Hello

 Vernard served over 20 years, 7 months, and 4 days in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class found that humor was his saving grace after he contemplated taking his own life. Since seeking help through therapy and laughter, as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, I have been on a mission to destigmatize the stigma of seeking help.

 

Hailing from Norfolk, VA, he faced the challenges of PTSD upon retiring, but he's now on a mission to destigmatize seeking help for mental health through humor. "The Laugh Therapist" was born from his own experiences and therapy discussions during deployments in Iraq. He's a two-time combat tour veteran, having served in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. As a comedian of over10 years and a certified peer recovery specialist with the state of Virgnia my goal is always to free people from the Stigma of seeking mental health help.

​

In 2020 -2024 during the height of the pandemic Vernard became the Co-Host of The Jamal Bates Morning Show a syndicated radio that helps him stay engaged as he continues to face the fight of PTSD and his cognitive impairment by bringing laughter to those who feel they have nothing to laugh about! Vernard launched a podcast called "P.T.S.D. Processing Traumatic Situations Differently," where guests share their journeys in processing trauma. He's certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist by the state of Virginia. Vernard joined the USAA campaign for "We Face the Fight a campaign Against Veteran Suicide," working to eliminate the stigma surrounding suicide in the military community by fostering open conversations and offering hope and support. He believes that laughter helps breaks the tense of talking about a serious matter as mental health. I believe laughter is a divine gift and encourages everyone to keep laughing and keeping their hope in God, no matter the challenges they face.

 

Stay tuned for more laughter and inspiration from

Vernard T. Hines, "The Laugh Therapist."

​

Laughter is a Healthy Dose of Therapy