Exploring the Use of Art with a United Nations Combat Survivor Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury
Loading...
Author
Manko, Jamie
Date
2017
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This is a case study with a United Nations combat veteran who witnessed the same atrocities of war that an active duty soldier would. The expressive arts provided him with the ability to cope with the traumas he suffered in his life. The benefits of art therapy are evident in this case study interview with the sole participant who has been diagnosed with PTSD, survived five TBIs, and survived two suicide attempts. Current approved treatment options for combat-related PTSD are limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure Therapies (ET), and medication. Unfortunately, art therapy is not among the common treatment protocols for combat-related PTSD. This study demonstrated reasoning for it to be considered.