PRRT's Head of Psychological Therapies praises the resilience of his clients

The psychological services at  PRRT aim to develop potential, build on strengths and develop pathways for change.

Clients come to PRRT with difficulties stemming from and/or relating to traumatic events linked to their career within the Police Service. Psychologists try to emphasise that often their symptoms are a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Head of Psychological Therapies, Dr Alastair Black, notes that “…if there was anything unusual about our client group it is the tremendous pool of existing resources and resilience they have that we help them to tap into”.

Dr Black notes also that whilst in some services a stigma can exist relating to

the take up of psychological services, a maturity seems to exist amongst the police population, whereby availing of such services can be seen as a sign of strength.

“In fact working with the Police population you can see a real parallel between the courage, bravery, and integrity that have been essential in allowing them to fulfill the duties of their post being brought into the therapeutic process. It seems to be a case of- okay there is work to be done here, so let's do it.”

The process from initial contact with the service, to face- to-face assessment of need, is straightforward and typically prompt. Initial assessments tend to be short and informal. PRRT's team of senior psychologists put strong emphasis on sensitivity, putting the client at ease and during the initial assessment focus on the impact of past experiences rather than the content. The client is encouraged to describe their difficulties with emphasis on how they might impact on day to day functioning.

PRRT psychologists work collaboratively with their clients to set real, clear, tangible goals. The client has a great deal of control on the direction, the focus and the pace of the process throughout.

Treatment modalities employed are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (‘EMDR’). These are in line

with the best current evidence for practice. Treatment tends to range usually from 12-15 fortnightly (1 hour) sessions.

Extremely positive feedback from clients, and the achievement of their treatment goals proves the effectiveness of this evidenced based approach. PRRT's aim is that clients will leave the service with a tool-box of strategies for coping with difficulties and,  most importantly, with a sense of improved quality of life.

Psychologists reinforce these gains by providing follow-up appointments if needed, and by ensuring that the client has sufficient support available in light of changes in their personal circumstances.

If you would like to book an appointment please contact Rehabilitation Administration on 9042 7788, or if you would like further information on this service please ask to speak with a member of the clinical team.

< back