ABSTRACT
Psychological disharmony within veterans who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is explored using different frameworks of understanding. These include the neurobiology of PTSD; the theory of trauma-related structural dissociation of the personality; psychodynamic theory of unconscious thought processes and defence mechanisms; and the trained military way of thinking and behaving in contrast with civilian perceptions and approaches. Art therapy is seen to focus attention in the present while one expresses difficult material from the past. Through expression of the battle experienced within, art therapy is found to promote deeper insight, which helps to restore equilibrium following imbalance caused by trauma.
