Depth Psychology Conceptualization of Trauma-Focused Treatment for Patients with Combat-Related PTSD: Joining the Therapeutic Quest and Alchemy

Abstract

Evidence-based psychological treatments of combat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) focus on well-organized protocols whose aim is symptom resolution. However, these protocols do not address either the patient’s subjective experience or to the therapist’s role during such treatments. According to the depth psychology perspective presented herein, combat PTSD patients are heroes whose quest was to serve their country, but their encounter with the dragon left them with psychic and spiritual deadness. During the treatment of such patients, the therapist the therapist embodies, or personifies, the ancient Greek god, Hermes, who helps the patient to acquire the necessary skills for the therapeutic quest. In this quest, the therapist symbolizes aliveness and is the generator of an alchemical change.