Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the ongoing psychological impact of the
'troubles' in Northern Ireland and the psychotherapeutic treatment of trauma, fourteen
years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The thirty years of conflict
punctuated by random acts of bloodshed and violence have impacted significantly on the
emotional and psychological wellbeing of most in Northern Ireland and continue to this
day, with regular, ongoing dissident and sectarian based incidents. Using five qualitative
interviews the study evaluates the psychological impact of the 'Troubles' on
therapists/counsellors, those working with the security forces and clients who were
affected. Both content and thematic analyses were conducted.
Analysis from the qualitative research found that PTSD was the most prevalent
presenting issue. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR were deemed to be the most
successful interventions for its treatment supported by other complementary therapies
such as family therapy. Trans-generational historical trauma was also found be
significantly impacting on the population across Northern Ireland. Results obtained are
discussed in the context of academic research in the literature review. Methodological
limitations of the research and future recommendations were also made.
