How veterans use art to focus on healing, recovery
As Americans this week marked Veterans Day, the CU community furthered its support for past and present service members by carrying out the university’s mission. From advancing health care and education to fostering community and belonging, CU’s commitment to veterans and active-duty service members is carried out across all four campuses.
For one, consider CU Anschutz, where the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) stands as a national leader in treating traumatic brain injuries sustained by veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Its on-site, interdisciplinary team of specialists provides world-class care, helping those in need heal from the invisible wounds of combat and service.
For many, that journey takes an unexpected turn through art. Under the guidance of art therapist Gayla Elliott, patients who may have dismissed creative expression as incompatible with the warrior mindset discover a new way to process and transform their experiences. What begins as skepticism often becomes revelation, as each brushstroke helps unlock emotion, reflection and recovery beyond the blank canvas.
To learn how veterans at CU Anschutz are finding new ways to heal, and how Elliott is helping them turn pain into purpose, explore the long-form story “Reverent Process” by Javan Bair, community engagement specialist at the MIBH. The piece features veterans who found transformation through art.
Click here to learn more about the Marcus Institute for Brain Health.