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While woodworking is a great hobby and a potential career, there have been recent studies and real-life experiences that show the benefits of woodworking as therapy and CPTSD/PTSD therapy. It doesn’t matter what type of chainsaw you use, or whether you prefer to use a bandsaw. As long as your hands are working with your hands and your imagination, it will be therapeutic.
Both post-traumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), both anxiety disorders that are triggered by trauma, can be combined. People who have experienced a trauma event such as a car accident, natural disaster or other traumatic events are most likely to develop PTSD.
CPTSD is a condition that results from repeated trauma over a period of time. CPTSD/PTSD sufferers often experience constant anxiety and difficulty regulating emotions. This can lead to difficulties in relationships. Therapy is required to help them deal with their condition or get treatment. Therapy’s goals are not always to treat the symptoms but to increase self-esteem. Amazingly, woodworking can achieve both of these.
Although there are no medical data regarding woodworking as CPTSD/PTSD treatment, it allows people to divert anxiety creatively and let themselves be occupied with a woodworking project. Finally, they can take pride in what they have accomplished. Is it difficult to believe? We interviewed individuals who had experienced woodworking as CPTSD/PTSD treatment at certain levels. Continue reading to learn more about their experiences.
Mierop Mann
52-year-old man who chooses to go it alone in life. I was abused as a child and the trauma of that abuse became more frequent through triggers and abuse by my family until the age of 40. It was a difficult decision that I had to make, and it was something that I wasn’t prepared for.
I struggled with acceptance, trying to understand the cruelty of my family and the alienation that came with it. I didn’t know what CPTSD and estrangement narcissism had in common. It was about staying true to me, being detached from reality, self-discovery, and determination for self help. To be creative, I needed to use my hands to keep my mind healthy.
Q: How did your woodworking experience lead you to believe that it could have a therapeutic impact on you? What inspired you to start woodworking?
I’ve always been passionate about furniture. Before I began this journey, I was a successful entrepreneur with a vision to do things differently. I was able to combine the furniture and build a props house for film and events. CITRUS LOUNGE was the name of the company.
My creativity thrived, and I started making furniture. I began making simple squares and cubes. You can make your own furniture from plywood!
After I began to experiment with larger pieces, Kelly Rowland asked me to design her backstage area. MTN, a South African cellphone company invited her to a private event. As part of her technical rider, she wanted to have a love seat in her dressing room. Although it was difficult, I was able to come up with a solution.
People often ask me what I do. I can only tell them that I am an artist with a tool and a brush. This is part of my healing journey. My home and business were taken away and I had to give it up for my freedom. I don’t have much other than a motor vehicle, a dog, and a passion for furniture so I have adjusted my life to do the simple things I can afford. Even if one person is interested in my work, it makes me feel validated.
These are some of the proven health benefits that woodworking can have on your life.
Q: When and what were your first steps in woodworking?
My current work began about a year ago. I had the material, but the furniture was broken and I couldn’t afford the work I wanted to do. I had to transform an old piece of furniture and make it work again without spending a lot.
It was an experiment, and I didn’t know what it would lead me to or whether it would make any impact. It was an opportunity that looked good to me, and I was feeling very emotional. Nothing I was doing was innovative or exciting. It was time to glue wood shapes together in a pattern that made sense. This is similar to a brushstroke on a blank canvas. It was terrifying, but it was exciting as I was witness to something.
When I saw a piece of furniture come to life, I realized that my childhood trauma and struggle to survive as a grownup were all communicating with me. It was passion and creativity working deep within. I felt validated and alive. I wanted to continue creating these difficult therapeutic furniture projects. It is very liberating to find a new path through passion, especially when it happens right in front you.
Q: What areas have you noticed improvements in since you started woodworking?
Living with anger, confusion and frustration is not healthy. It’s wonderful to restore calm and balance to chaotic lives. It is very satisfying to find inner peace through creative expression.
Q: What is your favorite part about woodworking?
Each piece is a new chapter. It allows me to reflect on different traumas at different times in my life. This is the story of how my inner child struggles with abuse and tries to find the light at end of a dark tunnel. A very difficult life will be saved by woodworking.
Q: To whom would you recommend woodworking?
Each piece is a favourite, it’s like children who can’t have one. Every piece is a child, with its own challenges. You have to be patient and let it speak for itself.
Q: What was the most surprising reaction from someone to your being a female woodworker.
My experience is all that I have and it’s my opinion that creativity can’t be taught. Passion can’t be bought. If you feel the urge to work with wood, it is a good idea.
Are you interested in woodworking? A great book or power tool can help you get started in woodworking.
Laura B Paskavitz
I am a 50-year-old single woman from Boston, MA. I don’t work and have lived with a disability for 25+ years. This was due to mental & medical reasons. I feel a strong affinity for the health and well-being of all living things. After being raised in a family of meat and potatoes, I am now a vegan. I also have CPTSD and a dissociative disorder due to being raised in a cult & amongst not-well people.
Q: How did your woodworking experience lead you to believe that it could have a therapeutic impact on you? What inspired you to start woodworking?
After an artist friend introduced woodworking to me, I discovered that it can be a great way to relax and reduce anxiety. It was a way for me to express myself creatively and to make unique gifts for my nieces and nephews.
Q: When and what were your first steps in woodworking?
My 51 cms was the first time I started woodworking. It is a great way to distract from all the stress that life can bring.
Q: What areas have you noticed improvements in since you started woodworking?
I feel more confident and inspired to live in the moment and enjoy it.
Q: What is your favorite part about woodworking?
Woodworking is my favorite part. I love the challenge of turning a piece of wood into something pleasing to the eyes and something I can be proud to show off. Even if the finished piece doesn’t look exactly how I wanted, the process was enjoyable.
Q: Whats your favorite piece youve made so far?
The cabinet/tv-stand with the litter box inside is my favorite piece. The cabinet has an easy-to-clean litter box area and a side entry for the cat. It works well for me because I live in a small apartment.
Q: To whom would you recommend woodworking?
Woodworking would be a great option for people with low self-esteem who don’t see their worth.
Rolando Corral
Rolando M. Corral Sr., a 38-year-old US Army veteran. California’s central San Joaquin Valley was where I was born and raised. I made the decision to serve my country with the Marines at the age of nine. Although I didn’t meet the physical requirements to join the Marine Corps, my medical restrictions allowed me to register in the United States Army. I spent almost four years in the Army as a machine gunner and mechanic in convoy security. In 2005, I was medically released and returned to California.
In 2005, I foundedI.G.Y. (Ive, Got. Your) Wood Creations. We aim to bring hope back to military veterans and first responders by using reclaimed wood. We make wooden flags by hand and sell them. Most charitable causes receive a free flag.
Q: How did your woodworking experience lead you to believe that it could have a therapeutic impact on you? What inspired you to start woodworking?
As a child, I loved watching this old house TV series and other home improvement TV shows in the 1990s. I dreamed of becoming one of those men who build things from wood.
After serving in the first invasion of Iraq in 2003, and being medically retired in 2006 from the Army, I did not know that I would be suffering from PTSD. In 2008, I was diagnosed as having PTSD. I was already in college, and it just wasn’t right.
I tried VA counseling, and spoke to someone behind the desk who had a fancy degree. Although they claimed to know what they were talking, I was still having nightmares and dreams. I also felt guilty for not being able deploy with my Army unit to Iraq the second time. This was 2005.
Q: When and what were your first steps in woodworking?
I wanted to go to a woodshop, because it was the mirror.
A Korean war veteran shared his garage wood shop full of tools with me. I passed his house on my way to class every day, and I decided to visit him one day to learn woodworking. He gave me a table saw made from scrap wood and a used Skilsaw.
If you don’t feel like making your own table saws, there are many options.
After making my first project, a window frame for my aunt’s 1950s home, I felt like I had a new purpose.
After many failed attempts at therapy, I began to have recurring dreams in 2010. I felt better about myself and was out in nature during the dream. In the dream, I had another veteran as a partner and we built an American flag from reclaimed wood. I convinced him to not commit suicide.
I used that dream to design my first flag.
Q: What areas have you noticed improvements in since you started woodworking?
My old fence pickets were the first thing I upcycled. My children wanted a table that was their size. So I built them a small table that I hadn’t done before. I was a novice at this and had no experience. Joe Mohnike, an experienced woodworker, helped me to get started. I spent a lot of time asking him questions.
It allowed me to be open and let others know that I was a vet. It also encouraged me not to allow my military career define my life. For the rest of my lives, I want woodworking as my identity. My kids loved the table and I was happy to see that my creations brought a smile to people’s faces.
Woodworking allowed me to open up to the possibility of allowing others into my space to share it for a moment. I believe Woodworker is a tool that can help me connect to other parents and help them find resources to improve the quality of their lives. Because woodworking can help heal the wounds from war.
Q: What is your favorite part about woodworking?
My passion for woodworking is how I express myself. I create stuff from the garbage people throw away. It is restored, brought back to life and resurrected as a new creation (upcycle).
Inspiration comes from the vivid images that I see in my dreams. However, I enjoy the challenge of using a familiar symbol like the flag as a medium to express myself and create art. It’s a pleasure to share my work and encourage people to consider other perspectives. It’s that type of connection that makes it feel like I am doing the right thing.
These connections are life-giving and I hope my art inspires others to continue lifting each other up. This is the tribal philosophy. We don’t work for The Self; we work for the community.
Q: Whats your favorite piece youve made so far?
Because I believe in the American flag, I chose it as my medium of work. It’s more than an idea. It’s a symbol that represents the hope that all people can achieve freedom. The flag has been a symbol of hope and freedom for many people, including dreamers, artists, military personnel, families, and servicemen and women. Our symbolic flag is based on harmony and I hope my flags capture that essence.
My work is a labor-of-love and every IGY WOOD flag is a unique piece of art. This connection and this exchange are what matters most to me at the end.
Q: To whom would you recommend woodworking?
Anyone who feels lost in their life purpose can learn woodworking. Start small with a handsaw, recipsaw or a basic jigsaw. To make something out of wood, you don’t need to have all the tools.
Start your woodworking journey by getting your starter tools. This includes any of these great scroll saws.
Summary
Mierop Mann and Laura Paskavitz were just a few of the people who bravely faced their anxiety disorders. They also made something out of their therapy.
These stories show how a simple hobby can be transformed into a way to live a fulfilling life, especially for CPTSD/PTSD sufferers. Woodworking kits are available for children with CPTSD/PTSD. They can also use them to make their own pieces. Although we don’t have the full medical opinion on woodworking for CPTSD/PTSD therapy at this time, our patients have shown us that it can help with healing and coping to achieve positive results.
Take the first step on your woodworking journey by reading our review of Woodworkers Guild of America.
