Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans

Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is a positive psychological response to trauma, manifesting as improvements in critical life areas such as relationships, personality, self-efficacy, and spirituality. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder triggered by trauma. In many studies PTG and PTSD are found to stem from similar traumatic events and to be positively correlated. As many of today's veterans are returning with PTSD, it is important that rehabilitation counselors have a strong understanding of how to effectively treat PTSD as well as facilitate PIG in veterans in order to ensure lasting positive effect. After thorough analysis of the PTSD and PTG literature, several treatments were determined to be effective for both the treatment of PTSD and development of PTG in veterans of war. Recommendations for rehabilitation counselors are provided to help recognize and facilitate PIG in veteran clients post-trauma.