The Power Of Music Is Helping Veterans Cope With PTSD

A non-profit organization is helping veterans cope with PTSD through music therapy.

Good times and good music they just go together, and that music connection is now helping veterans dealing with PTSD. 

“Music to me is the ultimate therapy, you just can’t get any better than that,” said Bob Coyne with OKC Guitars 4 Vets. 

There are thousands of veterans dealing with some form of PTSD and with the long waiting list getting in to see a therapist can be a challenge. 

“They needed therapy of some sort that they can have until they can get to therapy,” said Coyne. 

That’s where Guitars 4 Vets, a national nonprofit, is stepping in. 

“The Guitars 4 Vets program is an outpatient program, where we provide the opportunity for veterans to learn a skill, specifically learning how to play guitar,” said Rebecca McCoy and music therapist for the program.  

The program helps veterans cope with challenges like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression all associated with PTSD. 

“So many of them are just living inside the four walls of their house, they don’t go out,” said Coyne. 

The 10-week program gives participants a new focus. 

“Just giving them another tool to express themselves. It’s a great distraction when you need your mind to slow down a little bit,” said McCoy. 

“It’s a very relaxing thing especially when I’m home and I’m practicing my chords,” said U.S. Navy veteran, Judith Hogan 

Hogan is in week five of the program. 

“Some of us that have PTSD and suffer from the throws of what we have been through, I think music is a good avenue for calming yourself,” said Hogan. 

“I teach the guys how to find little things and how to connect the dots and how to connect the chords so that they can feel that peace and that harmony,” said Coyne.  

Once participants complete the program, they receive a brand-new guitar.

“The VA and the Oklahoma Opry join together to do jam sessions for our graduates,” said Cindy Scarrberry with OKC Guitars 4 Vets.  

The Guitars 4 Vets program is in most states, for information about the nonprofit visit www.guitars4vets.org.