Online Graphic Novel/Sequential Art Authoring Tools for Therapeutic Storytelling

Addressing PTSD and related stress reactions by Service Members and Veterans is one of our country's most important public health challenges. Art therapy has been recognized as a powerful tool enabling"trauma survivors to symbolically express, process and contain feelings they find difficult or impossible to put in to words"(Buk, 2009). Enabling Service Members and Veterans to tell their stories in a self-guided manner and/or therapist-assisted modalities could be effective in the treatment of PTSD and related stress reactions. The proposed program, designed by a team of leading comic creators and educators, digital media tool providers and military and psychological experts will feature four fully integrated components: Comic Authoring Tools: Easy-to-use comic authoring tools that can accommodate a range of abilities, styles and content; Educational Supports: Educational supports to help Service Members and Veterans improve their ability to express themselves through the comics; Psychological Health Supports: On-line resource center and psychological health and related supports to help ensure the safety and efficacy of the program; Curated Examples: A suite of comics by Service Members and Veterans and well-known comic creators that address combat-related PTSD and related stress reactions.