Matrix-funded training will raise TTI’s clinical capacity

A team of Clinical Associates, Trustees and Staff from Trauma Treatment International has come together online for the first in a series of training sessions aimed at exploring the evidence-base of psychological trauma treatment.

Funding for the year-long training programme has come from the Matrix Causes Fund, the giving arm of the London barristers’ chambers. The introductory session was led by TTI co-founder and consultant clinical psychologist Dr Brock Chisholm, with TTI’s pool of clinical psychologists.

TTI CEO Quen Geuter explained: “Over the year, the training will enable us to share knowledge, explore the evidence base of trauma treatment and ensure that we continue to be at the forefront in its clinical delivery. We currently have five associate clinical psychologists on our roster but we plan to grow this to 15 by the end of 2023.

“With the funding from Matrix Chambers, our associates will be specifically trained in TTI’s approach to delivering high quality, evidence-based psychological treatment to the survivors of collective violence such as torture, persecution, trafficking, and war.”

Traumatic events account for half of all mental health problems worldwide and survivors of collective violence are at particular risk. Victims can suffer flashbacks reliving the worst moments of their traumatic experiences, triggering intense feelings of fear, helplessness, horror or shame.

Covid-19 and the various lockdowns have amplified these mental health challenges, increasing levels of PTSD, depression and suicide amongst traumatised communities.

Quen said: “We receive numerous urgent requests from both government and non-governmental organisations for psychological therapy for traumatised individuals. It is vital that victims of extremely horrific events are treated by clinicians with experience in those types of trauma, and with the best evidence base at their disposal.

“Thanks to the training sessions, we will be able to continue to expand provision of high quality trauma treatment to more victims of collective violence in a timely manner.”

She added: “We are extremely grateful to Matrix Chambers for their generous grant for this training. Ultimately, it will help us treat even more survivors of collective violence, giving them the tools they need to lead happy and fulfilled lives in spite of the trauma they have suffered.”