Date of Award

Fall 12-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy & Counseling

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Abstract

Because of repeated exposure to traumatic events as part of their job requirements, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a common problem found among police officers. Although treatments in some agencies are limited, they can include, Critical Incident Stress Management, mandatory referrals to mental health professionals, and trained peer support. Art therapy is an efficient treatment for trauma because it bypasses defenses and aids in processing and integrating traumatic imagery by naturally connecting the brain’s right and left hemispheres. Police diagnosed with PTSD may benefit from art therapy since it can penetrate resistance and has proven effective for processing traumatic imagery.

This individual case study attempted to treat the symptoms of trauma in one active duty police officer. The trauma treatment protocol was an art based technique developed by Gantt and Tinnin (2007). The police officer terminated sessions after his third. This thesis begins with a thorough research of police culture, posttraumatic stress disorder in police, and trauma based art therapy. The literature review is followed by a detailed account of the protocol and sessions with this officer. Finally, this thesis attempted to express possibilities for further research.

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DOI

10.25777/9g3x-g097

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