Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Eliana B Suarez, PhD.

Advisor Role

Advisor

Second Advisor

Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy, PhD.

Advisor Role

Committee Member

Third Advisor

Kristiina Montero, PhD.

Advisor Role

External Examiner

Abstract

Members and veterans of the military are at an increased risk of exposure to traumatic experiences due to the very nature of their occupation. The most recent statistics on Canada’s deployment to Afghanistan show that 13.2% of the (Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed have been diagnosed with a mental injury within a five year follow up period of redeployment from the theatre of operations. The present preliminary study was designed to examine Yoga as a therapeutic intervention for trauma in a population of CAF members and veterans. The author interviewed 4 service providers and 2 service users of Yoga-based therapeutic interventions specifically designed for members/veterans with a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The participants discussed the importance of connection to something greater than the Self as an absolute in building posttraumatic resilience, and both groups offered the mind-body connection as paramount in healing trauma and as the vehicle for the individual practitioner to come to know the felt sense of spirit and connection. These findings have implications for possible therapeutic interventions for CAF members, as well as for future research possibilities in the field of posttraumatic resilience and growth.

Convocation Year

2015

Convocation Season

Fall

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