Healing trauma through theatre: A therapeutic vignette from the DE-CRUIT Veterans’ theatre program

LAY SUMMARY

DE-CRUIT is a drama-based trauma-focused treatment program for military Veterans. The goal of the program is to help Veterans with the psychological effects of trauma and aid them in transitioning to civilian life. The core of the DE-CRUIT program is studying Shakespeare’s work. In this article, the experience of the program is illustrated through the case vignette of an African American woman Veteran who experienced military sexual trauma. After completing the program, she was able to disclose her abuse to family members for the first time. The article concludes with recommendations for expanding the DE-CRUIT program and including family members in the DE-CRUIT treatment process.