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Abstract
The authors developed Acceptance and Forgiveness Therapy (AFT), a psychospiritual group intervention that guides veterans with moral injury experientially from a trauma-focused (damaged, broken, guilty, unforgivable, hopeless, unacceptable) to restorative (worthy, connected, hopeful, forgiven, responsible) view of self. A mental health (MH)-trained chaplain and MH provider, as co-leaders, provide psychoeducation, facilitate therapeutic interaction, and encourage home practice. The curriculum includes evidence-driven psychological interventions, spiritually oriented practices, and metaphor, story, and art to illustrate concepts and facilitate self-expression. Scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2 showed decreased distress and increased flexibility. Post-group drawings reflect renewed purpose, greater self-acceptance, and meaningful engagement with others. Retention rate across seven group administrations ranged from 50% to 100%. Outcomes suggest AFT is a promising practice for veteran moral injury meriting further study and implementation.
Disclosure statement
The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, United States government, or other organizations with which authors are affiliated.