ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of specialized dance/movement therapy (DMT) treatment with active duty and veteran military populations, including discussion about their relationship with trauma and the prevalence and treatment of traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, moral injury, and military sexual trauma. The use of complementary and integrative medicine within active duty and veteran populations is explored and demonstrates DMT's place within the military health system. Background is provided on the history of dance within veteran and military culture, as well as an overview of DMT employed within Veterans Affairs and Military Treatment Facilities. Focus on the importance of interoception as a means of managing trauma symptoms is discussed, along with descriptions of how this mind–body skill may be utilized with the military and veteran population through DMT interventions. Military families are discussed in the context of DMT, including a case vignette that demonstrates how DMT facilitates connection and growth for one military couple. Testimonials are incorporated throughout to illustrate the benefits of utilizing this type of creative arts therapy treatment with military populations. The authors provide recommendations for the continued development of DMT in veteran and military healthcare.
