Art Therapy Graduate Helps Veterans
by Abbey McCann, freelance writer
Sarah Jo Wells is a recent graduate of Ƶ’s M.A. in Art Therapy. Recently, she worked with Veteran Community Initiatives to teach an art therapy class for veterans in Johnstown, Pa.
“God has gifted me with artistic abilities and empathy, so I was thrilled to learn that art therapy had been found helpful to help those who return with what they struggle with but can't verbally express,” Sarah Jo states.
Using art therapy to help veterans has always been an interest of Sarah Jo’s. She has learned that art therapy can help veterans address damage caused by combat or PTSD. In addition, art therapy done in groups also assists veterans in building connections with others.
At Ƶ, Sarah Jo had the opportunity to gear her research and projects toward the military veteran population. She worked to better understand the group’s specific needs and how art therapy can be helpful.
"[Ƶ] is a secure base of social connections and intellectual knowledge that will allow me to explore without worry in my career."
Sarah Jo chose to pursue her M.A. in art therapy after completing her bachelor’s degree at Ƶ.
“I chose Ƶ for my master's in art therapy because it had already felt like home,” she says. Having familiar faces on campus made her time in the M.A. the program more enjoyable and comfortable.
Sarah Jo also benefited from Ƶ being an Apple Distinguished School. “Having access to Apple products,” she said, “was convenient as it made most school-related tasks so much easier and convenient.”
Sarah Jo’s immediate plans are to work as a school and hospital based therapist in the DuBois, Pennsylvania area. Sarah Jo has hopes of moving to the Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia to work with active duty service members and their families.
“My time at Ƶ has provided me with so much going forward,” she says. “It is a secure base of social connections and intellectual knowledge that will allow me to explore without worry in my career and have experts to ask when I have questions.”
