Process and content in a long-term PTSD therapy group for Vietnam veterans

Abstract

Process and content were studied in four 16-session segments of a psychodynamically oriented therapy group for Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S), the group scored significantly higher in the Engaged dimension and significantly lower in the Avoiding and Conflict dimensions than contrasting samples of neurotic and psychotic groups. There was no evidence of group stages. Topics related to symptoms of PTSD were discussed most frequently (43.1%), followed by issues concerning relations with others (32.4%), general group therapy issues (13.7%), and other topics (10.8%). Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.Over 800,000 Vietnam veterans suffer from problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD (Kulka et al., 1990). This condition is characterized by: intrusive, repetitive thoughts of memories related to war trauma; avoidance and denial of these memories and the emotions they trigger; and symptoms of increased arousal, such as irritability, hypervigilance, and angry outbursts. Additional problems may result from PTSD, such as alcohol and drug

Benefits of a Psychodynamic Group Therapy (PGT) Model for Treating Veterans With PTSD

“…Transference, countertransference, and resistance were also processed in the group (Herman, ). The theoretical framework of the provided PGT followed the suggestions of Kanas, Schoenfeld, Marmar, and Koller ().…”