JANICE LOBBAN Senior Art Psychotherapist, Combat Stress

 

Janice has worked for the past 14 years with veterans who have psychological injuries associated with military service. Prior to that she worked in neuro-rehabilitation with people recovering from traumatic brain injury. She lectures regularly for the British Association of Art Therapists. Currently, she is involved in research to add to the evidence-base for art therapy as a treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Echoes of war: Art therapy and combat-related PTSD"

 

Since the dawn of mankind, disputes have been settled by setting one army against another. The warrior archetype is cross-cultural and features in the myths and legends of all civilisations. It often embodies qualities such as courage, stoicism, discipline and loyalty. Warriors might be viewed as heroes or villains, victors or victims according to circumstances or viewpoint. Throughout history the psychological effects of combat on those who go to war have also been documented. A recent study has identified references to, what is now termed, Post Traumatic Stress from the battlefields of ancient Mesopotamia during the Assyrian Dynasty between 1300 and 609 BC.Using images created by contemporary UK military veterans in art therapy sessions, this presentation will discuss the impact of war on those who have signed the military covenant. It includes work by peacekeepers who have been traumatised; by veterans struggling with survivor’s guilt; by people whose sense of self has been shattered following traumatic loss; by medics who strived to ameliorate the damage caused by others; and by veterans who have sustained a moral injury. Disillusionment, social disconnection and a sense of abandonment in time of need can aggravate problems, and stigma associated with having a psychological injury can prevent veterans seeking help. Art therapy provides a space to express and work through inner conflict in the search for peace of mind.