Depth Practices for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress

Abstract

The progressive escalation in military suicides, along with a substantial increase in posttraumatic stress diagnosis among active military personnel and veterans, has become a significant humanitarian, societal, and cultural concern. Such a defining moment illuminates the need for timely and innovative treatment approaches for combat-related posttraumatic stress. This research explored depth psychological practices within short-term, group-based treatment programs. Using a phenomenological research method, interviews were conducted with six former combat veteran alumni of these programs to gather new insights and understanding into their lived experience. Informants described meaningful reductions in posttraumatic stress and moral injury symptoms and reduced treatment-resistance, with high treatment completion rates. Findings suggest depth psychological practices exhibited compelling potential as valuable and formidable treatment approaches, alongside current evidence-based treatments. Findings from this study warrant a need for future research on depth psychological treatments and group-based programs for combat-related posttraumatic stress.