What’s in this issue:

• Upcoming Peer Support night

• New website launch coming

• 7 Self-care tips to boost your well-being

• Get to know Alana Enders, psychologist

• Mushroom for the Mind and Body series: learn all about Lion’s Mane

• Massage therapy offered at VFH

• Team Tidbits: Janelle AuCoin

Join us for our next Peer Support Night!

There’s an opportunity to connect in person at our next Peer Support Night on Wednesday, February 11 at 5:00 p.m. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space for veterans to come together, share experiences, and support one another.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve joined us before, all veterans are welcome!

Introducing Our Refreshed Veterans For Healing Website

We’re excited to share that we have launched a refreshed website at v4healing.com designed with our clients and community in mind.

The updated site offers a cleaner, more accessible experience, making it easier to learn about who we are, what we do, and how we support Veterans and their families on their journey. With improved navigation and clearer pathways to information, visitors can more easily explore our programs, products, values, and supports available.

This refresh reflects our ongoing commitment to connection, transparency, and care. Whether you’re a Veteran, a family member, a partner organization, or someone looking to learn more, we invite you to explore the new site and see how Veterans For Healing continues to grow and evolve.

Visit v4healing.com to explore the refreshed experience and learn more about how we’re working together to support those who have served.

Get to know Alana Enders, psychologist

Have you met Alana yet? Alana has been with the Veterans For Healing team since June 2025. She has been a great addition to the team, read more to get to know her and her approach to working with veterans.

If you're interested in connecting with Alana, give us a call and we'll get the process started!

What inspired you to work with veterans and their families?

My decision to work with veterans and their families comes from a personal connection, community perspective, and a drive to make a difference. The foundation of my commitment begins with my great-grandfather who served. Growing up, I had the honor of hearing stories about his service and legacy from my grandfather. Working with veterans is a way for me to honor the lineage that exists within my family history.

Beyond my own family, I have seen the reality of military life through the eyes of those closest to me. Many of my close friends have family members who served, and through them, I’ve witnessed the unique ripple effects that service has on a household whether it’s the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, the resilience required of military spouses, and the quiet strength of children growing up in service-oriented homes.

Ultimately, I believe if I can make a difference through psychological support, I have the responsibility to do so.

How do you build trust with veterans who may be hesitant about seeking mental health care?

For me, building trust with veterans who are hesitant about mental health starts by ditching the formal persona (such as the one you see in the professional photo above) and showing up as a real, relatable human being (for me it’s typically a hoodie and poorly braided hair). I believe by being authentic and showing up as myself in daily life, I can bridge the gap between those who might be skeptical of the system and myself, demonstrating that I’m here to listen and support rather than just “fix” them.

I also find that humor is an invaluable tool when working with veterans. Humor is often utilized to de-escalate tension and bond through stress. By meeting veterans where they are, usually through a shared laugh, we can navigate difficult topics without the conversation feeling like a stiff interrogation. In my opinion, this approach creates a safe and honest space where veterans can feel like this journey is collaborative.

How do you tailor your approach for military culture or combat-related trauma?

I believe in an eclectic approach to therapy as every veteran’s story is unique, so I pull from various modalities integrating somatic experiencing, cognitive strategies and evidence-based trauma care to create a plan that fits the individual. This method allows us to pivot when something isn’t working, if a specific tool doesn’t resonate, we can try a different one together.

My goal is to honor the service of my clients by being the most prepared, versatile, and honest advocate they can have in their corner. The field of trauma recovery is always advancing, and I am a life-long learner. I am constantly diving into the latest studies and new techniques to ensure I am providing the most effective support as possible.

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer in keeping well?

Wellness isn’t about adding more to your list, it’s often about what you choose to remove to create space for your mind to breathe. Also, laughter is truly the best medicine.

Mushrooms for the Body and Mind: learning more about the functionality of our newest products

In December, we launched a line of functional mushroom products.

We’re excited to launch this series to help inform and educate our community about functional mushrooms and the thoughtfully curated products available through Veterans For Healing. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing clear, evidence-informed information on our Facebook page (and will share in our monthly newsletter) about what functional mushrooms are, how they’re commonly used, and what to consider when choosing a product so you can make informed decisions that align with your goals.

All of the products featured in this series can be ordered through v4healingproducts.com, and our aim is to support understanding, transparency, and confidence as you explore these offerings.

First up? Lion’s Mane!

Lion’s Mane Effects Timeline: Week by Week

• Week 1: Subtle shifts in focus or a steadier mood for some users.

• Week 2-3: Clearer thinking, reduced brain fog, improved mental flow.

• Week 4: More noticeable, consistent cognitive and mood support.

How long Lion’s Mane mushroom takes to work can differ noticeably between individuals. Consistent dosing plays a major role, along with individual body chemistry, stress levels, sleep quality, and overall lifestyle. Those who take Lion’s Mane daily, prioritise rest, and manage stress often notice changes sooner, while inconsistent use may slow noticeable benefits.

Why Lion’s Mane Takes Time to Work

Lion’s Mane works differently from fast-acting stimulants.

Rather than delivering an immediate boost, it supports nerve growth factor (NGF) and neuroplasticity, processes linked to long-term brain health and cognitive function.

These pathways develop gradually, which is why changes tend to unfold over weeks rather than days. Using a dual-extracted Lion’s Mane helps improve bioavailability, supporting more consistent daily absorption.

How to Take Lion’s Mane Daily for Best Results

For best results, Lion’s Mane is best used as part of a simple, consistent daily routine.

Many people take 1–2 ml once or twice daily, adding it to morning water, coffee, or a smoothie for convenience.

Regular use for at least 30 days supports gradual cognitive benefits.

Or choos eour tea blend for a warm option!

Did you know? We offer massage therapy at VFH!

We are now offering massage therapy at Site B on Tuesdays.

Massage therapy can be especially valuable for veterans, supporting both physical recovery and mental well-being. Here are a few reasons why:

Pain management: Many veterans live with chronic pain from injuries, overuse, or long-term strain. Massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and ease joint pain, often lowering the need for heavy reliance on medication.

Stress & anxiety relief: The calming effects of massage help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and encourage relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for veterans coping with anxiety, hypervigilance, or adjustment stress after service.

Support for PTSD: While not a cure, massage can ease some of the physical symptoms linked to PTSD, such as muscle tightness, sleep disturbances, and heightened startle responses. The safe, structured environment of massage sessions may also foster a sense of trust and grounding.

Improved sleep: Massage encourages deeper, more restful sleep, which is often a challenge for veterans due to pain, stress, or insomnia.

Enhanced mobility & flexibility: For veterans managing old injuries, surgeries, or reduced mobility, massage can improve flexibility and range of motion. This supports rehabilitation and everyday functioning.

Holistic health & self-care: Massage therapy provides a non-invasive, drug-free option for wellness. It reinforces the idea of self-care and can be part of a larger treatment plan that includes physical therapy, counseling, or medical care.

Overall, massage therapy is more than relaxation, it’s a therapeutic tool that addresses the unique physical and emotional challenges veterans face.

Call Chelsea at 902-564-0286 to see if you qualify & to book your first appointment.

Team Tidbits: Janelle AuCoin

Each month we will be highlighting a member of our core team so you can get to know them a little better!