Music Therapy Retreats (formerly Music Therapy of the Rockies) provides evidence-based music therapy practices to support veterans and other people who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
We host regular music therapy retreats, at no cost to the participants, so they can gain mental wellness through the power of music. During the retreat, we utilize music therapy “best practices,” including goal setting, mindfulness, songwriting experiences with professional songwriters, and adapted guitar instruction.
Our approach helps people identify triggers, learn coping skills for self-regulation, and reframe lived experiences.
As part of the Retreat experience, each veteran receives a brand-new Breedlove Guitar which they use to work on physiological and psychological skills through playing and writing their own music.
My family has a history of serving in the military. My grandfather was a POW in the Philippines during WWII and a survivor of the Bataan Death March in April of 1942. I spent nine years active duty in the U.S. Army, with two combat tours in Iraq as an Infantryman and sniper team member.
While in Iraq, I performed many missions that scarred me for life. Many experiences still haunt me, from the sweltering heat conditions in the desert and urban combat in Iraq to being back home and dealing with anxiety, PTSD, not being able to sleep well, and taking medication every day. These are just some of the things that come with being in a war.
“Enemy in My Scope” is about bringing the work I did overseas back home with me, how it affects the way I live, and trying to reintegrate back to civilian life. It also connects my story to my grandfather’s, imagining the experiences he must have had coming back from WWII and the way war has impacted people for generations.
Working with my songwriter, Michelle, was amazing. Writing the lyrics was emotionally draining at first, but after we started getting deeper into my story, I felt like I could release my feelings and let her turn them into music.
Sharing this story has had a positive impact on me. I redeveloped skills sets that I lost when I left the service, such as knowing when to take the time to breathe during stressful situations.
I hope this song helps others understand some of the challenges that veterans face. Being in war is challenging, but the challenges don’t stop just because we’ve returned home. We carry it with us during the transition from active duty to veteran and during the reintegration into our families and our communities. It helps to not feel so alone when those around us understand that and support us on the journey home.
Listen to a preview of David Williams (“Ranger Dave”) song with Michelle Swan here:
Music Therapy Retreats has served more than 100 veterans and people suffering from PTSD at retreats in Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and beyond.
With just a $100 donation, you can receive this song — along with two full albums that give you an inside look at our retreats. The stories and songs compiled here highlight their experiences.
Listen to memories unfold, as the retreat attendee’s experiences are explored and captured in song.
Your support will make an incredible impact on people healing from trauma through music therapy.
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Music Therapy Retreats (MTR, formerly Music Therapy of the Rockies), is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and our mission is to help heal those who have experienced trauma. Federal Tax ID 83-1795782. P.O. Box 3536, Aspen, CO 81612. info@musictherapyretreats.org
