An Examination of the Challenges of Veteran Reintegration and the Application of Drama Therapy Technique

Military veterans comprise a distinct population with complex needs upon reintegration into civilian life. There is no established "one size fits all" reintegration procedure, and the Department of Veterans Affairs is not equipped to manage the needs of every military veteran. Drama therapy has been used with various populations, including trauma survivors, incorporating emotional expression and group interaction in a non-threatening environment. This study utilized a specific application of drama therapy techniques and implemented an anonymous self-report survey to demonstrate the potential benefits received through the application of drama therapy while comparing civilian and veteran groups. The results found no significant difference between civilians and veterans regarding identified benefits of a drama therapy intervention, and the participants identified both intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits from their participation in the drama program. This study emphasized the multi-dimensional challenge of reintegration and presented a multi-dimensional treatment modality in the form of drama therapy.