Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Elizabeth Kellogg

Abstract

This literature review investigates and examines how body based meditative and mindfulness practices can be an effective treatment method for Veterans with symptoms of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Yoga Therapy and other Expressive Therapy modalities (Art, Music) have developed evidenced-based practices and supporting research for this treatment area. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has shown effectiveness when treating conditions Veterans often present with such as combat-related PTSD, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, and Stress. DMT is a modality that focuses on the integration of the mind and body. Veterans benefit from body-based practices because they help to focus on the present moment while simultaneously attempting to slow down racing thoughts. The areas that were explored after reviewing the literature included the prevalence and definition of combat-related PTSD, gender differences in diagnoses of PTSD, and body-based practices in treatment such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga interventions. It has been demonstrated that body based meditative and mindfulness practices for combat-related PTSD with Veterans are a holistic, untraditional, and effective approach to treatment.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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