Belonging - May Dinner Table Conversation

Are military family members struggling to find belonging?

Military spouses often joke that the first person we meet at our new duty station may end up being listed as one of our emergency contacts. But, jokes aside, when you move every two to three years it can be hard to make meaningful connections. As military spouses, we often prioritize helping our children get settled, scheduling playdates and signing them up for activities.

But what do we do to help build our own connections?

During this Conversation, we will discuss how we approach this vital item on our PCS To-Do List. Do we join a spouse group? Local faith community? School PTA?

What happens when a new community does not feel welcoming? How do we ensure that we are prioritizing our mental and social health?

In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 9th)…let’s talk about what military spouses can do to find belonging and community within this volatile lifestyle.

Register for the May Conversation

Date: May 21, 2025

Guest: Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, LCSW

Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service

Session 1: 12 Noon EST

Session 2: 8 pm EST

Dinner Table Conversations is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Register and share with others in the community!

All about Crystal

Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka is the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Crystal has dedicated her career to addressing social isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Southern California, combining her expertise in gerontology and mental health to make a meaningful impact. As a 2024 Pat Tillman Scholar, Crystal continues to advance her passion for service, leadership, and community well-being.

In her role at Strength In Service, Crystal leads initiatives that empower military families and support their mental health needs. She is also a tireless advocate for military families and mental health providers, working to create accessible, high-quality care and professional support. During the pandemic, Crystal founded her private practice, Through the Kaleidoscope Lens Therapy & Consulting, as a way to support both her career and her children while navigating the challenges of military family life. Her practice offers online and in-person psychotherapy services across North Dakota, Hawaii, and California, as well as clinical supervision for social work associates and interns.

In addition to her clinical work, Crystal serves as Region E Associate Director for NASW-CA, contributing to the professional growth and development of social workers throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. A proud military spouse, Crystal has lived around the world alongside her husband during his nearly three decades of Navy service. She loves exploring National Parks and the outdoors with him and their three daughters, embracing adventure and connection wherever life takes them.