FAQs

Some of the most common questions asked about Warrior to Soul Mate

1. What is Warrior to Soul Mate (W2SM)?

W2SM is a nationally recognized relationship education program rooted in the evidence-based PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) curriculum. It’s offered primarily through VA chaplains and social workers to help veterans and their loved ones build stronger, more loving relationships.

2. Who is W2SM for?

The program is designed for:

  • Veterans and active duty service members
  • Their spouses, partners, or significant others
  • Couples navigating challenges like PTSD, TBI, anxiety, communication breakdowns, or loss of intimacy
  • All couples — married, engaged, or dating — regardless of gender or sexual orientation


3. How do I sign up for W2SM?

To get connected:

  • Contact your local VA chaplain or social worker
  • Use the Contact Us form on W2SM.com to request info
  • Call (844) PAIRS-4U or email info@pairs.com for direct support


4. Is there a cost to participate?


W2SM workshops offered through VA Medical Centers are typically free of charge for eligible participants, thanks to support from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

5. Are there W2SM workshops near me?

W2SM is offered at many VA facilities across the country. To check availability near you, contact your local VA chaplain, social worker, or Vet Center. You can also email us at info@pairs.com and we’ll help you find options close to home.

6. Is W2SM available online?

Yes, some programs now offer virtual workshops to accommodate veterans and families who may not be able to attend in person.

7. Can I attend even if my marriage or relationship is in serious trouble?


Absolutely. W2SM was designed especially for couples in crisis. You don’t need to have things “figured out” — just a willingness to show up and give yourselves a chance.

8. Do you offer retreats or extended programs?


Yes. Some locations offer weekend intensives or multi-day retreats. Ask your VA provider or email us for updates on upcoming events.

9. What if I’m already in couples counseling — can I still do W2SM?


Yes! W2SM complements therapy and often gives couples tools they can use right away to deepen connection, improve communication, and resolve conflict constructively.

10. Does W2SM meet court-ordered requirements?


W2SM is not a certified domestic violence intervention program. If you need to meet specific legal criteria (such as Minnesota Statute 518B.02), please contact us so we can help assess if our program meets those needs or refer you appropriately.

11. My partner and I both have mental health challenges. Will this help?


Yes. W2SM helps couples learn skills to manage stress, improve empathy, strengthen emotional safety, and deepen connection — even with PTSD, anxiety, or other diagnoses in the picture.

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12. We’re same-sex partners. Are we welcome?


Yes. W2SM is inclusive and affirming of all couples. Love is love. You are welcome here.

13. I’m a VA provider — how do I bring W2SM to my facility?


We offer facilitator certification, curriculum guides, and ongoing support. Visit www.PAIRS.tools or email info@pairs.com to get started.

14. Do you have programs in my community?


W2SM is growing, and workshops are offered in many cities. If your area isn't currently hosting a group, we can:

  • Connect you with a nearby offering
  • Help advocate for a local launch
  • Share virtual workshop opportunities


15. Can I learn these skills on my own?


Yes — for self-guided support:


 

Why Warrior to Soul Mate?


Coming home isn’t just a physical journey — it’s an emotional and relational one. W2SM offers practical, proven tools that help Veterans and their families:


  • Build deeper empathy and emotional connection
  • Strengthen communication and intimacy
  • Navigate conflict constructively
  • Heal from emotional wounds that may block closeness
  • Lower stress, reduce anxiety, and restore joy in relationships


With group-based training guided by certified facilitators, W2SM invites participants to reconnect — not just with their loved ones, but also with their own hearts and hopes for the future.


Real Impact, Backed by Results


More than 99% of Veterans who complete the nine to 12 hour Warrior to Soul Mate training say they would recommend it to others.


The outcomes speak for themselves:


  • Fewer emergency room visits and medication needs
  • Lower rates of psychological distress
  • Stronger family bonds and improved relationship satisfaction
  • Reduced risk of suicide, homelessness, and substance abuse


W2SM doesn’t just save relationships — it saves lives.


How It All Began


What started in 2008 as a single retreat for returning combat Veterans and their spouses has grown into a nationwide movement. Thanks to the commitment of the VA Chaplaincy, PAIRS Foundation, and hundreds of trained professionals, Warrior to Soul Mate is now offered across more than 50 VA medical centers — and growing.


Whether you’re a Veteran, a spouse, a caregiver, or a supporter, W2SM welcomes you to be part of a journey that transforms isolation into intimacy and despair into hope.


Explore the Path Forward


🛡️ For Veterans & Families
Discover how you can participate in a Warrior to Soul Mate experience at your local VA.


📘 For Professionals
Learn how to become a certified W2SM facilitator and bring healing to those who serve.


📲 Get the App
Download the PAIRS YODI app to access guided relationship tools anytime, anywhere. Learn more at www.MyPAIRSCoach.com.


💡 Want to Learn More?
Contact us at info@pairs.com or visit www.PAIR4Me.com.


Because Coming Home Should Feel Like Love


Warrior to Soul Mate isn’t just a program — it’s a path to wholeness, to rekindled dreams, and to relationships that endure. Join the journey. Heal. Connect. Become the Soul Mate you were meant to be.


"I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve our Veterans through this program and found it to be very valuable. The program has been a tremendous resource for Veterans going back to the beginning of OIF/OEF and had a huge impact on those struggling with the aftermath of war, particularly two wars going on at the same time. I saw Veterans who came in with this program as a last resort before ending their marriage but leaving the weekend a new couple. Here at CAVHCS, we have had the opportunity of hosting this program 3 to 4 times a year by way of overnight retreats. As a result, the program has increased opportunities for clinical teamwork and improved crucial hospital metrics."


John Bailey, MDIV, BCC

Chief, Chaplain Service

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System


READ THE WHITE PAPER

Strengthening Veteran Relationships

An Analysis found that implementing Warrior to Soul Mate had a significant, positive budget impact, achieving a greater than 30% ROI through:
  • Decreased emergency room days, 
  • Decreased psychological visits,
  • Decreased chaplaincy visits, 
  • Decreased medication costs, 
  • Decreased inpatient psychiatric admits,
  • Decreased suicide flags.







To locate a program near you, contact the Chaplaincy Department at your local VA Medical Center. You'll find contact information here.

More Than 99% of Graduates Recommend Warrior to Soul Mate

“This program may have saved my marriage & family where there was no light, There is light now. Thank you, God Bless.”
Warrior to Soul Mate Graduate
“These skills will be useful for the rest of my life ... Highly recommended to all people in relationships - especially vets!”
Warrior to Soul Mate Graduate
“Why wasn’t I taught this years ago? It would have saved me years of headaches and heartache.” 
Warrior to Soul Mate Graduate

W2SM

Priorities

Addressing Urgent Priorities