Veteran Services
Northern Ireland
Free Trauma Therapy for Veterans using CBT and Clinical Hypnotherapy EMDR techniques, with a qualified and registered Therapist.
David O'Neill served within The Armed Forces between 1986 - 2007 (Op Banner). As such I am best placed to empathise with Veterans and understand your needs. Counselling is provided in both a welcoming and secure safe place. There is no fee or membership. I am:
MNCS (Accredited) Member National Counseling Society
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Practioner NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
Practioner TLT (Time Line Therapy)
Level 5 CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in training
Level 1&2 EMDR
I practise in an intergrative manner using Humanistic, CBT, EMDR ADT and Hypnosis models. CBT and EMDR being recognised by the PHA (Public Health Authority) as suitable approaches to PTSD.
To avail of our services please click the following link and complete the following online form
Andy Allen's Veterans Support
Alternatively ring during Office Hours
Ph: 02890 747 071
Counselling Services
Have you thought about, or are you aware how to avail of free counselling services with regards to your own wellbeing because of the psychological legacy of the troubles and subsequent conflicts?
Recent reports show that the majority of military personnel (80%) who perceived thay had a mental health problem sought some type of help, often not medical. However many who did not felt there was a stigma attached because of past service. Talking to someone who understands helps.
The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are psychotherapy and medication.
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD.
It's possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it's never too late to seek help
The main types of psychotherapy used to treat people with PTSD are described below.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that aims to help you manage your problems by changing how you think and act.
Trauma-focused CBT uses a range of psychological treatment techniques to help you come to terms with the traumatic event.
For example, your therapist may ask you to confront your traumatic memories by thinking about your experience in detail. During this process your therapist helps you cope with any distress you feel, while identifying any unhelpful thoughts or misrepresentations you have about the experience.
Your therapist can help you gain control of your fear and distress by changing the negative way you think about your experience. For example, feeling you're to blame for what happened or fear that it may happen again.
You may also be encouraged to gradually restart any activities you've avoided since your experience, such as driving a car if you had an accident.
You'll usually have 8-12 weekly sessions of trauma-focused CBT, although fewer may be needed. Sessions usually last for around 60-90 minutes.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new treatment that's been found to reduce the symptoms of PTSD.
EMDR involves making side-to-side eye movements, usually by following the movement of your therapist's finger, while recalling the traumatic incident.
It's not clear exactly how EMDR works, but it may help the malfunctioning part of the brain (the hippocampus) to process distressing memories and flashbacks so their influence over your mind is reduced.
While other Veteran Services may take time to set this up, we hope to help immediately by using a facility situated in Belfast.
If you would like to know more please email info@aavsni.com to get information on how to access FREE counselling services.
Veteran Services N.I. Charity Information site, aim is to signpost both Serving and retired members of the Armed Forces with practical help and advice with regards to Post Trauma Stress Disorder, (PTSD), War Pensions, benefits, housing, Medals, Funerals, and much more. It is Northern Ireland based, but is open to all Servicemen and women North and South. Please FOLLOW THIS LINK
