Veterans’ perspectives on the acceptability of art therapy: a mixed-methods study

The mySELF group: Recreation- and art-based group therapy as adjunct treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder

LAY SUMMARY

Military personnel and Veterans receiving psychotherapy for mental health diagnoses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have only modest symptom improvement. The authors wondered whether participating in a therapeutic recreation and creative arts group along with psychotherapy would aid recovery. A 12-week program called the my Social life, Expression, Leisure and Food (mySELF) group was created that offered therapeutic recreation, art, and music therapy. A total of 36 clients, most with PTSD, who had been receiving psychotherapy for an average of three years completed the program and submitted pre- and post-group questionnaires. The authors examined leisure attitudes, quality of life, and mental health symptoms before, immediately after, and four months after the group. Results showed significant improvements in leisure attitudes, environmental quality of life and depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms. These preliminary results suggest that therapeutic recreation, art, and music therapy are beneficial for military personnel, Veterans, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police receiving psychotherapy.

Experiences of Military Veterans in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program

Posttraumatic stress disorder commonly occurs among U.S. military veterans. Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has emerged as an adjunct therapy. We explored 20 veterans' perceived benefits, drawbacks and views of a 6-week THR program. Participants had confirmed diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or both. Veterans rode the same horse weekly, the same day, at the same time. Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial testing the effects of THR on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans responded to an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Benefits were "Connection to the Horse," "Relaxing," "180 Degree Change," and "Meeting New People." Drawbacks were "None," "Struggle to Get There," "Pain," "Too Short," and "It is Structured." Overall perceptions were "I Absolutely Loved It," "Feel Again," "The Horse," "The People," and "No Worries." Participants viewed THR as positive. Findings may elucidate why THR may be clinically beneficial.