Supporter Why I Am Here

[Richie]

thank you the welcomes!
I do not suffer from PTSD but I am on a college course which will lead me into counselling. My goal is to work with military personnel who are suffering with PTSD, my main advantage over other counsellors being that I am a British Army veteran myself. I know there is a wealth of information out there but I would prefer to learn about PTSD from people who live with it rather than people who write about it. If I am going to help people, I want to get it right and I believe the best method is connecting directly with people who have experience. I no desire to pressure anyone or disrespect anyone so I will probably just read what is being posted unless anyone chooses to talk to me. I am only one month into what will probably be 4 years of studying counselling and psychology but PTSD is my main focus so I cant start studying it early enough.
best wishes to all
Richie

 

[Friday]

Cheers! Welcome aboard, and take a knee, but don't be shy. :) You'll learn a helluva lot, here.

 

[desiderata310]

Just military?

 

[Richie]

I cant say that I would not deal with non military but I think being military myself would be immeasurably beneficial in counselling military personnel. I am looking to specialize as a military counsellor for that reason. I am guessing that all soldiers (or equivalents from other branches) prefer to associate with their own kind everywhere in the world. I know this is the case for most ex British Forces although we don't care about which nation you served with. It is a culture and a community which I have proudly been a part of and that is my inspiration for this journey.

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome!

I think it's good that you're here to learn from those who have PTSD and those who are friends/family members of someone with PTSD.

I hope if you have any questions, you are able to ask. :)

 

[Richie]

having thought it over, I still want to specialize with military personnel.
1. I am military so I have a crucial bond with a military sufferer. In fact, the body who governs this profession in Scotland would like me to report back to them because what I am doing is new to them.
2. As far as I am aware, there are only 5 therapists in Scotland (within the system anyway) who treat military personnel. Those therapists are not all from a military background which causes problems for sufferers
3. I hope to work closely with someone I know who is currently studying to become a military researcher specialising in PTSD. It makes sense for me to put her theories into practice and report back to her.
4. The system is woefully inadequate for our forces community and i would like to do my bit to show my respect for those who serve/d.

I cant be everywhere treating everyone but I am more than happy to report any useful information back here and consult with other therapists. I am passionate about maximizing my potential though and that does seem to be utilizing my military background. There is an instant bond within the military that a civilian just cant match and i have to explore that potential to do some good