A team of qualified and experienced professionals conducts the program: • Consultant Psychiatrist • Clinical Psychologist • Psychologists • Clinical Social Workers • Nutritionist • Yoga Instructor • Massage Therapist • Sleep Therapist • Occupational Therapist FIND US AT 42 Diprose Street Pimlico QLD 4812

Albury Street TRAUMA Written referrals are required from: RECOVERY CENTRE Lothair St Diprose St • General Practitioners Lothair St Trauma Recovery Centre • Psychiatrists Parks St Mater Hospital Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program • Psychologists Cheyne St

Fulham Rd • Veteran and Veterans Families Counselling Service Kings Rd • Self

Diprose St The

Black Rose Thomas St Coffee Shop Florist For further information on referrals, assessment and House of Prayer admission to the program contact: Trauma Recovery Centre 42 Diprose Street Pimlico Qld 4812 Phone: 4727 4187 Facsimile: 4755 0801 Trauma Recovery Centre Email: [email protected] 42 Diprose Street Pimlico QLD 4812 Phone: 4727 4187 | Fax: 4755 0801 www.matertsv.org.au

Mater Health Services North Queensland PTSD Program is accredited by Phoenix Australia MHSNQ 203 PTSD programs meet the needs of veterans who are experiencing symptoms related to stress as a result of war experiences. This locally conducted program will reduce disruption to the veterans’ The program aims to improve the quality of life for Assessment participants by addressing the following issues: lifestyle, and will provide easier access for families Each veteran will be assessed and the appropriate and other support systems. • Education about PTSD and related disorders. treatment options recommended. Veterans who require • Learning how to deal with painful thoughts and detoxification will be offered this service before the feelings associated with mental trauma. Program commences. • Learning to manage depression, anxiety, anger, Participants should note that the criteria for assessment alcohol and drug-related problems, and sleeping are determined by the Australian Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health in Victoria. “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious difficulties. psychological reaction that develops in some people • Medication prescription, when indicated. Frequency following experience of overwhelmingly frightening or • Developing ways to manage relationship Mater Health Services conducts a number of PTSD traumatic events”. difficulties. programs for Veterans and Peace-keepers each year. There are four main groups of symptoms: • Partners’ Support Groups. Programs are also offered to others with stress related • Re-experiencing: Re-experiencing covers disorders such as Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue and These issues are addressed using individual and group spontaneous memories of the traumatic event, SES personnel. therapy approaches, as appropriate. For veterans with recurrent dreams related to it, flashbacks or partners there is a requirement that the partner Group Size other intense or prolonged psychological participate in some aspects of the program. To ensure individual attention, only six to eight clients can distress. participate in each program. Once the groups have been Duration • Avoidance symptoms: Avoidance of distressing established, they are closed for the duration of the memories, thoughts, feelings or external The Program totals 24 days, which are allocated as program. reminders of the event. follows: The Centre • Negative cognition and moods: Negative • 2 days per week for 2 weeks (04 days) The program is held in a comfortable venue where cognitions and mood represents myriad of • 4 days per week for 4 weeks (16 days) participants are helped to feel part of an extended feelings, from a persistent and distorted sense of network of other veterans who have experienced PTSD. blame of self or others, to estrangement from • 2 days per week for 2 weeks (04 days) We use ex-participants within our program to help current others or markedly diminished interest in Out of town veterans are accommodated during the cohort members feel connected to the centre and activities, to an inability to remember key aspects program at a local motel. listened to. The program has a strong rehabilitation of the event. Participants will also be involved in two follow-up component using ex-participants and guest speakers to • Arousal: Arousal is marked by aggressive, sessions (one day each) within 3 and 9 months after assist with ideas and services available for the future. reckless or self-destructive behaviour, sleep the end of the Program. Confidentiality disturbances, hyper-vigilance or related Eligibility problems. The information relating to the participant’s progress and Current serving members of the ADF will need to have outcome is kept strictly confidential. Medical records a diagnosis of PTSD and be referred by their treating remain the property of Mater Health Services. psychiatrist. Non-identifying statistical information is collected for program evaluation purposes. Ex-serving members will need to have PTSD recognised through the Department of Veterans Affairs.