In this paper, we propose a treatment-derived qualitative strategy for examining written narratives created through therapeutic encounters in trauma-informed care. This investigation involves the analysis of ten trauma monologues written by military veterans participating in a treatment program that uses dramatic verse as its therapeutic foundation. Our analysis revealed that the veterans’ monologues presented primary traumas that were related to their decisions to join the military but that were themselves mostly non-military in nature. We argue that the analysis of dramatic verse used in a therapeutic context can contribute to our understanding of the role of trauma in psychological distress, as well as the role of earlier life trauma in precipitating subsequent traumatic events. We also argue that creative arts therapies can be extremely beneficial in treating the effects of trauma in military populations.

In this paper, we propose a treatment-derived qualitative strategy for examining written narratives created through therapeutic encounters in trauma-informed care. This investigation involves the analysis of ten trauma monologues written by military veterans participating in a treatment program that uses dramatic verse as its therapeutic foundation.