Activities for the treatment of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

The purposes of this article are to review some of the common causes and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly as it applies to combat-related trauma experienced by the Vietnam veteran, and to offer a variety of treatment activities. These activities may be graded for use with other types of combat-related trauma or other forms of PTSD. The activities are listed so that they may be used cumulatively. to result in a final ceremony that becomes a ritual for the resolution of ambivalent emotions and/or the expression and release of powerful negative feelings of guilt, rage, or hurt. The objective is for these activities to be included with other treatment approaches aimed at enabling the client to let go of past trauma and make a positive transition to healthful and productive living.