PTSD Resolution is a charity established in 2009 to provide free , prompt and effective therapy for forces veterans , reservists , and their families ( DDN , April , page 14 ). With a network of 200 therapists , PTSD Resolution is one of the few organisations offering therapy to veterans suffering from addiction and those who are in prison , says the charity ’ s CEO Charles Highett . The service addresses a critical need , as many veterans in the criminal justice system struggle with unresolved mental health and substance use issues . The charity ’ s work targets a population that often falls through the cracks of traditional support systems . By providing targeted therapy to veterans in prison , PTSD Resolution aims to break the cycle of trauma , addiction , and incarceration , with the goal of promoting successful re-entry into society . This article explores the charity ’ s approach to building relationships with prisons , its therapy focus and techniques , understanding and treating addiction , and the challenges veterans face upon release .
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BUILDING PRISON TIES ‘ Most veterans do well after leaving the services , but a number grapple with mental health problems , and some of these unfortunately find themselves in the criminal justice system ,’ says Highett . ‘ For PTSD Resolution to successfully provide therapy to veterans in prison , we must build and maintain strong ties with the system . We ’ re currently working with 34 prisons and have helped over 180 veterans behind bars – and are seeking out more referrals and partnerships to make an even bigger difference .’ The charity connects with prisons through various channels – this includes word of mouth between prison officers , advocacy from veterans in custody officers and partnerships with other veteran charities . These diverse avenues allow PTSD Resolution to reach a wide range of prisons and veteran inmates .
The presence of dedicated veterans in custody officers , and many others who give up their free time to help veterans , is crucial in facilitating therapy services within prisons . These officers , often veterans themselves , act as liaisons between the charity and the
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prison , helping to identify veteran inmates in need of support , organising therapy sessions , and ensuring the smooth operation of the programme within the prison ’ s regime .
However , establishing and maintaining these relationships is not without challenges . Each prison has its own unique set of rules , regulations , and bureaucratic processes that must be navigated . Moreover , the high turnover rate of both prison staff and inmates can make it difficult to maintain continuity in the therapy programme . Despite these obstacles , PTSD Resolution remains committed to building strong partnerships with prisons to ensure that veteran inmates receive the support they need , says Highett .
HUMAN GIVENS THERAPY PTSD Resolution ’ s therapy is delivered exclusively by the network of 200 human givens therapists across the UK . Human givens therapy ( HGT ) emphasises the understanding that many veterans in prison have unmet emotional needs , often stemming from unresolved trauma .
HGT is based on the premise that all individuals have a set of innate physical and emotional
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needs , and when these needs are not met in a healthy way , psychological distress can occur . The charity ’ s therapists work to address these unmet needs even within the confines of the prison environment , focusing on issues such as trauma , depression , anger , addiction , relationships , and preparation for release .
The therapy sessions employ a range of HGT techniques , including psychoeducation and visualisation , to help veterans understand and cope with their experiences . Psychoeducation involves teaching veterans about the psychological effects of trauma and addiction , helping them to recognise and manage their symptoms . Visualisation techniques , such as mental rehearsal of high-risk situations , enable veterans to develop coping strategies for challenges they may face upon release .
One of the most significant aspects of the therapy provided by PTSD Resolution is the opportunity for veterans to be heard by a non-judgmental listener . Many veterans in prison have never had the chance to speak openly about their experiences and struggles , and the therapy sessions offer a safe space for them to do so . Equally
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12 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • JUNE 2024 |
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