War and the Soul

War and the Soul examines the psychological and spiritual impact of combat on military veterans. Drawing from decades of clinical work with veterans, Edward Tick presents a framework for understanding war trauma through the lens of identity transformation and soul wounding. The book combines case studies, mythology, cross-cultural perspectives, and psychological theory to explore how warfare affects the human psyche. Tick outlines traditional warrior cultures and healing practices from various societies, contrasting them with modern military experiences. The text provides guidance for veterans, families, therapists and communities on paths toward healing and reintegration after war. Specific attention is given to practices like storytelling, ritual, community engagement, and reconciliation work. This work challenges conventional PTSD models by repositioning war trauma as a profound spiritual and existential crisis rather than solely a mental health condition. Through this lens, Tick argues for a more holistic approach to veteran care that addresses deeper questions of meaning, identity and moral injury.

Readers describe this as a meaningful examination of war trauma and healing through spiritual and cultural perspectives. Veterans and mental health professionals note the book helps explain PTSD's deeper impacts beyond clinical definitions. Readers appreciated: - Integration of mythology and cross-cultural wisdom - Focus on moral injury and soul-level wounds - Practical guidance for both veterans and therapists - Personal stories and case studies - Recognition of war's societal impacts Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive content in later chapters - Some found spiritual concepts too abstract - Limited discussion of modern warfare Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) "This book finally put words to what I've felt for decades" - Vietnam veteran reviewer "Changed how I approach trauma therapy" - Mental health counselor review "Important ideas but could be more concise" - Academic reviewer

On Killing by Dave Grossman This book examines the psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society through research, military history, and interviews with combat veterans.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk This work reveals how trauma reshapes both body and brain, based on decades of research with war veterans and abuse survivors.

Achilles in Vietnam by Jonathan Shay The book connects the combat trauma of Vietnam veterans with Homer's account of Achilles in The Iliad to illuminate the timeless impact of war on the human psyche.

War and Redemption by Larry Dewey Through case studies spanning multiple wars, this text explores how veterans find meaning and healing after combat trauma.

Soul Repair by Rita Nakashima Brock and Gabriella Lettini The work examines moral injury in veterans through personal narratives and provides a framework for understanding war's deep impact on human consciousness.

🔹 Edward Tick's work with veterans spans over 40 years, during which he's led therapeutic journeys back to Vietnam, helping veterans find healing by returning to former battlegrounds. 🔹 The book draws heavily from ancient warrior traditions and mythology, particularly Greek concepts of the warrior archetype, to understand modern combat trauma. 🔹 A key concept in the book is "soul wounding" - the idea that PTSD isn't just a psychiatric condition but a deep spiritual injury that requires spiritual healing. 🔹 Before writing "War and the Soul," Dr. Tick co-founded the Sanctuary: A Center for Mentoring the Soul, which pioneered holistic approaches to treating combat veterans. 🔹 The author argues that Native American warrior traditions, which include community-wide healing rituals for returning warriors, offer valuable lessons for modern veterans' recovery.