Project Trauma Support Program
Delivered by Service Injury Support Center
P.O. Box 20107 Perth, Ontario K7H 3M6
Background
Project Trauma Support Inc. offers residential programming that address PTSD/OSI and moral injury in first responders (police, paramedics, firefighters, Corrections officers, medical professionals) and our military members/veterans.
Project Trauma Support Program
Each “cohort” is 6 days in length and takes place on a 250-acre property which is bordered by Tay River in Perth. Ontario.
Our Project Trauma Support program
Our Project Trauma Support program is delivered by the Service Injury Support Center
Program Overview
This is a comprehensive psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational program designed to support healing and growth. It uses evidence-based approaches to treat PTSD/OSI, anxiety, depression, and moral injury, focusing on the unique experiences of front-line professionals.
Throughout the program, participants are guided through Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Logotherapy.
Alongside the psychological components, the curriculum also includes physical exercise, nature activities, meditation, and healthy nutrition, all contributing to balance and overall well-being. Experiential and educational sessions help participants gain a deeper understanding of PTSD/OSI, depression, anxiety, and moral injury in a supportive environment.
Workshops encourage individuals to clarify their values and priorities, and to set meaningful occupational, relational, and life goals. Practical tools that foster recovery, well-being, and a return to full participation in all areas of life are introduced and practiced throughout the program.
Our Professional Team
Our clinicians include licensed physicians with a special interest and training in mental health and comprehensive well-being. They understand that PTSD affects not only the brain and cognitive processing, but also the physical health and overall functioning of an individual.
All our physicians have experience in military and/or emergency services, which helps create a sense of trust and connection with military and first responder participants. Our team truly understands the nature and culture of these demanding work environments, offering care that feels both informed and compassionate.
In addition to our physicians, we have psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists who have experience working with military members, veterans, and first responders, completing a team dedicated to the unique needs of those we serve.
Our physicians are also trained to manage medical conditions and medications, including those commonly prescribed for psychiatric indications, ensuring each participant receives well-rounded and attentive care.
6-day Cohort Program
During the 6-day program, the clinicians spend many hours with our participants both individually and within a group setting. This allows them to gain insight into events leading to each individual difficulties as well as any confounding factors that may impact healing. A knowledge of developmental psychology and family systems approaches are used to identify issues contributing to complex PTSD. The curriculum is tailored to the individual as well as the group dynamic.
What makes Project Trauma Support Unique?
We are aware that first responders and military members who have been diagnosed with PTSD/OSI often will also suffer from some degree of moral injury. Moral injury is less well known and less studied than PTSD but also incurs significant distress to individuals and at time may be responsible for suicidal ideation and behaviours. “Moral Problems” has just recently been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual; DSM V-TR (text revision.) Our medical teams are pioneers in addressing and researching moral injuries, having used the group therapy approach to the treatment of moral injury for 10 years. We also have developed our curriculum to include family and relationship modules with a goal to improve the quality of home support and friendships.
Our Project Trauma Support program assures confidentiality and camaraderie. We establish a safe, nonjudgemental environment that allows vulnerability and permits sharing of authentic feelings and concerns and promotes validation and supports emotional growth.
Participants are introduced to peer mentors who have had credible lived experiences and have demonstrated ongoing post-traumatic growth. The peer support that commences during our program continues long after the programs are completed. We found many graduates of our program tend to “pay it forward” to their colleagues at work and in retirement, sharing concepts and perspectives they have found helpful.
The Importance of Early Intervention
There are early warning signs when a first responder or military member begins to experience PTSD/OSI and/or moral injury. There are many reasons why a member may be reluctant to seek help. Barriers often include fear of rejection, loss of privileged positions or promotion, or the possibility of precautionary measures being put in place.
Unfortunately, stigma still exists within many service organizations despite efforts to foster more supportive environments around mental health. Early intervention is directly linked to better outcomes, including the ability to remain at work or return to work more quickly. Delays related to formal diagnosis of PTSD/OSI or moral injury, and the time required to establish insurance claims, can interfere with taking advantage of this critical window of opportunity to positively change the course of a member’s work and family life.
Project Trauma Support offers timely assistance and intervention for those beginning to experience the effects of work-related injury. A formal diagnosis of PTSD/OSI is not required; this will be determined by our clinicians during the intake process. Ideally, a member can request to attend our program independently, or through a referral from their family physician or mental health provider. This allows members to seek help confidentially, without their employer or supervisor’s direct knowledge. Many of our referrals come from peers who reach out to a co-worker they recognize may be struggling.
Benefits in More Established Cases
Our program, Project Trauma Support, has also proven effective in helping members who have not benefited from, or have only partially responded to, other programs and conventional therapies. Many participants have successfully returned to work or begun retraining following completion of a Project Trauma Support cohort, even after several years away from work due to disability related to PTSD/OSI.
Exclusion Criteria
The ideal candidate for our Project Trauma Support program is willing, motivated and voluntarily seeking assistance for their symptoms of PTSD/OSI and moral injury.
Exclusion Criteria are:
- Active addiction to alcohol or non-prescription drugs
- Homicidal or violent behaviour. Many of our participants have suicidal thoughts which is not a contraindication; we address suicidality in the program.
- Psychosis
- Strong Axis II diagnosis suggesting group therapy is not the best approach.
- A relative contrary indication is acute life disruption such as divorce, court proceedings, family emergencies, although we have, in the past, supported participants going through these unfortunate situations.
Program Cost
The cost of the program, which includes pre-cohort screening and assessment intake, accommodation, meals and all activities, reports and ongoing follow-up is $9,000.
For more information:
Dr. Manuela Joannou M.D. CCFP(EM) FCFP
Project Trauma Support
Contact:613-267-0406