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NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday 3^rd May 2005 – For immediate release

FORMER HOSTAGE SUPPORTS BELFAST CLINIC

Terry Waite, CBE, was in Belfast today to officially open a new clinic, which specialises in trauma management and recovery. The clinic will provide ongoing mental health support for victims of ‘the troubles’.  Mental health is a significant issue for Northern Ireland as government researchers in the late 1990s found that almost one in five men and one in four women have significant psychological symptoms.

Speaking to an invited audience, Mr Waite said: “As I am married to a Belfast girl I have been particularly interested in developments in Northern Ireland for many years. Having first-hand experience of the effects of trauma, I am encouraged by the work of TMR Health Professionals who are providing a much-needed service to the people of a country my wife and I hold dear.”

The clinic brings together two leading practitioners, Dr Michael Paterson and Dr Paul Miller, experts in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Recognised as an effective treatment for psychological trauma, EMDR can also be used to treat other problems such as a fear of dogs, spiders and public speaking. Flying on an aircraft is another common fear, which can be addressed by the therapy.

Welcoming Mr Waite to Belfast, Dr Michael Paterson, Managing Director of TMR was keen to emphasise why he had asked the former Beirut hostage to open the clinic. Paterson, a former police officer, lost both arms in an IRA rocket attack on his armoured vehicle in 1981. Michael later trained as a Clinical Psychologist. He said: “When Terry and I first met several years ago he was keen to know what I had achieved since I was injured. It was then that I then shared our dream of making this clinic happen.” Dr Paterson added: “Terry Waite has become a beacon of hope for so many people and we are honoured that he has taken time out of his busy schedule to share this special day with us.”