Titchfield PTSD therapist has seen increase in clients from emergency services since Covid-19 lockdown

A THERAPIST who specialises in helping people deal with post-traumatic stress disorders has said she has seen a rise in people who work for the emergency services coming to her for help over the last few months.
By Millie Salkeld
Published 22nd Jul 2020, 11:35 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2020, 13:30 BST
Deborah Baxter, who runs The Spirit Within Therapy from her home in TitchfieldDeborah Baxter, who runs The Spirit Within Therapy from her home in Titchfield
Deborah Baxter, who runs The Spirit Within Therapy from her home in Titchfield

Deborah Baxter, who runs The Spirit Within Therapy from her home in Titchfield, has found that people have suffered more with their mental health since the start of lockdown and has helped people who work for the NHS, ambulance, police and fire service more frequently than usual.

She said: ‘I have had paramedics come to me telling me that within the first five hours of their shift they have dealt with four deaths, whereas usually they would deal with around one per week.

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‘The pandemic has hit everybody hard, but it has been especially hard for those on the front line who are witnessing so much death and heartbreak every day.

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‘They chose to do their job to help people recover and return to full health, but because of this virus they are unable to do so and it’s hitting them hard. It’s really sad to see.’

Deborah, who has run her business for 20 years, said that she feels that since lockdown started, people have had more time to reflect on how they feel in their mental health, which has been both negative and positive.

The 60-year-old said: ‘People have had more time on their hands and they’ve been alone with their thoughts a lot, which, if you have good mental health, can be a good thing. We’ve seen families becoming closer, people doing home workouts and baking and being productive for example.

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‘However, if their mental state isn’t as strong, this can amplify their negative thoughts and feelings, highlight the cracks in relationships and lead to reflecting on the not-so-good things in their life, leading to their mental health suffering.’

Deborah runs a programme to help people completely overcome PTSD in 10 weeks, using a method unlike the one used by traditional therapists.

She has been working throughout the lockdown via WhatsApp and video conferencing website Zoom.

To find out more visit thespiritwithin.co.uk

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Related topics:PeopleNHSPortsmouthPTSD

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