of caring for others while managing the pressures of demanding environments. Dr. Stacey’s experiences offer valuable lessons for military professionals, leaders, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding the human side of service.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Dr. Stacey Krauss’s journey from ROTC to becoming a Bronze Star veteran
- The experiences and challenges of serving as a woman in the US military
- What providing psychological support in combat zones like Afghanistan involves
- The distinction between authority and presence in effective leadership
- How innovative resilience programs can support soldiers’ mental health
- The emotional and psychological demands of military deployment
- Why self-care matters when your work involves caring for others
- Lessons in resilience, leadership, and supporting people through difficult circumstances
Key Moments:
00:00 Meeting the military psychologist
06:03 Fitting in as a petite veteran
08:16 Learning interpersonal influence in the military
12:24 Trusting yourself in tough environments
15:35 Dealing with cultural challenges abroad
18:28 Supporting Troops in Remote Deployments
20:24 Managing stress in a combat zone
24:00 Importance of self-care and focus
Military service demands strength, adaptability, and commitment, but it also requires understanding the emotional challenges faced by those who serve. This conversation highlights the importance of mental health, compassionate leadership, and resilience both on the front lines and back home.
Listen to the full Veterans Day conversation on Coached Soul with Dr. Steve Hudgins and Dr. Stacey Krauss.
About the Guest :
Dr. Stacey Krauss, Psy.D., ABPP, is the CEO of Transitions Counseling and Consulting and a former U.S. Army psychologist with 10 years of active-duty military service. During her military career, she worked with combat units from the 10th Mountain Division, deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, and led the largest mental health service in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg. Her service earned her several honors, including the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, and three Meritorious Service Medals.
A board-certified clinical and business and organizational consulting psychologist, Dr. Krauss holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She specializes in psychological assessments for children and adults, with a particular interest in supporting service members, veterans, and military families. Her work also includes behavioral health leadership, professional training, and advancing culturally informed mental health care.
How to connect Dr. Stacey Krauss
Website: https://transitionscounselingandconsult.com/