Empowering Veterans for a Brighter Future

Our 10-week In-patient detox program is an immersive experience infused with the healing power of art. While our ultimate vision is to establish an Art Retreat amidst the tranquility of nature, our current sessions take place within the confines of a medical facility.

At the onset of the program, we employ our unique interpretation of the Rorschach test, tailored to each veteran's individual experience. Rather than verbal interpretation, participants are provided with a personalized Rorschach Test template and given white and black pens to express their perceptions visually. This method taps into the intimate connection between one's hands and the canvas, allowing for the release of internalized emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

Throughout the program, veterans engage in structured art classes, held 5 to 7 days a week for 3 to 7 hours each day. Using their chosen vice (such as bud light or vodka) as a painting tool, participants adopt a technique akin to pointillism, imprinting a new, healing significance onto their relationship with alcohol and the bottle itself. Integrated Therapy Approaches: In addition to art therapy, our program integrates various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and group counseling. These holistic approaches address the multifaceted aspects of addiction, equipping participants with coping strategies, resilience, and improved overall well-being.

Recognizing that not all veterans may identify as artists, we offer collaborative art projects with professional artists, presented as paint-by-numbers kits. This approach shifts the focus from technical accuracy to emotional expression, fostering mental resilience and growth over time. Initial sessions focus on smaller, manageable pieces, gradually progressing to larger works that encourage sustained commitment and progress.

Our unique Rorschach Test is administered at the program's outset, midpoint, and conclusion, providing a playful yet insightful measure of personal growth. To complement the art component, therapy sessions, exploratory activities in various art forms (such as music and poetry), and optional group therapy sessions are interspersed throughout the curriculum. Art therapists are available to provide guidance and analysis of artwork, with additional therapists on standby to address any triggers or emotional challenges that may arise.

Understanding that behavioral change takes time, our program is designed as an ongoing, continuous support system. Participants have access to free ongoing therapy and support services, seamlessly integrated with our other Arts4Vets programs, ensuring sustained healing and growth beyond the initial 10-week program.