A smart approach to trauma and transformation

The centre was initially funded by Northern Ireland Office to April 2006 and is now mainly funded by the OFMdFM.

The Centre provides a cost effective and specialist trauma treatment, research and training service for those affected by the Troubles in Northern Ireland using evidence-based cognitive therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] and other trauma related psychological conditions. NICTT is the only organisation in Northern Ireland that provides this third level specialist trauma-focused cognitive therapy service. They have successfully treated over 500 people suffering from chronic and complex PTSD using this approach which is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Treatment is highly effective and usually lasts no more than 10 -12 sessions.

NICTT also delivers award winning vocational and academic training in cognitive therapy and PTSD in Northern Ireland linked to National Occupational Standards. As one of the main providers of accredited training in cognitive therapy we strive to ensure that the practice gleaned from treating patients affected by the troubles can be taken up and used for the benefit of current mainstream mental health services. Over 700 mental health practitioners from the statutory and voluntary sectors have attended our courses to date.

Treatment, training and advocacy work is backed up with high quality research. A randomised control trial of our treatment programme [British Medical Journal 2007] showed that cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for people suffering from multiple and complicated trauma related disorders [including PTSD] where their traumas are related to civil conflict.  Our epidemiology study, Trauma, Health & Conflict (2008), has shown that almost half of the traumatic experiences of the Northern Ireland population relate to the Troubles and that one-fifth of the current level of PTSD in the adult community is linked to conflict related experiences. Our current research examines the costs to Northern Ireland society of not treating trauma, and an assessment of the impact of the Troubles on the ageing and aged population. Our research is used to advocate at policy level for the commissioning of evidence-based trauma treatment and training within services.

NICTT has shared its practice with organisations from across the world such as the health and welfare departments of the Fire, Police and Port Authorities in New York, mental health professionals in Sarajevo, community based organisations in Sri Lanka, and a psycho-social health and well being programme in Nepal.

Click on the video to hear Barney Devine tell us more about NICTT's work.