The spiritual approach in the group psychotherapy treatment of psychotraumatized persons in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

There are strong evidences that intensive physical and/or psychical traumas can devastate human soul and leave traumatized persons in ruins. Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have intensive negative impact on the spiritual beliefs or the belief in God, so it can diminish social and professional skills of many survivors. During the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1992- 1995) the whole population, regardless of age, gender, nationality or profession, was seriously damaged. Following up the needs of patients who were showing spiritual inclination, a session of group psychotherapy, with spiritual topics and content, was offered. The persons who come to the Psychiatry Clinic, who are interested to strengthen spiritually, are meeting each other in the group regardless of religious or spiritual conviction. Supportive and empathetic presence of such group in the community helps in prevention of withdrawal and isolation, alienation or deviation of traumatized persons. The presence of such group facilitates rehabilitation process of the victims, allowing them to understand that people are at their disposal in certain critical moments, to help, to offer protection or to console. Groups like this one, offer long term social and spiritual support to the extremely severe trauma victims.

Keywords:

Spirituality - Group psychotherapy - Psycho-traumatized - Bosnia and Herzegovina