This article describes the process of the therapy in a group of Iraqi veterans, which took place in September, 2006. The psychotherapeutic meeting was organized by the Department of Psychiatry and Combat Stress in Warsaw. The group of veterans was composed of 16 male patients homogenous in age and ranking. During the meeting, the participants faced the opportunity to confront and to work through their traumatic experience.

The analysis of the interactions between participants showed an instant process of integration, creation of strong rules, and formation of three group leaders. Also, a change of attitude toward therapists (from disbelief to trust) occurred. The group rules were based on values such as loyalty and brotherhood transferred straight from the combat arena. Basic elements of group hierarchy were power of traumatic experience as well as range of damage.

The internal transformation of the participants took place during therapy. This resulted from death risk experience and working through the experienced trauma. Positive feedback and continuous contact with the clinic suggest that the veterans' problems call for psychotherapeutic treatment.