The Wounds Within engages the reader in a detailed and compelling drama of a Marine who deployed early in the Iraq war, battled PTSD after returning home and ultimately took his own life. The story describes the family’s struggle and depicts their powerful advocacy after their son’s death, which led to systemic reforms including improved services. The book is written from the perspective of Mark Nickerson, LICSW, who worked closely with the Marine and his family.

The story expands beyond the central narrative and offers “big picture” information and perspective including many significant features of the post-9/11 wars.

The Wounds Within portrays the transition from war zone to home zone and the array of difficult and clinically relevant issues for combat veterans and their families as they recover and reintegrate into post combat life. Practical information is made vivid with multiple examples. EMDR therapy and the AIP theory are presented in understandable terms with a transcript example of effective treatment and recovery from PTSD. The book urges civilian-based clinicians to step up and be prepared to effectively serve our veterans in the coming years.