"Goodnight Saigon": Music, fiction, poetry, and film in readjustment group counseling.

Abstract

Clinicians often wonder what combination of techniques can be maximally effective for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. This article describes the use of music, fiction, poetry, and contemporary film with several combat and here-and-now readjustment counseling groups, spouses groups, and family groups. E. H. Erifcson's (1985) model of identity informed the group processes and specific homework assignments. The observed effects of these interventions on Vietnam veterans and on their significant others are described. Others may wish to use and to evaluate these techniques in groups for other specific disorders when this particular combination is relevant and appropriate.April 30, 1995, passed uneventfully for most Americans, although not necessarily for many veterans of the Vietnam war. Was it uneventful for clients who served in the military during the Vietnam era? Twenty years earlier, April 30, 1975, marked the fall of Saigon and the beginning of decades of psychological pain for many young men and women.The psychological pain continued for many of those affected, exacerbated by delays in society's ability to recognize such mental health problems. It was almost a decade before the pattern of symptoms was formally defined as "post-Vietnam stress syndrome" and funding was allocated for veterans centers to provide "help without hassles." Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is now a recognized syndrome. It is seen as having varied etiologies, but it is also seen as having a remarkable commonality and consistency in terms of the symptoms that are experienced and manifested.Those psychological professionals who have worked with Vietnam veterans are fully aware of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Victims often have the perception that they are alone in their suffering and often show a marked reluctance to talk about the "in country" experience and its effects. These symptoms are the result of experiencing and witnessing events that involved actual and threatened death or serious injury. The feelings of intense fear, helplessness, and horror have far-reaching effects on those who survive. One such effect is to circumscribe a person's ability to resolve two key developmental conflicts-ROBERT B. LELIEUVRE received his PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 1972. He is an associate professor of psychology and director of the graduate program in professional counseling at the University of Great Falls. Licensed as a psychologist in Montana and certified by the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and Psychodiagnosticians, he has worked in rural community mental health both in Maine and Montana and has been a faculty member at

Utilizing Fictional Stories When Counseling Adults

“…This arouses ambivalence without making the client face a full discovery of themselves, others, or a situation (Lyddon, Clay, & Sparks, 2001;Van Lone, Kalodner, & Coughlin, 2002), while allowing the development of rapport, awareness, and action in the counseling session (Hill, 1992;Lyddon et al, 2001;Stepakoff, 1997). In fact, stories may serve as a bridge between fear and hopefulness to promote active engagement with the past, present, and future (LeLieuvre, 1998). In this shared experience, clients can find strength and a feeling of empowerment as counselors bring up important considerations in a nonthreatening manner (Harney, 2000).…”

“…For example, fictional stories assist clients in being authentically present to form connections to past Stephanie T. Burns 443 experiences (Brown, 2006;LeLieuvre, 1998) by providing the client an opening to tell their own story (Briggs & Pehrsson, 2008;Pehrsson & McMillen, 2005;Stepakoff, 1997). This can result in an experience of catharsis.…”

“…Fictional stories represent the universal meaning of human existence, hopes, and fears (Brown;Golden, 2000;Heuscher, 1963;LeLieuvre, 1998). By showing clients that the struggle against adversity is unavoidable and a basic part of the human condition (Bettelheim, 1976;Brown;Hedberg, 1997;Hill, 1992), stories can demonstrate how good and evil exist in everyday life and how each person struggles with good and evil characteristics (Bettelheim).…”

“…This can result in an experience of catharsis. Indeed, clients' expressions of their blocks, fears, wounds, passions, and possibilities (Harney, 2000;Taylor et al, 2002) occur via the dynamic interaction between the clients' emotions and the story (Carlson, 2001;LeLieuvre;Myers, 1998). These expressions can make abstract realities concrete and deepen clients' self awareness.…”

“…After exposure to the fictional story, clients can examine current affect and behavioral styles (Alvarado & Cavazos, 2006;LeLieuvre, 1998;Leukefeld et al, 2002), brainstorm solutions to be explored (Lyddon et al, 2001), and learn new skills (Jackson, 2001). This helps clients alter non-helpful behaviors and choices (Alvarado & Cavazos;Stepakoff, 1997) and improve the handling of personal and interpersonal problems (Hedberg, 1997).…”