Healing trauma through theatre: A therapeutic vignette from the DE-CRUIT Veterans' theatre program

As the use of arts-based approaches to support Veterans' mental health continues to expand, there is growing interest in the mechanisms underlying their delivery. This article describes the DE-CRUIT group treatment program that uses theatre to support Veterans in their transition to civilian life and in coping with mental health struggles. Components of the DE-CRUIT program are outlined, in particular, the use of Shakespeare in addressing Veterans' trauma. In the program, Veterans immerse themselves in Shakespeare's verse with an emphasis on the many Veteran and military characters throughout Shakespeare's plays. They examine the Shakespearean monologue form and subsequently compose their own personal trauma monologues. Here, the experience of the program is illustrated through the case vignette of an African American woman Veteran who experienced military sexual trauma. After completing the program, she was able to disclose her abuse to family members for the first time. She also continued to write about her experiences and has now performed her spoken-word work publicly on stage. The article includes recommendations for expanding the DE-CRUIT program, as well as for including family members in the DE-CRUIT treatment process.