Volunteers of America

Recovery Podcast

Volunteers of America

  • 61 - Kevin Kloster Part 1

61 - Kevin Kloster Part 1

Thursday 4th April 2024

Kevin Kloster shares his journey and insights on moral injury, highlighting its impact and the path to healing in this heartfelt Recovery Podcast episode.
24 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Healing
Honest

About this podcast

Recovery Podcast
Author:
Volunteers of America
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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69 (View all)
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Healing Moral Injuries: A Conversation with Kevin Kloster

Episode Overview

  • Moral injury is a psychological scar from betraying one's ethical or moral standards.
  • Kevin Kloster shares his transition from pastoral work to focusing on moral injury.
  • Peer-led groups provide safe spaces for veterans to share and heal.
  • Moral injury differs from PTSD but has severe emotional impacts.
  • Sharing experiences can lead to significant emotional release and healing.
When I saw what it was, it was like, oh my, there's a word for that, a phrase, a concept.
In this heartfelt episode of the Recovery Podcast, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Kevin Kloster, the director of moral injury at VOA Northern Rockies. Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his diverse background, including 30 years as a pastor and 25 years as a law enforcement chaplain. The duo dives into the complex topic of moral injury, a psychological scar that emerges when one's actions betray their ethical or moral standards.
This episode is part one of a two-part series dedicated to understanding and addressing this often-overlooked issue. Kevin shares his personal journey and how he transitioned from pastoral work to focusing on moral injury, especially among veterans. He explains how moral injury differs from PTSD and highlights its severe impact on individuals, including feelings of guilt, shame, and regret.
The conversation also touches on the role of peer-led groups in providing a safe space for veterans to share their experiences and find healing. One poignant story Kevin shares involves an elderly Korean War veteran who finally found peace after sharing his long-held burdens in a moral injury group. This episode is not just informative but deeply moving, offering hope and practical advice for anyone affected by moral injury.
Whether you're a veteran, a first responder, or someone interested in mental health, this episode provides valuable insights and encourages you to seek support and understanding. Tune in to hear more about how moral injury can be addressed and the steps you can take towards healing.