In a recent study done by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), 98 percent of veterans found that art therapy helped them cope with trauma from both their experiences in the military and with everyday life.
According to Jane Avila, the founder of The Art Station - a Fort Worth nonprofit art therapy organization, “art therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol or stress hormone in the body within half an hour, and professionals like ourselves who also have mental health qualifications alongside knowledge of art can enhance that experience.”
During this study, UTA created a program called Artopia that consisted of licensed art therapists from The Art Station conducting workshops for more than 50 veterans. Conclusions were drawn from a survey that measures psychological distress called the Profile of Moods Survey (POMS). POMS were given before and after each art therapy workshop, and the results were extremely positive:
Texas has one of the highest populations of veterans. The psychological distress of one person can affect an entire community. Studies like this conclude that there is a great need for more local, accredited, art therapists and art center locations where our veterans, their families, and our communities can gain the positive psychological benefits and emotional support that art brings.
Inspired Minds Art Center aims to support the veterans of Hays County and the surrounding areas.
Source: University of Texas Arlington (2018, May 9). UTA study finds art therapy helps veterans cope with trauma. Retrieved July 2, 2019 from https://www.uta.edu/news/releases/2018/05/Artopia%20for%20veterans.php