Jigsaw Counselling

When terrible things happen people may get hurt, individuals react in different ways and have diverse perceptions of the incident and events that may have occurred. Responses can change as their symptoms heighten or the impact lessens. PTSD and related symptoms are one of the responses that happen to some people. At Jigsaw, collectively we have seen literally hundreds of clients who have experienced a diverse series of traumatic situations ranging from road traffic accidents; kidnap situations, to armed sexual assault. We apply a multi faceted approach to trauma and each clients 'treatment plan' is developed and tailored to suit specific need. We work in partnership with many agencies across the country to provide specialist assistance at a level of fast response.

Road Traffic Accidents are an everyday occurrence and leave many survivors afraid to drive and may leave them too afraid to travel in a car again. Although we have had the kind permission of some clients to use the following evaluation testimonials, any names, places or aspects of recognition have been changed to protect those clients identity.

Letters

Letter 1
The following letter is from a man who regularly drives to London loaded with timber for a well-known DIY chain. Whilst driving his usual run, a couple of 'no hopers' dropped a concrete slab from a footbridge which went right through his windscreen and into his skull, his lorry went into the inside of a bridge and the car he hit contained a mother and four schoolchildren (none were killed) his last memory was seeing the children screaming. He gave up his job and got a job as a barman in his home market town. When he could no longer stand it - his ex boss called me to work with the driver. After only four sessions, we worked through the whole incident, he is now driving his timber lorry again and this is what he wrote.

Dear Sue Daniels

I have taken some time to think about this and I just cannot for the life of me fathom, what it is you did to make all that badness in my head go away. Anyway it doesn't really matter because I am back driving trucks - I never want to see the inside of a bar again. Driving is what I do and I am so glad to be back at the wheel. I still get a bit wary when I go under a bridge but like you explained to me that's a rational fear keeping me safe. Thank you Sue for all that you have done. I have given your details to so many people - you should be commended because I never actually believed you when you said it would go away. How wrong I was!

I can't thank you enough

Letter 2
This lady was raped at gunpoint in a multi-storey car park whilst on her way home from a supermarket shopping trip, during the attack remembered thinking that she would never see her husband or children again, after much self destruction in trying to come to terms with what she described as 'the madness in her head" she sought assistance via Jigsaw through another agency that gave her our details- after the end of the work, some months later we received this letter:

Dear Jigsaw
I never thought I would be able to write again let alone think about the content, my life had changed so much and that man took so much away not only from me but also from my family, now I can see clearly and it is as if a heavy black cloud has been removed from my head. I have not forgotten the attack but think of it only if and when if I choose to - it feels like I have regained the power and I fully believe none of this would have been possible without your help.
I cannot put into words how much you helped my family and me.
Thank you so much.

If you have suffered, experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident or situation in your life and want to find some peace and balance.

Call us - we may be able to help!

These are some of the professional clients we work with on a regular basis;

• Employee Assistant Programmes - Nationwide,
• Nightclubs and Pubs,
• Individual & Groups of CCTV operators,
• Accident & Emergency Staff,
• Paramedics,
• Ambulance Drivers,
• Bus & Coach Drivers,
• Private Palliative Nurses,
• Construction Industry,
• Military Forces, Police officers,
• Fire Operatives,
• Train Drivers,
• Lorry Drivers,
• Sporting Event Officials,

And anyone young or old who has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event at any time recently or historically and whose life is still affected by this event.

It is crucial for the safeguarding of clients when working with psychologically traumatised individuals that therapists have the correct training and continued professional development, which conveys credibility and accountability..