Soldiers: a suitable case for treatment?

Abstract

This paper examines the soldier's world in order the illuminate their potential psychotherapeutic need. It briefly explores the history of therapeutic treatment of soldiers from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904/1905 to modern conflicts as well as covering operations other than war, such as peacekeeping in Northern Ireland. Specific conditions, including PTSD, are considered and some general points are made for counsellors and psychotherapists without a military background.

Notes

¹It must be remembered that war is not a place for medical research and most of the papers come from doctors working behind the frontlines—even back in the UK.

²This is hardly surprising given the heavy mortality, reconstitution of depleted units and the (British) policy of rotating units to different sectors of the line.