Counselling Articles

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (referred to as PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that may develop following any catastrophic life experience. There are a variety of different factors that may determine an individuals specific predisposition for developing PTSD but for this article we shall examine the factors surrounding encountering this disorder as a result of a natural disaster, some symptoms of PTSD and the range of people this can actually effect. (more…)

After the shock of the events in Cumbria this week, the local Samaritans area branch is opening an extra drop in centre to help provide support. The NHS is also offering drop sessions at the local hospital, with people in more remote areas being supported by mobile units run by the British Red Cross. There is also concern for ambulance staff who attended the crime scenes and counselling is being offered to all staff involved.

The need to talk through feelings about what has happened is recognised not only by health professionals but also by organisations in the local community. In the village of Seascale, where three members of the community lost their lives, a local youth project has been acting as an informal counselling service, offering “a cup of tea and a chat”. Locals are using it to talk about the events and some pub landlords are offering free tea and coffee in a bid to help locals gather and help each other work through feelings of shock and loss. (more…)