Voice of Light: Piloting a visual arts psycho-social recovery program with Australian veterans and first responders

IF 1.5 3区心理学 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Arts in Psychotherapy Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI:10.1016/j.aip.2025.102290

Jasjit Kaur , Henry Bowen , Jessica L. Paterson

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Abstract

Military and emergency services personnel have an increased prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population. These populations also exhibit high dropout rates from traditional therapies as they may struggle to cope with their emotionally demanding nature. Therefore, providing military and emergency services personnel with alternative forms of therapy is beneficial to enhance engagement, comfort, and social connectedness, to help diffuse the emotionally demanding nature of interacting with trauma, preventing early termination of the therapy. The present study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the Voice of Light Program (VOLP). VOLP is a peer-facilitated, group psycho-social recovery program for military and emergency services personnel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the conclusion of the program to capture participants’ perceptions and experiences of the program. The data gathered from interviews was analysed using thematic analysis; five themes encompassing seven sub-themes regarding the acceptability and feasibility of the program were identified. These themes included creative and innovative outlet, comforting and safe environment, therapeutic elements, influence of the VOLP, and improvements for the future programs. The observations from this study regarding the need of military cultural competency in the development of the program and trauma-informed care in the content of the program, can be utilised for the development of an acceptable and feasible program for military and emergency services personnel, for future studies.

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来源期刊

Arts in Psychotherapy Multiple-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

11.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Arts in Psychotherapy is a dynamic, contemporary journal publishing evidence-based research, expert opinion, theoretical positions, and case material on a wide range of topics intersecting the fields of mental health and creative arts therapies. It is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing 5 issues annually. Papers are welcomed from researchers and practitioners in the fields of art, dance/movement, drama, music, and poetry psychotherapy, as well as expressive and creative arts therapy, neuroscience, psychiatry, education, allied health, and psychology that aim to engage high level theoretical concepts with the rigor of professional practice. The journal welcomes contributions that present new and emergent knowledge about the role of the arts in healthcare, and engage a critical discourse relevant to an international readership that can inform the development of new services and the refinement of existing policies and practices. There is no restriction on research methods and review papers are welcome. From time to time the journal publishes special issues on topics warranting a distinctive focus relevant to the stated goals and scope of the publication.