The use of Writing in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (IN: Handbook of Post-Traumatic Therapy, edited by M B Williams & J F Sommer)

This chapter presents the rationale & methods for the use of writing in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. It discusses three elements of writing that have relevance for the treatment of this disorder & the associated syndromes of survivor guilt, incomplete mourning, alienation from others, & demoralization. The specific applications of written work in a comprehensive posttraumatic stress disorder program for Vietnam veterans is then described, including the various types of writing & stages in the the process of writing.