Writing as Therapy

Since 1942, BVL has provided a myriad of recreational and therapeutic programs and services to boost morale and speed recuperation of America’s service men and women.Over the almost 70-year span, active duty men and women and veterans in VA hospitals nationwide have enjoyed sports programs, trips to museums and other points of interest, musical performances and much more, thanks to BVL funding.

One activity, however – – writing — consistently proves to be especially effective in improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being and helping reduce depression, stress and anxiety.  Through this personal outlet to express feelings in poems and prose, veterans can find their voice to identify thoughts and resolve issues through the written word.

Creating a venue to share those thoughts has been the mission of “Veterans’ Voices” a publication featuring the submissions of stories and poetry by patients in care at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.  Providing a possible submission to the publication becomes a goal for the patients, which can be the catalyst for moving a personal narrative into a work to be enjoyed and enriched by sharing the work with others.  For the past 30 years, BVL has stood behind the publication and maintained its financial commitment to help ensure that this valuable vehicle for constructive therapy be available to recuperating service men and women.

“The “Veterans’ Voices” effort fits so well into the BVL mission,” explains BVL Board Chair John LaSpina. “Our goal is to make a difference every day in the lives of those who have served our country.  In large and small ways, writing can help make that difference – and to have the writings published by “Veterans’ Voices” is the reward and recognition for the veteran’s effort.”