Our Hidden Wounds therapists can help veterans and their families with a wide variety of conditions that may be affecting their mental wellbeing. This includes depression, anxiety, problem drinking, anger, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you think you could benefit from talking to one of our mental health professionals, just get in touch. To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888. 

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WHAT IS HIDDEN WOUNDS THERAPY?

Our therapists understand the challenges that may be faced by the Armed Forces community and can recommend and provide a range of therapies. They listen without making judgement and can help you work through the issues you’re struggling with.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE?

Our Hidden Wounds therapy service is available to veterans and those who served under UK command. It doesn’t matter when or for how long you served, you don’t have to have served in a conflict, and it’s never too late to ask for support. 

We also directly support family members aged 18 and over. Find out more about our family support services. 

GETTING STARTED

two women sat at an office table

First, you need to complete our Get Help process. You can do that online, or through our Helpline on 0300 303 9888. If Hidden Wounds therapy is right for you, you’ll be invited to a one-hour assessment.

TRIAGE AND ASSESSMENT

This is your opportunity to speak with a therapist about how you’re feeling and what you’ve experienced. Together, you’ll explore the therapy options best suited to your needs.

You may be offered one of the following types of therapy - 

You’re free to decide whether to begin treatment, and if so, which approach feels right for you. Your clinician will explain the support available through the Hidden Wounds Service - including the types of therapy, session length, frequency, and scheduling - as well as any relevant external services.

Therapy is carried out in one-to-one sessions by telephone or Microsoft Teams video calls.

Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you understand and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. 
The low-intensity support we offer includes guided self-help (working through helpful resources with guidance from a therapist), help with cutting down on problem drinking, and support for family members and partners. 

Guided self-help

Guided self-help helps you manage your mental health in a practical, hands-on way. It’s based on CBT and recommended for many common mental health problems, such as - 

  • Low mood or depression
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Stress and worry
  • Sleep problems
  • Low self-esteem or confidence
  • Anger issues.

You’ll work through helpful materials at your own pace, with support from one of our trained Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs). It’s not just reading – it’s about learning new ways to cope with life’s challenges and make positive changes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • You’ll be supported by a PWP who understands the veteran experience and will work with you one-to-one to guide you through the process.
  • Sessions are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, by phone or online.
  • You’ll get personalised materials – including guides, exercises, and tools tailored to what you’re going through.
  • Your practitioner will help you set small, achievable goals to help you stay on track.

Support for problem drinking

If you’re drinking more than you’d like, or using alcohol to cope, we may be able to help. Our guided self-help includes a veteran-specific intervention for problem drinking. This is for people who drink more than they should, but don’t have a physical addiction to alcohol.

What to expect

  • Before starting, we’ll carry out an assessment to make sure this kind of help is right for you.
  • This support does not replace medical treatment for alcohol dependence or withdrawal. If you need medical help for addiction, we’ll guide you to the right service.

Support for family members and partners (CRAFT)

If you’re living with or caring for someone who is struggling with their mental health, you’re not alone. We offer CRAFT, a 10-session one-to-one intervention for partners and family members. It’s practical, supportive, and focused on you – because your mental health matters too.

What to expect

You’ll work with a trained practitioner to -

  • Better understand why someone is behaving the way they do and find ways to encourage positive behaviours.
  • Learn ways to support your loved one, improve communication, and make healthy changes at home.
  • Improve your own wellbeing and feel better about yourself.

High Intensity CBT

High-intensity CBT is a type of talking therapy. It helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are all linked. When you’ve experienced difficult things, your mind can get stuck in unhelpful patterns. High-Intensity CBT helps you spot these patterns and change them, so you can start to feel better. It’s recommended for mental health problems such as -

  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • panic attacks
  • anger problems
  • sleep issues
  • low self-esteem
  • OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

What to Expect

  • You’ll meet with a qualified and accredited therapist, usually once a week.
  • Sessions last around 60 minutes and treatment is focussed towards your goals. There are usually around 12 sessions, but this can be extended if needed.
  • You will be an equal partner with your therapist in understanding your problem and making changes that will help.
  • It starts from what is going on here and now and doesn’t dig deep into your past unless it’s necessary to help.

What will be expected of you

  • Be as open and honest as you can. This helps your therapist understand and support you.
  • Between sessions, you’ll be asked to try things out – like writing things down or testing out new ways of thinking or reacting.
  • CBT works best the more that you are able to commit to it.
  • CBT is proven to work. It’s not about ‘just talking.’ It’s about learning real ways to change the ways that you think and react.

Counselling

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained and registered professional about your issues and concerns. Your therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others. Counselling can help you cope with -

  • Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
  • Upsetting physical health conditions.
  • Difficult life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, transition and loss.
  • Difficult emotions for example, low self-esteem and anger.
  • Bullying, trauma and childhood issues.
  • Other issues such as sexual identity and negative self-image.

What to Expect

  • You’ll meet with a qualified and registered therapist usually once a week.
  • Sessions last around 50 minutes and treatment and usually lasts around 12 sessions but can be longer if needed.
  • You will be an equal partner with your therapist who will encourage you to talk about your feelings without judgement or criticism.
  • You will work with your therapist to understand your thoughts and feelings and the background to your difficulties, and to make changes.

What Will Be Expected of You

  • Be as open and honest as you can. This helps your therapist understand and support you.
  • Therapy works best the more that you are able to commit to it.

SELF HELP

Your therapist might recommend that you complete one of our Recovery College courses. These free group courses and self-help guides help equip you with tools, tips and strategies to improve and manage your physical and mental wellbeing. 

You may also be referred to your local Community Development team to help you find interesting activities in your local area.

woman on laptop doing low mood self help course

GET HELP

If you or your family need some support for your mental health, you'll need to go through our Get Help process. You can complete the online form or call our friendly Helpline team on 0300 303 9888.

Our Helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Calls to this number are charged at your standard network rate.

ASK FOR HELP

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