{"id":49992,"date":"2022-03-04T09:01:05","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T15:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/?p=49992"},"modified":"2024-04-06T06:30:22","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T06:30:22","slug":"the-heros-journey-the-arts-and-trauma-recovery","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/news\/the-heros-journey-the-arts-and-trauma-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hero\u2019s Journey: The Arts and Trauma Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

By M.B. Dallocchio, LMSW<\/p>\n

*This is an article from the Winter 2021-2022 issue of Combat Stress<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Veterans who are trauma survivors searching for a recovery method that fits them best may be viewed as warriors embarking on what Joseph Campbell described as the\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>.1<\/sup>\u00a0Veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress not only have to navigate mental health stigma but find their path toward healing while managing various forms of trauma-induced symptoms. As a Combat Veteran, artist, and social worker, I have assisted others on their own\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 which was only possible because I had figured it out the hard way. I discuss this post-war homecoming odyssey in my memoir,\u00a0The Desert Warrior<\/em>.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

However, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I relocated to London and created\u00a0Veteran Art Studio<\/em>3<\/sup>\u00a0on YouTube, which embodies all intersectional aspects of my experiences, what the journey has meant to date, and why it is important to broaden one\u2019s horizons on the path to healing from military and war-based trauma. In a time of crisis, it became a priority to let people know that they weren\u2019t alone, and that healing is certainly possible. I would argue that it is imperative to include the arts in evidence-based interventions.<\/p>\n

This alternative perspective of arts-based interventions for trauma symptom management and healing calls for an examination of strengths present within Veteran trauma survivors, requiring a reframing of their symptomology. Using the arts (visual, literary, music, performance, etc.) as coping strategies in managing the aftermath of traumatic circumstances effectively serve as tools for learning to manage traumatic memories with a creative lens.<\/p>\n

Using creative writing to process a Service Member or Veteran\u2019s experience could be facilitated by understanding the three stages of the\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>. This process can be done alone or with the guidance of a therapist. One could choose to write using a first-person perspective or use the voice of a third person to narrate the story of the \u201cprotagonist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Creative Process<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before embarking upon the\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>, it is highly recommended to ease oneself into the creative process by creating a specific space to brainstorm. One can compose music, create visual art, or even choreograph a performance piece using a creative process to begin using the creative lens to produce works in one\u2019s chosen medium. The following process is outlined in Veteran Art Studio where one could use it alone or to assist a client:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Find your favorite time, place, to create:<\/strong>\u00a0Figure out where you feel the most comfortable to work on your chosen creative project. It could be a specific area of your home, outdoors, or even in bed using paper and pen or an app. Wherever you feel most inspired to create, go with it, and make it your creative spot.<\/li>\n
  2. Choose your favorite method(s) to create:<\/strong>\u00a0Whether you prefer using paper and pen, apps on your phone, voice to text, or a combination of a variety of methods, figure out what works best for you.<\/li>\n
  3. Turn off your inner critic:<\/strong>\u00a0You don\u2019t have to be a published author or hold a Master of Fine Arts to get started, but you should do your best to silence your inner critic. It\u2019s important to note that you shouldn\u2019t get too bogged down in mastering the technical details of any medium or given craft. One can always adjust and correct later. Even the most experienced artists make mistakes, so allow yourself room for errors as well. The most important thing is that you\u2019re here and expressing yourself.<\/li>\n
  4. Figure out what you want to express most:<\/strong>\u00a0Do you want to write about traumatic events? Do you want to paint a period that took place during childhood or adulthood \u2013 or even a combination of both? Decide what period you want to focus on.<\/li>\n
  5. Outline your project:<\/strong>\u00a0This is where you can start to organize a creative project by plugging in dates and locations of your story \u2013 or periods of time that inspire creative expression.<\/li>\n
  6. Select a chapter or section that excites you the most and get to creating:\u00a0<\/strong>Choose a specific event or details of your story that\u2019s calling your name and go with it.<\/li>\n
  7. Keep a notes app on your phone or a notebook for sudden bursts of inspiration:\u00a0<\/strong>No matter what you like to use for planning creative projects, keep your preferred method for taking quick notes close. I prefer using both a notes app on my phone as well as a Moleskine notebook for random thoughts and unexpected moments of inspiration that I don\u2019t want to forget. You\u2019d be surprised how and when the muse strikes, so resist the urge to tell yourself, \u201cI\u2019ll remember this later.\u201d Because inspiration comes and goes and can be easily forgotten.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    The Hero\u2019s Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Author Joseph Campbell introduced the concept of the\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>\u00a0as a universal theme of going on a journey that includes a transformation.4<\/sup>\u00a0This journey is not only present in mythological tales and religious studies, but in well-known works such as\u00a0Lord of the Rings<\/em>,\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>, and numerous other books and films. The book was intended to help people \u201csee myth as a reflection of the one sublime adventure of life, and then to breathe new life into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The challenging process of military-related trauma rehabilitation and community reintegration parallels Campbell\u2019s metaphorical use via literary arts of the stages of departure, initiation, and return. The historical conceptual framework for understanding psychosocial and lingering impacts of trauma not only explains the odyssey of the Veteran experience, but that the path from trauma toward healing is a worthwhile journey that emerges from the creative process.<\/p>\n

    The\u00a0Hero\u2019s Journey<\/em>\u00a0may be used as a method for the writing process, but it is important to bear in mind that creative approaches are not limited to this medium. While narratives of trauma, military service, or even childhood can vary, it is important to choose a specific range of time to focus on one\u2019s creative project. By selecting a specific period of time, one can concentrate on events, details, and themes that are linear and limited. In doing so, this minimizes distractions and tangents while giving the project its core.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    The Three Parts of the Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The hero\u2019s journey is broken down into three main acts or parts, with the bulk of the action happening in the middle of the story. Part 1 represents the departure of the protagonist, where the Servicemember or Veteran can begin their narrative as they prepare to embark on a journey or quest. Part 2 represents the initiation of the protagonist, who endures challenges, hardships, and undergoes a transformative experience. Part 3 represents the return, where the transformed protagonist returns to the so-called ordinary world where the story began.<\/p>\n

    Part 1: Departure<\/strong><\/p>\n

    When writing, composing, or creating a project about war or major life changes, the concept of leaving the familiar behind is a common theme and a great way to introduce your audience into your world (or that of your protagonist should you choose a fictional character). One may use wartime deployment as an example of the hero\u2019s departure. Consider incorporating the following six points to see how each line up with your creative timeline. If any point does not apply to your timeline, feel free to skip it.<\/p>\n