Date of Graduation

5-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Kristin Higgins

Committee Member

Roy Farley

Second Committee Member

Danette Horne

Third Committee Member

Lynn Koch

Keywords

Psychology, Case study, Group therapy, Interpersonal trauma, Mindfulness, Psychodrama, Yoga

Abstract

Interpersonal traumas are becoming more common to the general public and the need for services to assist the mental and emotional well-being of survivors is increasing. However, due to the complicated impacts of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit there can be a challenge in finding effective treatment options that are long lasting for trauma symptoms. The purpose of this study was to understand the elements of a trauma group treatment (Reconnection group) modality that utilizes psychodrama as the primary treatment option and incorporates mindfulness and yoga as adjunctive treatments with individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Findings suggest that the challenging nature of the group therapy process is needed to cultivate interpersonal and intrapersonal development in participants as well as participants needing to gain skills that help them in their everyday life to combat trauma symptoms. It is the hope that the findings can impact future interpersonal trauma group treatment options as well as provide insight into future quantitative areas to measure with Reconnection group participants.

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