Combat PTSD: Now There Is Hope

Soldiers in war face intense stressors such as killing and witnessing killing, being injured and seeing others injured, never knowing when disaster will strike, and being separated from family for extended periods.

The human costs of war also include mental, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. In 2009, it was reported that one in five Canadians returning from Afghanistan suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other psychiatric problems.  

Most soldiers experience some PTSD symptoms after traumatic events: Flashbacks, nightmares, feeling fearful or numb, and intrusive thoughts.  These symptoms can worsen over time.

War veteran David W. Powell describes his symptoms in his book My Tour in Hell: 

  • I had nightmares… almost nightly. I would wake… trembling and shaking.

  • I tried self-medication with scotch, gin, wine, and other spirits… I found that the more self-abuse with liquor I undertook to relieve my mental suffering and intrusive thoughts, the more they worsened. The ‘hole’ I was in continued to deepen.

  • I was in a constant state of hyper-vigilance, always in fear of some unknown attack...

  • My distrust of authority figures was…beyond reason. I abhorred being ordered to do things against my will, stemming in no small part from being ordered to risk my life multiple times in combat.

  • My exaggerated startle-response caused me immeasurable suffering, to the point of public embarrassment…

  • My PTSD symptoms and my alcoholism…wasted my value to employers, others, and to myself.

Years later, Powell discovered Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR). After his first TIR session, Powell said: “…my lungs felt like they had just breathed my first quart of oxygen in years… I was genuinely happy. I had not felt this emotion for many years. I went home, ignored the gin I had planned to drink, and peacefully fell asleep.” After more TIR, “my self- image improved...I knew that my next employment environment would seem less threatening and I would be more productive than [before].” As a result of TIR, his PTSD was cured.

Developed by Frank A. Gerbode, M.D. and others, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) is an effective tool for quickly resolving PTSD and virtually all of its related conditions. “TIR pulls PTSD, anxiety and panic disorders out by their roots! In 30+ years of clinical practice, I've never…used a more remarkably efficient and effective procedure.” (Robert H. Moore, PhD, Psychologist, Florida)

TIR training workshops are available for counsellors, social workers, emergency responders, and others in helping professions. The workshops yield very positive evaluations. 

Examples of student comments: “Excellent workshop…superb facilitator. I’ve received powerful tools to help clients…Thank you!!” And “I leave the workshop with new skills, confidence to apply the techniques...I couldn’t have asked for a better workshop.” This feedback reflects the power of the TIR technique and our commitment to provide a superb training experience. Giving and receiving the TIR training empowers facilitators. Learn the tools to get your clients relief. 

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 A Path through Grief