Creating a safe space at the second annual Women Veterans retreat

Over 25 Women Veterans from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System took part in the second annual Women’s Retreat at a serene location in Victoria, Minn. Participants ranged in age from 25-75 with some Veterans traveling more than 170 miles to join the one-day retreat. Minneapolis VA medical center teams from Whole Health, Women’s Clinic and Center for Integrated Health and Healing did on-site demonstrations of Qigong, healthy teaching kitchen, and art therapy as Women Veterans focused on mindfulness and self-care in a psychologically safe space. 

“The thing that strikes me is just seeing Women Veterans in the room together and hearing them say that they have so few or no experiences like that, and to see how meaningful that is to them. It fills me with a different sense of appreciation and wonderment for our Women Veterans,” said Allison DeCamillis, creative arts therapist. “It's important to create spaces for Women Veterans because they have historically felt marginalized. They have not gotten the same recognition, and they don't feel treated like the rest so intentional programing and just being there to support them is pretty meaningful.”

Women currently make up approximately 10% of the national overall Veteran population, just 8% percent in Minnesota, they are the fastest growing new VA patient group and yet remain a minority in VA health care. The dominant presence of male patients at VA hospitals poses unique considerations for providing care in a setting that makes women feel welcome. The goal of an all-Women Veterans retreat is to build community and comradery among Women Veterans. The importance to create spaces where our Women Veterans feel safe, both physically and emotionally was a key motivator. 

Interest in the retreat was higher than space allowed, so Women Veterans were randomly selected to participate. But all who expressed interest were offered on-site options for services equivalent to those offered at the retreat. During the retreat attendees focused on Veteran-centric care programs like Whole Health, that puts the Veterans at the center of care, rather than their conditions, and Integrative Health and Healing, which incorporates non-traditional therapies like mindfulness, Tai Chi, and integrative nutrition.

“This makes my heart happy. The connection to Women Veterans is so strong. They are a small but mighty group. Being able to serve them in this beautiful space and in such a very specific way is very powerful. And the reactions that we see from the women is also powerful. It's just as rewarding for me as it is for them,” said Dr. Kelly Petska, chief wellness officer, Minneapolis VA Health Care System. 

The Women’s Retreat is currently an annual event in its second year, but because of the high volume of interest, Minneapolis VA teams are evaluating options to host another event later this year. If a Veteran is interested in future retreats or women-specific programing, they can contact the Whole Health team at 612-725-8194 for more information.