The following FAQs are designed to give you a better understanding of the HeartMath Education and Resilience Training (H.E.A.R.T.) program which is provided through the Institute of HeartMath, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) educational and research corporation.

What is the HeartMath Education and Resilience Training (H.E.A.R.T.)?

HeartMath Education and Resilience Training is essentially a scientifically based program that teaches current and former servicemembers self-regulation techniques that are designed to improve resiliency when dealing with stressful or high pressure situations.

Mental clarity, sustainable stress tolerance and improved decision making skills are just a few of the many benefits that H.E.A.R.T. provides.

Furthermore, all of the H.E.A.R.T. techniques that are taught through the DVD are research-based and widely used among facilities such as amputee centers, PTSD clinics, psychiatric service facilities and substance abuse programs.

Is the H.E.A.R.T. DVD available only to veterans who are battling PTSD?

No. The primary purpose of the DVD is to teach servicemembers ways to cope when challenging emotional and/or physical situations arise at home, on their post/base, in a combat theater or at their job once they return to civilian life. Basically, the veteran can utilize the tools and techniques that are taught in the DVD 24/7 regardless of where they may be located.

In regards to post-traumatic stress disorder, there's been quite a bit of positive feedback about the program from veterans suffering from PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, combat stress, depression and/or anger management issues.

Who is Major Bob Bradley?

Retired Army Maj. Robert A. Bradley helped develop the H.E.A.R.T. DVD and is one of the facilitators featured on the DVD. Furthermore, Bradley served in the Armed Forces from 1977 to 2003, including 10 years as an enlisted member of the Air Force and 15 years as an Army officer. His service includes both active duty and reserve time, and he was given assignments within and outside the United States. In 2007, Bradley became interested in working in and supporting the veteran's community, and this led him to join the Institute of HeartMath as a military and veterans training specialist. He is certified in various HeartMath training programs and has undertaken research and graduate studies in resilience and coherence.

How can I request a free H.E.A.R.T. DVD?

The free DVDs are made possible thanks to the HeartMath Military Service Appreciation Fund. Current or former servicemembers and/or their spouses may request a free DVD by filling out this form, which is featured on the HeartMath Web site.

What is the HeartMath Military Service Appreciation Fund?

Through the HeartMath Military Service Appreciation Fund (MSAF) veterans and their family members are able to receive free of charge numerous products and services such as the H.E.A.R.T. DVD. The fund also provides training to health-care providers so that they may teach the HeartMath skills to current and former servicemembers in need of assistance.

Additionally, the De-Stress workshops for servicemembers, spouses and military kids along with the numerous other resources are all made possible thanks to the MSAF.

How can I make a donation to the HeartMath Military Service Appreciation Fund?

To make a tax deductible donation you may either do so online at www.heartmath.org/msaf or you may mail your donation to:

Institute of HeartMath
14700 West Park Ave.
Boulder Creek, California 95006

Besides the H.E.A.R.T. DVD does HeartMath offer other resources to veterans and their family members?

Yes. In fact, the Institute of HeartMath has an entire portion of their Web site designated for veterans, their spouses and military kids. Some of the material you'll find in this section include scientifically-validated emotion restructuring techniques, e-books, Webinars, research material and other information.

Furthermore, the Institute of HeartMath has created a Facebook page which contains a video from one of the H.E.A.R.T. DVD developers along with other useful information.