Abstract

Millions of children are living in unsafe environments, due to warfare. This affects these children on many levels, and can lead to enormous psychological long-term effects. This paper explores the literature on some treatment methods that have been found effective in the past when working with children living in warzones. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, testimonial therapy, narrative exposure therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. From a comparison of the findings I learned that exposure and desensitization seem to be an important aspect of trauma-treatment. I have also investigated the literature on drama therapy and trauma treatment for children. This search resulted in a rational for drama therapy as well as ideas to incorporate gradual exposure to the traumas through play and story. From the information gathered from other treatment modalities, as well as drama therapy theories, I have attempted to provide a model for a drama therapy program consisting of three phases.

The past, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.
- Maya Angelou