COUNSELLING & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Looking after mind, body and soul
Caring for Victims
Victims have often experienced some of the most traumatic and damaging experiences. Many have suffered in silence for decades without support and care as they have had to 'get on' with their lives. Today our holistic care packages aim to address many of the physical and psychological problems our members face.
Counselling
Our counselling services are specialised support services designed to address the psychological and emotional needs of individuals who have experienced the trauma of terrorism. These services provide a safe and confidential space for victims to explore their feelings, process their experiences, and work towards healing and recovery.
Counselling services for victims of terrorism are provided by trained professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, or counsellors, who have expertise in trauma-focused therapy. These professionals have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals affected by acts of terrorism and employ evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support their clients.
The primary goal of counselling services is to help victims of terrorism cope with their emotional distress, manage symptoms of trauma, and develop effective coping strategies. Counsellors often employ techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy to address the specific needs of each individual.
In counselling sessions, victims can expect to receive a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. Counsellors help individuals explore their emotions, process traumatic memories, and develop resilience. They may also assist in identifying and addressing any associated issues, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Additionally, counselling services may extend support beyond individual therapy sessions. They may offer group therapy or support groups, where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences, fostering a sense of understanding, validation, and community.
Overall, counselling services play a vital role in supporting individuals affected by acts of terrorism. By providing professional guidance, empathy, and evidence-based interventions, these services contribute to the healing and well-being of survivors, helping them regain control over their lives and find hope for the future.
Complementary Therapy Services
Victims often experience significant physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. In order to support their recovery and healing process, complementary therapy services have been found to help and support progress. Complementary therapies refer to a range of non-traditional healing practices that can be used alongside conventional medical treatments.
Complementary therapy services for victims aim to address various aspects of their well-being, providing additional support beyond traditional medical interventions. These services can include:
1. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy techniques, such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, can help relieve physical pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. This can be particularly useful for victims who have sustained physical injuries as a result of the terrorist attack.
2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. It has been found to be effective in managing pain, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
3. Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and meditation practices can help victims of terrorism manage stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic symptoms. These practices focus on breath control, mindfulness, and gentle movements, promoting relaxation, emotional healing, and improved mental clarity.
4. Art Therapy: Art therapy involves the use of creative expression, such as painting, drawing, or crafts, to facilitate emotional healing and self-expression. It can provide a safe outlet for victims to process their trauma, explore their emotions, and regain a sense of control.
5. Music Therapy: Music therapy utilizes the therapeutic qualities of music to address emotional and psychological needs. It can help victims of terrorism express their feelings, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. This therapy may involve listening to music, playing instruments, or engaging in songwriting.
It’s important to note that complementary therapy services should be provided by trained professionals who specialise in working with trauma victims. These therapies should be used as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical treatments and under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
Welcome to FAIR
Families Acting for Innocent Relatives was formed in 1998 as a support group for the victims of terrorist violence in South Armagh. The idea was to create an organisation to help ordinary people rebuild their lives, and provide friendship for those who have a shared experience of suffering. This was the first in over thirty years that these forgotten victims had any real form of support or help.
PROCESS
Referral to counselling services for victims of terrorism typically involves several steps and may vary depending on the specific circumstances and available resources. FAIR is often the first place a victim will find help and our model of care is to provide a support network and where possible services in-house which can provide support right at the point of need.
However due to the complex and often changing needs of victims we need specialist care and support. The structure of the wider victims sector is dictated by government policy and funding provision. While we would like to provide all that victims need under one roof, that is just not possible with the limited funding and resources we have been allocated. Therefore we have formed partnerships with other trusted service providers with the victims sector who are funded and equipped to provide the services victims need.
Our members will be treated as a priority and with the same care and confidentiality as we would ourselves. To help you understand the process and how it will work for you we have broken it down. Everyone is that but different, their needs are unique and we aim to provide a bespoke and personal service so the process below is generalised and summarised to help illustrate how you will be supported each step of the way.
Here is a general overview of the process:
1. Identification: Victims may be identified through various channels, such as other community or support organisations, family members, hospitals, statutory agencies, ex-service organisations, or self-referral. Identification of new needs can often occur years later as the individual’s needs become apparent.
2. Initial Assessment: Once identified, an initial assessment is conducted to evaluate the individual’s immediate and ongoing needs. We have now developed an online form to help you take time in the privacy of your own home to provide some basic information. This will in turn help us to know just what sort of help and support you would most benefit from. You can simply complete the form at your own speed, save it as you go alone and submit it online to us when you are ready. Alternatively someone else can refer you, eg a G.P., community nurse, carer or family member. You can print out the form or request a paper copy to be sent out and complete it by hand, then either pop in or pop it in the post. A member of our team here who has been trained will then read the form and ensure that it is safely stored, we may enter some information. At this stage to ensure that we have your contact and basic details to allow us to contact you. The purpose is to gather information about your current circumstances, the history and background, and any specific concerns or symptoms they may be experiencing.
3. Initial Contact: we will then contact you within 5 working days to speak about how we can best help and listen to what you would like. For some people they just would like to get involved, to join a class or course or find out more. For others there is an emergency or crisis that requires urgent care or support. This call or email if you prefer will arrange a face to face or a referral if that is requested. We will provide information on the support we can provide, the activities or events we have planned and what other services we can refer you to or other information or organisations will be signposted to.
3. Referral Options: Based on the assessment, appropriate referral options are identified. These options may include individual counselling, specialised trauma-focused therapy, group activities or therapies or other support services. The referral process involves identifying qualified professionals or organizations that have experience and expertise in working with victims of terrorism.
4. Information and Consent: The individual is provided with information about the services available, including details about the therapists, their qualifications, the types of therapy offered, and the expected duration of treatment. Informed consent is obtained to ensure that the individual understands the nature of the counselling or other services and agrees to participate.
If it is specialised advice or support services eg benefits or welfare services provides by other organisations we will again ensure informed consent is obtained and where possible any services. Therapies or counselling is provided in-house or at a location which is safe and convenient.
5. Referral Placement: Once the individual agrees to proceed with counselling or other services, efforts are made to match them with an appropriate therapist counselling service, course or activity. Factors such as demand for the services, wider resource sea time demands, cultural considerations, and the individual’s specific needs and concerns are taken into account during this process.
6. Appointment Scheduling: The individual is provided with appointment details, including the date, time, and location of the counselling sessions or other services. If necessary, arrangements for transportation or any other support services are made to ensure that the individual can access the services or support comfortably.
7. Counselling Sessions: The individual attends the sessions or support as scheduled. The frequency and duration of these sessions may vary depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of their symptoms, and the therapeutic approach being used. Counselling sessions provide a safe and confidential space for the individual to discuss their experiences, process their trauma, and work towards healing and recovery.
8. FAIR will remain the main point of contact throughout with help and support as well as advice and referral to any other support available. If there are problems with the service or how it is delivered you can speak directly to us and we will aim to resolve it with the provider. At the end of the therapy, sessions, activity training or service we will conduct a short questionnaire just to see how we can improve the experience for others.
It’s important to note that the referral process may involve collaboration between various stakeholders, such as mental health professionals, healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement, and community organisations, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated support.