Art therapy program for veterans to continue in 2025
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Expressive Arts Open Studio — a program encouraging military members and veterans to explore art making as a way to decrease stress and support wellness — will continue in 2025 with generous support from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Community Leadership Partners giving circle. The initiative is hosted by Arts for Optimal Health, a program of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Counseling & Art Therapy at Old Dominion University.
“We are grateful to continue our work to serve our veteran community through expressive arts,” said Mary Roberts, Ph.D., LPC-ACS, ATR-BC, a professor and the program director of the Counseling & Art Therapy program. “These initiatives help veterans transition from military to civilian identities and gain helpful coping skills through art engagement facilitated by an art therapist.”
The Expressive Arts Open Studio launched in early 2024. It is led by a licensed art therapist with support from a Counseling & Art Therapy student who can help participants express thoughts, feelings and experiences through art and with peers. They can also identify mental health concerns, offer support and connect veterans to additional services.
“There’s a lot of stigma around mental health services,” said Dr. Roberts. “That’s where the Community Leadership Partners are helping. We’re trying to help connect people in the community to decrease the stigma of seeking help.”
Art helps to recalibrate the brain, Dr. Roberts said. It can provide a sense of calm, reduce anxiety, and release tension through movement.
The Expressive Arts Open Studio will begin in early 2025 and will take place at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Read more about the Arts for Optimal Health program.
Photo courtesy of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation