Feedback and Testimonials
Feedback and testimonials for TRAC Psychological interventions from past group members, commissioners and practitioners has always been very positive. Here we provide some recent examples.
Inner Strength
“Since attending the Inner Strength Programme, [name]’s mental health has improved…[name] described the Inner Strength programme as a “life-saver” and complimentary about the DAV Enforcement support as “absolutely amazing”. He accepts his previous behaviour was not acceptable but in mitigation he and [name] were in an acrimonious on/off relationship for over 15 years…”
“I just want to say that a number of parents whom I have referred to the service have commented on finding the inner strengths/peace course extremely beneficial. The fact that this has come from parents with whom engagement has been a real issue says it all! I think that the service you guys are providing is incredible. I have seen the service that has been provided actually benefit, help and improve the lives of children and families and it is an invaluable service that you provide. We are lucky in Bolton that we are able to draw upon this piece of intervention particularly for our families and children who are at risk of witnessing and those who have experienced Domestic Abuse. Thanks Nicola to you and the staff for all the support that you provide on a day to day basis.”
“I found it [Inner Strength Complete course] insightful. I’ve had many problems over the years with my children, my partner and my parenting, and listening to other [group members] made me think maybe it is me that is the problem. It made me step back and look at things in a whole new, different perspective. The way I spoke to my children. The things I said. I was just angry all the time. It just brought it all home”
“it helped me a lot. It helped me look at my reactions to things, my beliefs and the way I have gone through life. I’m been on courses before. In the past. I did BBR [Building Better Relationships a probation course for domestic abuse perpetrators] four times. It didn’t really help – it made me more angry. I think this programme [Inner Strength Complete] works. The way the facilitators approached you made you feel comfortable. I was an open book”
“Although it [domestic abuse] had not happened before I had to face that it happened – despite me being a generally decent character you know? I took as much of it on board as I could. It change the way I think about certain situations. There’s so much knowledgeable stuff in there [the Inner Strength Complete programme] you’d be a fool to not take it on board – knowing it were beneficial. It’s [the Inner Strength Complete programme] quality stuff”
“The Inner Strength and Inner Peace programme combined for perpetrator and partner is definitely a winning combination. I have been able to understand myself and my emotions and then can therefore if not understand empathise more with [name]’s anxiety and behaviours. We definitely communicate better as we have a toolkit full of strategies, we both can use and because we both know one another have this we are more reassured in our relationship. I feel [name] has definitely benefited from the program as 18 months ago he did not have the skills or strategies to cope with his anxiety but now is a lot calmer and is coping with issues amazingly. Ultimately these courses have made us a stronger, more respectful and loving couple and I can only thank the facilitators for this.”
Inner Peace
“I have found doing this course alongside [name]’s Inner Strength programme to be extremely insightful and helpful not only for understanding myself but also understanding [name]. We have also continued to learn from each other throughout the sessions as we discussed our feelings and discuss things we have learnt on the course. I have learnt many things about myself throughout the course that I’ve never thought about before and now I understand my own emotions and feelings and I can help myself. This enables me to understand [name] and his emotions and feelings more.”
“The programme was easy to connect myself to, the way it’s explained is all really clear and helpful.”
“I am more aware of red flags and now feel able to step away from situations.”
“I didn’t understand what the purpose was at the beginning, I now recognise I am not here to be treated poorly from other people.”
“I feel I have a greater sense of self-control and self-worth.”
“I feel more self-assured and aware of others’ behaviours, less risk of coercion, identify problem behaviours and will question things more.”
“I feel more confident in setting boundaries in relationships and communicating clearly.”
“I am more aware of my own boundaries and things that I want to do and do not want to do with my life, this was not something I’ve had before. I’ve never known how to feel and lived a very regimented life, even down to who I could and couldn’t speak to, what time to be at home etc. I felt lost when he left, and I didn’t know what to talk to people about, didn’t know what I liked doing, who I liked. Since doing the programme I now know that, and I know what is and isn’t okay.”
“Since doing the programme I have be able to stop taking my anti-anxiety medication.”
“In the past I had counselling, I had CBT [cognitive behaviour therapy] , but this [Inner Peace] has been more helpful and includes more relevant examples and has given me tools to manage real life situations.”
“In our first conversation I didn’t even recognise strangulation as an abusive behaviour, but since doing the programme I now feel like I understand abusive behaviours.”
“The course has been fantastic at being inclusive for a completely blind person and I have felt included throughout all sessions.”
“I have found the course extremely different than other courses I have been on as it is a group course, and it has been extremely helpful hearing other people’s experiences and issues I have found this to be very helpful as I haven’t felt as pressured during the sessions as I felt in a one-to-one session throughout one of my other courses. The facilitators are also highly motivated and highly skilled at what they do and they make sure everybody is involved but also that everybody understands the contents of the course and I have felt completely comfortable to speak during and after the courses with them.”
“Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, getting to know all the other participants and learning about myself. I do feel that there should be courses aimed at older participants and also teenagers as I feel that what I have learnt could be broadcast to numerous audiences as I feel everyone could benefit from learning about themselves and also learning how to cope with life whatever it throws at you. The phrase I will never forget is “I cannot fight the rain” [an exercise covered in Inner Peace] this has been fundamental for myself and the issues I have faced in the last year and combined with everything I have learnt; all I can say is thank you so much for making me feel included when many courses have refused to work with me due to my disability.”
Family Strength
“at the start I used to get myself all worked up with him [her 16yr old son]. I’d get all stressed and I used to feel like a bad parent – I couldn’t even handle my son. But the course [Family Strength] taught me I’m not bad and I’ve just got to do what I want because I’m the parent and he’s the child. I can now have friends and he [her son] doesn’t control me”
“The only person who had really helped me was [name of Family Strength facilitator]. I’ve been to all these other ones but [name of Family Strength facilitator] is the best. For three years I’ve had everybody jumping on board. I was back and forth with doctors, school and CAMHS. School would refer me to the doctors and the doctors would refer me to CAMHS”