WE ARE PTSD
“Photographically Touching Souls Deeply”
is an interdependent organization of veterans and their families who practice therapeutic photography to develop alternative coping skills, restore relationships, and cultivate self-sustainability, in an effort to defeat Post-Traumatic Stress.
Our Mission
Raise public awareness that all veterans who live with post-traumatic stress are not dangerous, and improve the quality of life of veterans and their families who live with post-traumatic stress disorder.
We educate our veterans in the process of symptom relief by teaching the art of photography and evidence-based therapeutic photography processes. Together, we will cultivate friendliness, honesty, accountability, transparency, and decency.
“Interdependence through friendship and trustworthy partnerships.”
What Is Therapeutic Photography?
Therapeutic photography includes the application of photography principles to improve self-awareness, well-being, and relationships, as well as challenge societal issues such as exclusion, isolation, corrupted intercultural relations, and social injustice.
Therapeutic Photography is not a replacement for the practice performed by therapists and counselors but is similar in nature, as there is a benefit to the end-user in terms of deepening understanding of the self with an aim to reduce inner conflict and enhance coping strategies (Borden, 2000).
Gibson, Neil. Therapeutic Photography (pp. 22-23). Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Kindle Edition.
How This Works?
Our programs help develop strong discipline through fellowship, managing the impact of post-traumatic stress, and improving coping skills. As photographers, we must compose, focus, capture, and produce a higher level of mindfulness.
We produce positive outcomes that empower our veterans with a thorough set of artistic skills that help them and their families cope and communicate on a deeper, meaningful level.
Aaron Mahlon
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF PTSD
A photographer, documentarian, and educator, Aaron specializes in teaching Therapeutic Photography to disabled veterans with PTSD in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas.
-Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography/Digital Imaging
-Minor in Television and Radio Broadcasting
-Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Production and Studies
-Texas Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (MHPS)
-Veteran with PTSD
Dallas College
2016 – 2017
Collegiate Class
Instructed collegiate-level students in Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud Computer-Aided Illustration.
Dallas College
2016-2020
Professor of Advanced Digital Video I/II and Advanced Digital Imaging I/II. Instructed visual storytelling in digital photography and printing, digital video production, studio lighting, NLE editing.
Founded PTSD Help for Veterans
2016 – Present
“Photography inspired me to study therapeutic photography as a complement to clinical treatment. Here, I discovered the field of academic research on therapeutic photography.”
Founder and President / Trainer of Photographic Therapy
2016 – Present
“Photography is a different, yet pleasurable way to control my thoughts. It requires intense, yet enjoyable concentration, taking power away from my ever-present symptoms.”