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Let's Get "REAL": A Collaborative Group Therapy for Moral Injury
Melissa A Smigelsky1, Jesse Malott2, Ryan Parker3
1Department of Veterans Affairs, Integrative Mental Health, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy
|February 3, 2022
Summary
This study introduces the Reclaiming Experiences And Loss (REAL) therapy for moral injury. Preliminary results show REAL effectively reduces PTSD and depression symptoms in veterans.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Group Therapy
Background:
- Moral injury arises from profoundly distressing events, damaging core human capacities like trust, autonomy, and identity.
- It impacts veterans and others exposed to morally injurious experiences.
- Existing therapies may not fully address the relational and existential aspects of moral injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the innovative moral injury group therapy, Reclaiming Experiences And Loss (REAL).
- To present preliminary outcomes of the REAL group therapy.
- To explore the therapeutic mechanisms and impact of REAL through case examples.
Main Methods:
- Development of the REAL group therapy by Veterans Affairs mental health and spiritual care providers.
- Administration of clinical outcome measures (e.g., PTSD, depression symptoms) pre- and post-group.
- Inclusion of cohort case examples to illustrate individual experiences and group dynamics.
Main Results:
- REAL therapy demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- REAL therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
- Case examples highlighted the impact of group interactions and intersectionality in healing.
Conclusions:
- The REAL group therapy is a promising intervention for individuals experiencing moral injury.
- REAL shows potential for improving mental health outcomes, specifically reducing PTSD and depression.
- Further research into REAL's long-term effects and broader applicability is warranted.
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