"I graduated from Ryerson University in 1989 with a B.S.W. and then completed my M.S.W. in 1995/96 at the University of Toronto. Over the past 24 years of my career I have had the luxury of being able to participate in numerous trainings in a variety of theoretical models. These trainings have included CBT strategies, long term play therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and many more. While I have found each of them helpful and beneficial for my clients over the years, I have found it difficult to discover a model which consistently addressed all areas of concern for a client. There were times when I perceived that a client could experience more significant change or emotional relief if only I could find the right tools or methodology which could support them in achieving this. Until now, I have not been entirely satisfied with my results.

    In 2011 I noticed an ad on the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) website promoting a workshop in Barrie, Ontario entitled Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) offered by Margaret and Harry Nelson. One of the testimonials on the ad was written by a Dr. Robert Moore who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, school psychologist, and mental health counselor with graduate degrees in counseling psychology from Lehigh (1965) and Walden (1977) Universities. He is also the Former Director of Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in Florida. Dr. Moore wrote:
       "TIR is not just another technique for 'management' or 'assimilation' of
       intrusive trauma symptoms, TIR actually pulls PTSD, anxiety and panic
       disorders out by their roots, once and for all! In 30+ years of clinical
       practice, I've never known or used a more remarkably efficient and
       effective procedure."

I found this to be a very powerful and provocative statement and felt that if such a technique existed, I needed to learn it.

    I attended my first TIR Workshop in May 2011 and have never looked back. I admit I entered the initial workshop feeling tentative and rather skeptical about the claims it made in terms of change outcomes for clients. By the end of the 4 days, I was more than convinced. Having provided the techniques for a fellow group participant and after receiving them, I became acutely aware of their power for healing. I have since attended both the Expanded Applications Workshop and the Life Stress Reduction Workshop and have left them feeling even more excited and empowered about my ability to really help clients heal not only from severe trauma but also from lesser but still painful and persistent upsets or concerns.

    In my entire career, I have never found a technique which is entirely client centered and which also allows the therapist to reduce transference/countertransference in such a significant way. I have seen tremendous success in my own life after having received the techniques but have also seen incredible change for my clients. For anyone who has a keen desire to help clients develop a deeper and clearer understanding of themselves, their relationships and the world around them TIR can help them achieve this. It can also help them bring a sense of healing and peace to their lives more quickly than any other traditional therapeutic technique I have been exposed to or provided for my clients.

    In 2012, TIR was listed on the National Registry of Evidenced-based Programs and Practices by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in the USA. I would recommend this training to anyone who has an interest in learning unique and highly successful skills/techniques to address all levels of trauma."

Karen Searle, M.S.W., R.S.W., TIRF (Certified TIR Facilitator)
Peterborough, Ontario
August 2013

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