1. INTRODUCTION “A person cannot be diagnosed with PTSD without having experienced a traumatic event. » (Hunt and McHale, 2010, p.13). The purpose of this essay is to discuss how music therapy can be used to help veterans suffering from PTSD cope with their traumatic experiences and manage their symptoms. I will define PTSD and then explore and explain in more detail how music therapy can be used to treat and manage PTSD symptoms. Finally, I will evaluate whether music therapy is an appropriate intervention to help veterans treat PTSD symptoms. This essay will explore the perspectives of music therapists, including Julie Sutton and Gary Ansdell, as well as the research of psychologists Paul Gilbert, Nigel Hunt and Sue Mchale.2.1 DEFINITION OF PTSDPsychologists Hunt and McHale (2010, p.20) state that according to the Manual Diagnostic and Statistical Mental Disorders (DSM): For a person to be classified as having PTSD, there must be: 1) a traumatic event 2) intrusive re-experiencing 3) general avoidance and numbing 4) hyperarousal 5) problems arising from these symptoms at work and at home6) a minimum duration of one monthThis definition is useful in providing the music therapist with a clear classification system allowing them to decide whether a veteran is referred to them, exhibiting symptoms related to PTSD.2.2 THE USE OF THE ACTIVE LISTENING TO PROMOTE DIAPHRAMATIC BREATHINGaccording to Whealin, De Carvhalo and Vega (2008, pp.22-25): When we have survived extremely stressful or dangerous situations, the amygdala can begin to develop. be hyperactive. This is why, when veterans return from war, they often feel alarmed even if they are not in danger. There are a number of skills you can... middle of paper ......a Kingsley Publishers, pp.13-75.Bunt, L. and Hoskyns, S. (2002) The Handbook of Music Therapy. London: Routledge, pp.190-195.Bunt, L. (1994) Music therapy: An art beyond. London: Routledge, pp.171-175. Bright, G. (1997) Wholeness in Later Life. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp.119-123. Gilbert, P. (2010) Compassion-Focused Therapy. London: Routledge, pp.135-145. Hunt, NC and McHale, S. (2010) Understanding post-traumatic stress. London: Sheldon Press, pp. 13-25. Jones, E. and Wessely, S. (2005) Shell Shock to PTSD. Hove: Psychology Press, pp.215-220. Sutton, JP (2002) Music, music therapy and trauma: international perspectives. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp.231-257. Whealin, JM, Decarvahlo, LT and Edward, MV (2008) A Clinician's Guide to Treating Post-War Stress. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, pp...20-30.