In this episode of Beyond the Front Line, host Donna sits down with Dr. Brian Livesay, clinical psychologist, military veteran, and Director of Clinical Research at Arise Alliance, to explore innovative and effective approaches to veteran mental health care.

Dr. Livesay shares his personal journey from military service to specializing in trauma and developmental psychology. He introduces listeners to Critical Memory Integration (CMI), an experiential therapy modality designed to help veterans and first responders process trauma, moral injury, and deeply held memories that traditional talk therapy may not fully address.

Together, Donna and Dr. Livesay discuss the importance of trust, agency, and safe therapeutic spaces—and how understanding how the brain processes and reconsolidates memory can transform healing outcomes.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Dr. Livesay’s military background and path to clinical psychology
• Why connection and trust are essential in trauma therapy
• The limitations of traditional talk therapy for trauma and moral injury
• What Critical Memory Integration (CMI) is and how it works
• The science behind memory reconsolidation and experiential therapies
• How CMI differs from other modalities like EMDR
• The role of agency, choice, and safety in the healing process
• Guidance for veterans and first responders seeking mental health support
• How to advocate for yourself and explore alternative therapy options

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Critical Memory Integration: https://criticalmemoryintegration.com