Reclaiming Safety, Clarity, and Self through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Denise Pavletic
Captain, USA, Veteran
Denise Pavletic’s story did not begin with a diagnosis or even with her military service. It began in childhood, shaped by early exposure to chronic stress and the need to remain constantly alert in an unpredictable environment. Over time, Denise developed resilience and learned how to function at a high level despite never fully feeling safe. She later went on to serve as a U.S. Army officer, entering military service with integrity, commitment, and trust in the system she was joining.
During her service, Denise encountered destabilizing experiences within a male-dominated chain of command that deeply affected her sense of safety and trust. Although she did not serve in combat, the impact of her experiences was real and lasting, leaving her nervous system in a prolonged state of vigilance long after her service ended.
Improved Cognitive Clarity
Over time, Denise noticed her thinking becoming clearer. Tasks that once felt overwhelming required less effort, and the mental fog she had lived with for years began to lift. This clarity allowed her to engage more fully with daily life.
Nervous System Regulation
One of the most profound changes was a shift in how her body responded to stress. Denise realized she was no longer holding her breath constantly. Her body began to relax, and the persistent background tension that had defined her internal experience slowly quieted.
Emotional Stability and Presence
Emotional reactions that once felt automatic and intense became steadier and more manageable. Denise found herself more able to respond thoughtfully rather than react instinctively. For the first time in years, her nervous system was no longer constantly preparing for danger.
Reconnection with Self
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome was a renewed sense of embodiment and safety within herself. Denise described her body no longer feeling like a battleground, but like a home. She moved from merely functioning to truly healing, experiencing a sense of presence and wholeness that had long been absent.
Denise Pavletic’s experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy highlights the importance of recognizing and treating invisible injuries—especially those that do not fit traditional or combat-related definitions of trauma. HBOT did not erase her past, but it provided her body with the conditions needed to recover from it. Her story stands as a powerful reminder to other service members, particularly women, not to minimize their experiences and to seek care that honors the full complexity of trauma and healing.