Healing trauma through art therapy

Many Veterans find that various forms of Art Therapy help them begin to heal from the trauma they experienced in the military. Most of the Veterans who have experienced some form of trauma in the military are often diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other forms of mental health disorders. Art therapy helps Veterans pour their emotions and feelings into creating art, whether it be painting, woodwork, photography, or drawing. This expression through art therapy helps Veterans temporarily relieve their negative thoughts.

Traci Gilbertson served in the United States Navy from 1986-1990. Traci initially served as an Airman on the line shack at VT 4. She fueled, washed, and did basic maintenance inspections on the aircraft before and after flights at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. She then transferred to Oak Harbor, Washington, and became an Aviation Electrician.

Traci has found that art therapy helps her in the healing process. She describes her experience with art therapy as:

“Ceramic Art Therapy has been a huge lifesaver for me in helping heal years of pain caused by the trauma from my time in the military. This trauma led to me to have PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). When I feel so overwhelmed by feelings I cannot control, I just start painting. I pour everything I am feeling in what I am creating and somehow as I see the good, I was able to do.  Somehow the bad thoughts and feelings do not seem so overwhelming at least for the moment. Sometimes I give away the pieces I have made, but I also have a huge collection of pieces to remind me that I am stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for. I will make it through one day at a time.”

The Creative Arts Festival and Competition will be held at the Sioux Falls VA Auditorium on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This competition is open to Veterans and employees. It will include visual artwork, creative writing, and recorded drama, dance, and musical selections.