An Eclectic Inpatient Treatment Model for Vietnam and Desert Storm Veterans Suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

This paper describes the therapeutic components of an eclectic, intensive inpatient treatment strategy for Vietnam and Desert Storm veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. A specific treatment model was devised by this author. The procedure was a collaborative effort: the staff and the patients participated in this preparatory phase treatment program at the Tripler Posttraumatic Stress Unit, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. The basic treatment is based on group therapy, utilizing educational, cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, and individualized psychotherapy, and eye movement desensitization strategies. The timing and sequencing of these treatments are a critical part of the model, and we have come to refer to it as the layered model because the treatments are layered, much like the delicious parfait dessert.

Client Satisfaction Survey of Inpatient Trauma and Dissociative Disorders Program

“…Positive results can offer what Paivio and Greenberg (1995) refer to as the link for the patient between the past trauma and understanding current perceptions. Because patients besieged with traumatic issues may lack essential language skills, psychodrama offers them an avenue to express their internal states more articulately (Viola and McCarthy, 1994).…”