Watch Mind Zone: Therapists Behind the Front Lines
- 2014
- 50 min
Mind Zone: Therapists Behind the Front Lines is a powerful and moving documentary film that captures the experiences of therapists and caregivers who worked directly with US military personnel at war zones around the world. The film was directed by Jan Haaken and released in 2014. The film explores the emotional and psychological toll of war on the men and women who serve in the military, and the vital role played by therapists and other mental health professionals in supporting these individuals through their trauma. Through interviews with therapists and soldiers, the film explores the deeply personal stories of individuals whose lives have been forever changed by war.
At the heart of the film are the stories of several therapists who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. These therapists come from a range of backgrounds and experiences but all share a commitment to helping others heal from the emotional and psychological scars of war. Through their work, they provide a kind of “emotional armor” to soldiers and other military personnel as they go into battle, and support them as they return home.
One of the central figures in the film is Ben Brody, a young therapist who served in Iraq. Brody shares his own experiences of working with soldiers, and the emotional toll that this work can take on him as well. He talks about the challenges of being constantly on call, of working with soldiers who are deeply traumatized, and of the need to balance his own needs with the needs of his patients.
Other therapists featured in the film include Darla Darville, who served in Afghanistan, and Nancy Hollander, who provided legal advocacy to Guantanamo Bay detainees. Together, these therapists shed light on the incredible resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable trauma and loss.
Throughout the film, viewers are given a vivid and heartbreaking glimpse into the lives of soldiers who have returned from war with severe PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues. These soldiers share their own experiences of struggling to come to terms with the trauma of combat, and the ways in which therapy has helped them on their journey towards healing.
Mind Zone: Therapists Behind the Front Lines is a deeply moving and impactful film that highlights the vital role played by therapists and caregivers in supporting the men and women who serve in the military. Through its sensitive and insightful portrayal of the experiences of therapists and soldiers alike, the film offers a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the human cost of war, and the importance of compassion and healing in the face of trauma.
Overall, Mind Zone is an incredibly moving and powerful film that provides a valuable glimpse into the lives of soldiers who have been deeply affected by war, and the therapists who have worked tirelessly to support them through their trauma. Whether you are a military veteran, a therapist, or simply someone interested in exploring the impact of war on mental health, this film is a must-watch.