- 5 mins
OP-ED
Art Therapists working within a for-profit framework or even the VA may face a conflict of interest, as their financial incentives could be aligned with maintaining a focus on veterans' trauma. This potentially creates a situation where there's little motivation for these therapists to guide individuals beyond their trauma, as doing so might reduce their revenue stream and/or their job security.
Conversely, at TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION, our approach is markedly different. Our nonprofit's success hinges on the progress and well-being of our participants and their ability to effectively process and move beyond their trauma. We derive our income from passionate donors and sponsors dedicated to our cause, which places the emphasis squarely on our participants' welfare and measurable success.
As a veteran who personally sought therapy for combat-related experiences, I can attest to the constant reiteration and reliving of trauma that veterans often encounter. Multiple deployments and detailed revisiting of these experiences can inadvertently perpetuate a focus on trauma, hindering the true processing of these events. This is where TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION distinguishes itself.
One key differentiation lies in the skill level of our art instructors. While I've researched several art therapists and reviewed their artistic skills, I am left wondering why many possess a skill level comparable to a 10 year old. At TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION, we provide instruction in objectively excellent artistry, imparting valuable skills that participants can work on and improve. Simultaneously, we offer them a means to process any trauma that emerges in their thoughts, with a deliberate shift toward focusing on beauty, passion, life, and the future.
One of the key issues with certain VA programs and many veteran art exhibitions is their tendency to incentivize veterans to showcase their combat experiences or trauma. Unfortunately, these platforms may not fully recognize the merit and diverse skill set of veteran artists who choose to depict subjects other than combat or trauma. The skill set of the instructor guiding the artistic process is vital in achieving this shift.
By focusing on both artistic skill development and emotional intelligence, individuals can articulate a broader range of artistic and emotional expressions. Veterans and Service Members are not defined solely by their trauma; they are not monolithic entities confined to one period of their lives. They are human beings, they are Americans, and they are individuals with complex lives, families, and friendships. It is our collective responsibility to help them recover and thrive rather than incentivizing them for our own gain to remain mired in their trauma.
