Jason + Tammy Nelson: The Power of Support

Written on February 21, 2020

Counseling

Family + Friends

Inspirational Stories

Trauma / PTSD

Survivor Stories

The mental recovery was honestly the hardest part for me. It wasn’t only affecting me though – it affected my family, it affected my friends, it affected my parents, it affected my son, my daughter, it affected everyone around me.

—Jason Nelson

Throughout his mental recovery, Jason struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Part of his treatment included visiting an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist two to three times a week. Sticking to a schedule, visiting a therapist regularly, and the power of peer support helped Jason gain strength both physically and mentally.

Jason’s family was also emotionally processing the burn injury. His wife, Tammy knew that she needed to support her husband, their family, but also herself. Immediately after returning home, Tammy got Jason involved in therapy. Tammy also got her entire family involved with support as everyone was recovering differently.

Be proactive in finding support groups and resources. It helps to know you’re not alone. Speak with other burn survivors and their families - its therapeutic for your survival.

—Tammy Nelson

Over time, Jason’s mental health improved significantly, and he knew he wanted to help others. Jason and Tammy began fundraising to help other burn survivors and their families with mental recovery, but they knew they wanted to more.

And they did.

Jason and Tammy opened Exhale Recovery, a PTSD treatment facility in Chandler, Arizona. Their recovery center has a trauma-focused approach and offers a wide range of therapies, including: EMDR, sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Exhale also utilizes yoga, massage therapy, art therapy, and more to help their clients overcome PTSD. Outside of Exhale, Jason and Tammy also started a scholarship fund to help provide mental health treatment for burn survivors and their families.