Enlisting in Therapy

Dealing with veterans has always been an interest of mine, and after listening to a podcast about Rusty Noesner I am even more interested! It takes a true hero to give your normal ordinary life up for your country and fellow Americans. Rusty did this, and in the act of fighting for our freedom, he almost lost his life. He was injured in two accidents which ended him up at Walter Reed. This is the facility where most, if not all, soldiers go for injuries. He ultimately ended up in therapy. 

Rusty took part in art therapy. Most people, if you ask them if they know what art therapy is, will say that it is painting or drawing. They are somewhat right, but it is more to it. After being in war so long he was only thinking in rational ways which caused him social problems in civilian life. In Rusty's case they used art therapy to bring back his creative mindset to allow his mind to be more free. One key point I got out of the podcast is art therapy can be a great choice for veterans, but it is sometimes difficult to get a "macho man" to participate. This was an eye opener for me because in the future I might have to persuade a client to do a certain style of therapy with me. It is also interesting to me that some clients will need more order and some need to experience more creativity in therapy to allow them the most improvement. It is a lot to think about and I am ready to take this challenge on with my future clients. Overall, I enjoyed this podcast. I also have a better understanding of what a veteran might need help with, freeing the mind. I am thankful for all soldiers and veterans, and I am proud to be an American!