Testimonial - SB UK Veteran

“I was first introduced to PTSD Resolution in 2013 whilst on remand in a category B prison. As anyone who has had the misfortune to be incarcerated will know, it is not for the faint-hearted — let alone the mentally ill. It’s a highly volatile environment, a reminder of just how primeval the human species can be.”

“I am a long-term sufferer of chronic PTSD, which, as some of you will know, is a deeply rooted condition with a habit of resurrecting itself.”

“I sometimes feel that the emotion of fear is hugely underrepresented when it comes to PTSD. This might help people understand our seemingly irrational responses. I often compare it to feeling like a cornered rat.”

“So, while I was (metaphorically) levitating with hyper-vigilance and paranoia, my PTSD came to the attention of a prison officer — himself a fellow Veteran. It was through him that I was visited by a Human Givens therapist from the charity PTSD Resolution.”

“Having not had any therapy of this kind before, initially I felt uneasy about entrusting this stranger with my condition — a condition that had totally absorbed me for the past twenty-five years. I also suspected it was all a big ruse to get me sectioned and carted off to the asylum. I catch myself smiling at this sentiment now — which I suppose can only go to show the effectiveness of the therapy!”

“In total I was given four therapy sessions — all of which were one-to-one. It would be disingenuous of me to say that the mental trauma of my past has been totally eradicated, especially when I was so susceptible to being re-traumatised by the claustrophobic prison environment.”

“Therapy did, however, put my life into some semblance of order — and this simply cannot be understated in that chaotic and violent place. It also gave me faith in the Human Givens form of therapy — and to this day I still refer to a copy of the Human Givens book which I bought on my release.”

“I must stress just how lucky I was to come to the attention of a fellow Royal Marine Veteran, who had gone on to become a prison officer.”

“And, as you can imagine, getting into a prison isn’t easy — so I can only applaud the tenacity and dedication of my wonderful therapist for regularly going through such a rigorous routine for the sole benefit of myself!”

“I would like to finish with a few points of possible interest:

First, I didn't speak to a single fellow prisoner who did not have a suicide plan in mind…

Second, I can’t understand why the prison system fails to maximise such a perfect opportunity to transform and enlighten individuals — with this type of therapy — the minute they come through the gates.

My last observation is a testament to the effectiveness of the therapy provided by PTSD Resolution. On my weekly visit to the chapel, at first, all I could see were the bars. Then, as the weeks progressed, I noticed the sunshine on the bars. Eventually, all I saw was the clear blue sky.”