CDS’s vision is to use Expressive Arts to assist in the reintegration process of Veterans and their families. Our intent is to develop effective coping skills and process traumatic experiences in a safe supportive environment for our men and women Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other mental and physical issues. The result for the veteran and their family is healing through post traumatic growth.

Our Expressive Arts Program is designed to assist veteran families suffering from trauma and reintegration issues to heal as a cohesive unit by removing barriers, such as perceived stigmas associated with mental health issues, and employ Expressive Arts coping skills like art, play, music, movement, enactment, or creative writing to strengthen their families, stimulate the senses, facilitate self-discovery, and increases self-confidence.

Trauma Informed Care Practices assist our staff and volunteers to encourage veteran families to use the Expressive Arts for emotional validation, enhancing imagination and creativity, as well as improving mind–body connections.