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Most people may be familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other common types of psychotherapy, but <\/span>art therapy<\/b> remains somewhat of a mystery to the general public. Not incorporating it into a treatment plan could be a huge missed opportunity for veterans who\u2019ve experienced trauma and other patients in need of mental health support.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cArt is a means of therapy and a way to heal,\u201d says <\/span>Marine Corps veteran Jerry Rael<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIt helps me escape some of the things that I went through during my time in service.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Art can also be therapeutic for families who have lost a loved one in battle, as seen in<\/span> Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen<\/span><\/i><\/a>. In the film, Marine Anthony Marquez carves battlefield crosses out of wood for each lost service member and then hand-delivers them to Gold Star families, including a grieving mother who had attempted suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIntegrating art therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan, alongside other therapies like CBT or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), allows for a more well-rounded approach to healing,” says Elvis Rosales, LCSW, clinical director at Align Recovery Centers. “It addresses not only the psychological aspects of trauma but also the emotional and even spiritual dimensions, leading to a more holistic recovery.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Kristie Tse, founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling, adds that “this form of therapy [also] aids in enhancing fine motor skills and cognitive functions, which are critical post-service.”<\/span><\/p>\n Yolanda Gonzales and Adan Gonzales, Sr. hold a photo of their son Sgt. Adan Gonzales, Jr. Gold Star parents of Sgt. Gonzales, who was killed in Afghanistan on August 7th, 2011. They stand next to a handcarved battlefield cross sculpture from veteran artist Anthony Marquez. (From Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen.<\/em>)<\/p><\/div>\n While we don\u2019t yet fully understand why art helps us feel better and aids mental health treatments, we know that the process of creation promotes mindfulness and presence, and can even help us heal <\/span>physically<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We also know that as a species our brains have shown an undeniable connection to art, and this is now being studied in the field of <\/span>neuroarts<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Paul Daidone, MD, FASAM, medical director at True Self Recovery, says, “Research indicates that engaging in creative pursuits can mitigate the symptoms of PTSD among veterans by providing a secure and regulated setting for reframing traumatic experiences,\u201d he says. \u201cVeterans can confront and transform upsetting memories in art therapy, gradually loosening their psychological hold.”<\/span><\/p>\n Meet some of the veterans inspiring others with their powerful, therapeutic art:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is art therapy and what makes it special?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Yolanda](\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/independentlens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/makepeaceordie-battlefieldcross-SgtAdanGonzales-1280x720.jpg\")
Veterans using art to thrive<\/span><\/h3>\n
Richard Casper<\/b><\/h4>\n