Art Therapy with Navy Seals, Knowledge Check #14

     I listened to the podcast " Leisure Exploration and Creativity with Veterans" from the Glass Half Full website. It was interesting to learn about some of the efforts being implemented to help our service men and women who are struggling with PTSD and/or the adjustment of life after deployment. The concept of using arts therapy with top tier military operators had never crossed my mind. When I think of military members especially Navy Seals, I think of some of the most alpha dog personalities on the planet, not someone who is going to sit down and knit some socks. However I learned from the podcast that art therapy can be woodwork, metal work, construction,  and many more activities along those same lines. They even discussed photography as a popular method of art therapy.

     The also enjoyed learning about the nonprofit War Paints which was being promoted by Seal Team member Rusty Noesner. War Paints creates studios around the country and offers classes for veterans to get connected with art therapy to help them adjust to life back in the States. Rusty also talked about the barriers that sometimes have to be torn down before veterans can fully take advantage of art therapy. He talk about how sometimes masculinity can prevent certain male veterans from trying actives such as photography or art painting. Rusty stated that one of his favorite activities is photography even though it is more common with female veterans. I really enjoyed the podcast because I think it is important we take care of our veterans since they sacrifice so much to protect our lives and freedoms.