Women in Uniform & Military Mental Health With Bronze Star Recipient Dr. Stacey Krauss

What happens when putting the mission first means putting yourself last? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Dr. Stacey Krauss, Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transition Counseling and Consulting, for a heartfelt conversation about military women's mental health and life after service. Dr. Stacey Krauss shares how an unexpected path through ROTC led her to become an Army psychologist, what serving in Afghanistan taught her about trauma and trust, and why asking for help is a sign of strength. She opens up about the pressure military women face to hide their emotions, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of self-care and community. Her journey reminds us that true strength isn't about carrying everything alone. Sometimes, it's about giving ourselves permission to heal. Key Topics: Stacey's journey from ROTC to becoming an Army psychologist Her military accomplishments and leadership experiences The psychological demands of military service The invisible armor military women carry Why mission-first thinking can lead to putting ourselves last Mental health stigma and barriers to seeking care The pressure women feel to prove themselves in military environments Identity and purpose after leaving the uniform Recognizing the difference between resilience and survival Learning which military strengths to keep and which behaviors to release Why asking for help is a form of strength Notable Quotes & Moments: “There are certain emotions women are not allowed to have outwardly when you're in uniform.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on the pressure military women face to hide their emotions and appear strong, even when they need support (00:27:58). “This will always be my mission. Even if I don't wear the uniform anymore, this is what I do at work really.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on finding purpose after military service and continuing her commitment to veterans and mental health care (00:44:14). Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Dr. Stacey Krauss: Army veteran, psychologist, and mental health leader (03:34) An unexpected journey into military service through ROTC (08:17) Discovering her calling as an Army psychologist (12:50) Serving in Afghanistan and witnessing the emotional toll of combat (17:18) Bringing mental health care directly to soldiers on the front lines (20:17) Breaking the stigma around asking for mental health support (23:09) Caring for yourself while caring for others (27:33) Why military women often feel pressure to hide their emotions (33:01) Making the difficult decision to leave the Army (36:50) Leaving behind military habits that no longer serve you (40:05) Finding purpose through leadership, teaching, and service (42:57) Continuing the mission through Transition Counseling and Consulting (45:19) A message of hope and encouragement for veterans seeking support About the Guest: Dr. Stacey Krauss is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transitions Counseling and Consulting, serving Arizona and Texas. She spent 10 years on active duty, including a deployment to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, and earned honors including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. A double board-certified psychologist with an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she has held senior military behavioral health leadership roles and trained future psychologists. Today, she continues her mission of providing quality mental health care and helping individuals, veterans, and military families through life's challenges and transitions. CONNECT WITH Dr. Stacey Website: https://transitionscounselingandconsult.com/ Instagram: @transitionscounselingaz LinkedIn: Transitions Counseling and Consulting Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project