Art Therapy with Military Veterans: Trauma and the Image provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying art therapy with former and serving armed forces personnel who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This book brings together experienced contributors in one volume to provide the range of information essential to those seeking to understand the complexities of working in this context. In recent years, art therapy has received increasing attention as a promising treatment for veterans with PTSD. This cutting-edge book provides vital background information on PTSD, military culture and mental health provision, and an effective art therapy working model. The text explores creative partnerships with other disciplines, in different settings, and includes first-hand accounts from veterans about the role art therapy has played in their recovery. This accessible book is a timely response to growing recognition of the value of art therapy with veterans, and it also addresses issues relevant to the wider population of people whose lives have been detrimentally affected by trauma. With chapters authored by leading clinicians in this field, Art Therapy with Military Veterans: Trauma and the Image will be of interest to all art therapists and mental health professionals working with traumatised veterans.

With both personal and professional insight from a range of contributors, this informative guide highlights the use of art therapy in a range of settings to support military veterans. Offering a wealth of knowledge on this approach and the variety of current programs available, this is an invaluable resource for all therapists looking to provide support for this population. Chapters explore the use of art therapy in a range of different settings, including museum programs, open studio therapy and assisted living environments, as well as large group therapy at treatment facilities for active-duty service members. It also offers rare insight into the effectiveness of art therapy in supporting veterans who are processing military sexual trauma, moral injury and countertransference, filling essential gaps in knowledge within this area. As demand for this practice continues to grow, Art Therapy with Veterans provides inspiration for future programs and therapists looking to support military communities.

For decades, art therapy has proved to be a practical treatment for veterans and other military populations suffering from trauma. Art Therapy with Military Populations provides an in-depth overview of both the theoretical and historical bases of art therapy with these groups while also chronicling the latest trends in treatment and the continued expansion of treatment settings. Edited by an art therapist with over 25 years’ experience working with the military and including chapters by a variety of seasoned and innovative clinicians, this comprehensive new volume provides professionals with cutting edge knowledge and interventions for working with military service members and their families. Available for download are employment resources for art therapists who would like to work in military settings, a bonus chapter, historical documents on establishing art therapy, a treatment objectives manual, and resources for art therapists.

For decades, art therapy has proved to be a practical treatment for veterans and other military populations suffering from trauma. Art Therapy with Military Populations provides an in-depth overview of both the theoretical and historical bases of art therapy with these groups while also chronicling the latest trends in treatment and the continued expansion of treatment settings. Edited by an art therapist with over 25 years’ experience working with the military and including chapters by a variety of seasoned and innovative clinicians, this comprehensive new volume provides professionals with cutting edge knowledge and interventions for working with military service members and their families. Available for download are employment resources for art therapists who would like to work in military settings, a bonus chapter, historical documents on establishing art therapy, a treatment objectives manual, and resources for art therapists.

Twenty-two American veterans commit suicide every day, many of them suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Art therapy has been shown to be effective at decreasing the symptoms of PTSD, and a few museums recognize their potential as locations for and as facilitators of art therapy. The goal of this research was to understand the nature and characteristics of programs art museums are offering for veterans and the potential value of these programs to participants and museums. Methodology included interviews with educators at five museums that offer programs. The findings suggest that these programs have positive impacts on veterans in terms of increased comfort level, decreased stress, and a heightened sense of community. The museum professionals are also positively impacted by their work this new population. This work may inform museums that are looking to engage with their local veteran community or any population that may be suffering from trauma.

Art therapy has shown the benefits it has when working with veterans transitioning back into civilian because it accounts for the complexity of trauma persons may have obtained while serving their country, as well as the effects service has had on their families. In the veteran population, there are ample amount of challenges veterans face in their day-to-day life. Specifically, with women veterans, they still have yet gained the recognition that is rightfully deserved. Despite the challenge, this project demonstrated how art therapy could activate and support frameworks of social action and social justice advocacy while working alongside women veterans. This project-enacted social action qualities such as promoting and advocacy; reflection on cultural and developmental identity; allowing participants to guide the process; using a systems lens-equality is not equity; leadership roles; and radical authenticity.

The clinical and therapeutic experience, alongside with the research findings, which are presented in the book, demonstrate some advantages and scientific evidences of the art psychotherapy programs that the authors have used and developed throughout the last fifteen years. They strived to integrate their approaches with the art psychotherapy practice into the system of mainstream medical care applied at hospitals that embrace both biological treatments and some more traditional therapies (occupational therapy, individual counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, etc.), as well as complimentary therapies such as art therapy and mindfulness development programs. The present book is truly one of the first publications on this topic, filling a major gap in the art therapy literature concerning the vibrant field of working with military members. It embraces both a high standard academic evidence base for art therapy and a variety of innovative empirical interventions applied with this clinical group, that have never been presented in publications. A particular value of the book is the presentation of how phototherapy techniques, environmental and nature-based practices, and those supporting emotional intelligence and coping-skills in ex-servicemen have been implemented with veterans.