Recentre aims to "help survivors of trauma acknowledge, confront, and begin the path towards healing" by using talking and behavioural therapies as well as other techniques that involve the body and nervous system.
Founded by trauma recovery coach Holly Perreault, it is the first programme of its kind in the north.
Launched this week following a successful pilot, those behind the initiative believe their approach to trauma support can play an important role within the mental healthcare landscape.
The introduction follows the recent designation of a regional mental health service by Health Minister Robin Swann.
The programme should be a "primary priority in the field of trauma support in Northern Ireland and beyond," according to Recentre.
After seeing the "desperate mental health picture" in the north, Ms. Perreault—who had undergone childhood trauma—helped found Recentre.
"Trauma that crosses generations is one of our main worries. Unhealed adult trauma affects future generations through our children, extended families, and communities. Healing one individual has a cascading effect that benefits entire communities "She said.
It's no secret that mental health issues in Northern Ireland are getting worse, and we believe that our community-centered approach can help some people who are dealing with trauma experiences move forward by providing an immediate path for healing without waiting lists, providing a bespoke range of therapies and methods to find what works best for the individual, and assisting participants in becoming more knowledgeable about how to deal with trauma.
A review of the pilot indicated "significant and enduring improvement" in a variety of emotional and physical dimensions, with feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger, and humiliation being "dramatically decreased" among women aged 36 to 46 who had experienced severe childhood trauma.
"I am a multiple trauma victim and at the time Recentre came along, Covid had happened, lockdown, and I was really, really dealing with issues coming up from my history," said Michelle Duffy, a participant in the trial.
"All of a sudden, I was that young child again, the one whose life was in danger. I experienced a sense of helplessness and a lack of control over my life. I was definitely having trouble. I would have been quite alone without the programme due to my trauma. Making friends, going out and meeting people, and trusting people were all difficult in my opinion. I feel more confident in myself and in charge of my life."
