PTSD Success Stories
The Speakmans believe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can be cured.
This is evidenced by the numerous films below.
Police First Responder
Full Medical Name: Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
During a night shift, police officer Gareth Roberts responded to a domestic violence incident, where a young man had been stabbed by his girlfriend. He alone carried out CPR for 20 minutes. The young man’s mother was shouting to Gareth to save her son, but he didn’t survive. In the same week, Gareth was called to a fatal car accident involving 6 teenagers, 5 of whom died. Struggling with the guilt of what he had seen, Gareth felt the only way out was to take his own life. He wrote goodbye letters and emails to his loved ones. Fortunately, a twist of events stopped him taking his life. Gareth then reached out to The Speakmans.
Military Photographer
Full Medical Name: Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Rinze, a former military photographer, has suffered with traumatic symptoms for over 16 years, after being in many war zones around the world. "You can't concentrate. It hinders you in everything. Sweating, palpitations while sleeping. Unrest in confusing situations. Sounds, fireworks - many sounds have a clear reference to the war. Even a squeak from the washing machine. You're going to be full of panic and anxiety. Stress has a lot of consequences for your body, I even contracted an autoimmune disease because of that.” Having heard of The Speakmans’ therapy being scientifically studied by professors in The Netherlands, Rinze asked for help.
Human Trafficking
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Danielle and her friend took a 6-month dance contract at a hotel in Egypt. After arriving, it became obvious that the job was nothing like what was advertised, and both girls almost became lost into the world of trafficking. Through a fortunate set of circumstances, the girls managed to make it back to the UK safely.
Although the nightmare in Egypt had finished, due to PTSD, the nightmare at home had just begun. Danielle developed anxiety and a complex tic that moved her neck and upper body. Having had therapy and anti-psychotic medication for 5 years with little improvement, Danielle approached The Speakmans for help.
Car Jacking
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stephen Day was subjected to an unprovoked attack, when he was pulled out of his car and beaten up by a group of men. The attack changed his life forever. Left with crippling PTSD, Stephen developed uncontrollable jerking movements, which left him unable to eat and sleep. Stephen has been diagnosed with suicidal thoughts, depression, PTSD and myoclonic jerks. Taking high doses of Mirtazapine and Diazepam, things reached crisis point when Stephen tried to take his own life three times. Desperate for help, Stephen’s wife sent a video plea to The Speakmans.
Nice Terror Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A 19-tonne cargo truck was deliberately driven into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, resulting in the deaths of 86 people, and the injury of 458 others. Wanting a career as a French interpreter, Mollie Haynes was on a student exchange trip at the time and was present when the terrorist struck. Since the attack, her life literally fell apart, as anything French gave her anxiety. She had to change her degree course from French Studies to Event Management. Fireworks and loud bangs would literally make her fall to the floor crying. Losing confidence and faith in her own ability, Mollie was desperate for Nik and Eva’s help.
Fatal Car Accident
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Sue and her husband were travelling home after a long weekend. They were 25 minutes from home when out of the blue, a silver car driving in the opposite direction mounted the grass curb, and came flying through the air and on top of their car. The 28 year old lady driving the car died. Sue and her husband were taken to hospital. They both suffered many injuries. Sue is still on a crutch, and suffers from a lot of pain. She says the worst pain of all is the mental pain, guilt and fear of getting into a car. Sue doesn’t sleep, due to flashbacks, as she keeps seeing the silver car flying through the air and hitting her. She always drove before the accident and would drive anywhere, and now she will not drive, and has to take medication before she gets into a car as a passenger. After years of therapy, Sue was desperate and contacted The Speakmans.
Armed Burglary
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In March 2016, Bryan and Jo Shirley were burgled by two armed intruders. The harrowing events of that night have deeply affected Bryan and Jo ever since. They have put their house up for sale and moved into a hotel, their dogs have been put into kennels and their relationship has almost fallen apart, with Jo having had a mental breakdown and Bryan suffering with suicidal thoughts. Both diagnosed with severe PTSD, Bryan and Jo Shirley feel Nik and Eva are their last and only hope of getting their life and relationship back.
Car Fire
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In March 2003, Gillian witnessed a car accident. As the car burst in to flames, she watched helplessly as the elderly couple perished in the car consumed by flames. After witnessing this incident, Gillian went on to suffer a multitude of symptoms and was diagnosed with PTSD, Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, General Anxiety, Agoraphobia and Depression. These conditions have kept Gillian a virtual prisoner in her own home. Gillian said if there was one thing she could do before she were to die it would be to visit the beach, as this seems an absolute impossibility. Having had 14 years of therapy to no avail, in absolute desperation, Gillian contacted The Speakmans for help.
Royal Marines Terror Attack
Full Medical Name: Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In 1989, the IRA detonated a time bomb at a Royal Marines School in Kent. 10 marines died, another 21 were seriously injured. Andrew Gronkowski survived the blast, but was left with long-term psychological issues. He had survivor's guilt, and in April the following year, Andrew overdosed. Having suffered with chronic PTSD for 27 years, Andrew really struggled to hold onto anything, having 40 jobs and 35 house moves over that time. His PTSD manifested into, anxiety, aggression, OCD, nightmares, flashbacks, self harm, a fear of crowded places and public transport. In a desperate bid to get his life back, Andrew enlisted The Speakmans.
London Terrorist Bombings
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Former transport police officer Paul Curran’s life was left in tatters, after witnessing first-hand the horrors of the London bombings on 7/7/2015. After suffering from PTSD for over 10 years, he lost his job, his wife and at rock bottom, he even contemplated suicide. He had never been back to Aldgate station since that day, and believed he never would. Paul had 14 sessions of therapy within the transport police and numerous private therapy sessions too. He was told by a Harley Street Psychiatrist that he was a broken man who could slowly improve and learn to manage his PTSD - he could never be fixed.
Combat PTSD
Full Medical Name: Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
After multiple Iraq tours, Dorian Donnelly developed CPTSD. He gradually became more frightened of crowds and leaving the house. Dorian had several life-threatening experiences that caused his PTSD, but he cites holding back a crowd in Basra with his battalion as the worst. He was told he needed anti-depressants, but he refused to take them. Dorian knew he had anxiety, but felt he wasn’t depressed. He began avoiding going anywhere with crowds, and as such, missed many family events, most heart-breaking of all, being able to take his son to watch rugby matches. Dorian felt his life could never get better, having been told by his doctor PTSD is for life and it cannot be cured. Having become increasingly worried about her husband, Dorian’s wife Danielle asked The Speakmans for help.
Loss Of A Child
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In March 2000, Anita Williamson suffered an unimaginable loss when her 3-year old son was killed by a dustbin lorry. Anita says she now just exists, but has no quality of life, and has lost all the memories of her son. Whilst she had tried desperately to move on with her life, by getting married and having two more children, she was sadly unable to do so as she had become emotionally detached and had never grieved her loss. Because of this, Anita reached out to The Speakmans for help.
Road Traffic Accident
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Holly Taylor was first on the scene of a fatal car crash, of which one of the passengers had been dismembered. Due to what she witnessed and the traumas she endured since, she was diagnosed with PTSD. She has a lot of anger, and often has nightmares about cars and death. She said her body hurts because she is always tense. Holly will not go in cars with strangers and when in a car, is a highly anxious passenger. Holly has been unable to drive for almost 3 years. If see sees a fire engine with its lights and siren on, her blood runs cold, as it causes flashbacks. Holly’s PTSD prevents her from enjoying her family. Her husband finds it challenging when she is emotionless and snappy.
Complex Combat PTSD
Full Medical Name: Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Matt Morris served in the military for 6 years in the front line armoured infantry battalion, using dynamic entry into enemy occupied buildings to capture or eliminate the enemy. After leaving the army, he hoped he could return back to normal life. However, because Matt had previously seen very distressing things daily, those repetitive traumatic events had caused Matt to be diagnosed with CPTSD. He also had several friends who lost their lives. He felt overwhelming guilt, because they had died and he hadn’t. Matt had completely changed from the person his wife had met years ago. She was desperate to get him help because his life had spiralled into a black hole and he had said to her, “I don’t feel like being here anymore.”
Police Officer Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Russell Dean was a police officer who was left traumatised and terrified after an attack on duty. Now medically retired at the age of 29 because of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the former officer is too scared to go out in public, cannot face getting on public transport, and has night terrors about the attack. He only sleeps a maximum of 3 hours a night, with the bedroom light on. Russell had previously received therapy from 4 therapists and 2 psychiatrists with no success, and is now taking a cocktail of prescription medications to help him through the day. He had been told conclusively that his condition cannot be cured.
Sex Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Sarah was the victim of a sex attack 14 years ago. She was left so traumatised, she struggles to talk about it and has not been able to leave the house alone since. Sarah said, “I didn’t feel normal anywhere. Every time I went out the house, I was throwing up beforehand.” As Sarah’s son would soon be 13, she was determined to leave the house to be able to host a birthday party for him away from home. Nik and Eva are determined to help her overcome her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to allow her to do this.
Knife Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Andrew Osbourne set off for his job as a security guard at the supermarket, where he had worked for over 20 years. But just over an hour into his shift, Andrew was attacked by a man who had a hockey stick with a modified blade attached to it, a shield, plus a builder’s utility belt with five kitchen knives attached. The man threatened to kill him, and all his 11 brothers and sisters, who he named individually. The assault left Andrew suffering with severe PTSD. Since the attack, Andrew struggles to leave the house, has recurring nightmares and has considered suicide. Nik and Eva initially help, asking Andrew to face his fears with the help of their five-point test.
Complex PTSD
Full Medical Name: Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
RAF Flight Lieutenant Paramedic Michelle Sanderson was the first female to work on the Afghan frontline, during that time she was routinely flown by helicopter into the heart of the fighting to care for military and civilian casualties. After 3 brutal tours of duty, she found it almost impossible to step outside her front door most days. As a result she was forced to be medically discharged from the RAF. Michelle wears oversized headphones when she visits the supermarket to shut out the noise, but it doesn’t always work. She has considered suicide, and has been diagnosed with CPTSD; a condition which has increased by 800% in the last 5 years. She wets the bed and has recurring nightmares, in which she regularly finds herself back in Afghanistan surrounded by the horrors she has witnessed.
Tunisia Terrorist Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Zoe and Paul Thompson had been left traumatised with crippling PTSD, after surviving the Tunisian beach terror attack on 26th June 2015. As a result, they became terrified of crowded spaces, and became virtual prisoners in their home. After being treated by Nik and Eva, the couple were able to fully overcome their fear and regain their lives. As members of a support group for victims of the Tunisia terror attack, Zoe and Paul were keen to see if Nik and Eva could help other survivors too. In one of their biggest challenges to date, Nik and Eva spend the day with 28 people, who are all suffering with PTSD, to see how many they could cure in the day. The results astounded even The Speakmans themselves.
Serial Killer Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In October 1980, Mo Lea’s life changed forever, when she was brutally attacked by a man she believes to be Peter Sutcliffe or the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’. Mo thankfully survived, but she was left deeply traumatised by the attack. For years Mo has only able to sleep by self medicating with alcohol. She often has terrifying flashbacks, struggles with night terrors and has difficulty being alone in public places. Whilst Mo physically survived the attack psychologically she did not. She says that, “I tried to run away that night, and I have been running ever since.”
Prison Officer Violent Attack
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Whilst on duty, Cliff Goodwin, a father and former prison guard, was brutally attacked by a prisoner. He was punched in the face and required reconstructive surgery on his nose. In the subsequent tussle, he feared for his life. He was diagnosed with severe PTSD and depression, which became so severe he had to leave the job he loved. Cliff suffers with persistent intrusive memories and traumatic nightmares of the face of the man who attacked him. He often sweats profusely and shakes uncontrollably. He feels like an absent husband and father and he can no longer read stories to his daughter at bedtime. Overall his life and his marriage are at their wit’s end. Cliff is in desperate need of Nik and Eva’s help.
Terror Attack Group Therapy
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
After working with individuals from the Sousse terror attack, a support group from the Tunisia attacks approached Nik and Eva requesting their help. A group session was arranged and 25 people were able to attend, four of who have their individual experiences and struggles since the attack highlighted. In one day, can The Speakmans assist the whole group?
Organ Donation
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Louise McDonald developed severe PTSD, after she donated a kidney and incurred several complications. In addition to this, her younger brother died unexpectedly in his sleep, leaving Louise with an all encompassing fear of dying too. She was ultimately concerned that she would be unable to live with one kidney. The feelings completely overtook her and, frightened to be left alone, she became reliant on her father, who became her carer. She couldn’t even think about returning to work.
Child Accident On Stairs
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Kerry and her husband were getting ready to go out, and her father was taking her son downstairs, then there was a bang. They ran to the stairs, to discover her son face down at the bottom of the stairs. Kerry was diagnosed with PTSD and 6 years on, she struggles with anxiety and being able to take her son out to play, for fear he may be injured, or die. She has flashbacks, night terrors and her biggest fear is that her son will die. After endless therapy, Kerry contacted The Speakmans, in the hope she and her son could live a normal life.
Speakmans Revisited CPTSD (This Morning)
This Morning catch up with Russell Dean, five years after The Speakmans worked with him to cure his Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and save his life. Russ describes that being told there was a cure for CPTSD was the start of his journey to overcoming it. Russ gives an update on how his life has changed. After therapy, he started by going back to work as a security officer, and has since had 5 promotions, plus he got married and has had two children. He says, “everything I have now I owe to Nik and Eva.”
Speakmans Revisited PTSD (This Morning)
On July 14th 2016 in Nice, France, a terror attack killed 86 people and injured nearly 500 more. Molly talks about how her life changed that night so much that now leaving the house causes her to panic. In 2017 she visited Nik and Eva and she really didn’t think they could help her after she had tried so many ways to get help. After therapy, The Speakmans took her back to where the attack happened in Nice, France. Molly now says “this has changed my life completely” as she is now able to leave the house and travel the world.
Brother’s Murder
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Brooke Kinsella’s 16-year-old brother, Ben Kinsella, was stabbed to death by a gang of 3 youths in London. Ben, the 17th teenager killed in London in 2008, died in hospital a few hours later. Brooke said she was devastated and after his death, hundreds of people protested along with her over knife fatalities in London.
Brooke said that she was swept away with the campaign after Ben’s death and it was only when the campaigning calmed down and the murderers were convicted she realised that she hadn’t had time to grieve and was suffering with PTSD.
Child Grooming
Full Medical Name: Sexual Abuse - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
At 15, Victoria was controlled and groomed by an adult, who subjected her to months of psychological sexual abuse and rape. Victoria ended up suffering with PTSD, anxiety and depression, manifesting most of all in audio flashbacks. Years of therapy and various medications were prescribed to no avail, as Victoria self harmed and took multiple overdoses, leading to regular hospitalisation.
Tired of having to cope with “the voices” every day, taking her own life often seemed like the only option for Victoria. In absolute desperation she sought help from Nik and Eva in the hope they could release her from her PTSD and give her a life she had never known as an adult.
Shotgun Murders
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Laura McGoldrick is possibly one of the worst cases of PTSD imaginable. Laura lost 3 family members who were shot and killed in front of her by her stepdad, she herself was shot in the tragedy, but survived. In what was a hugely brave undertaking, Laura agreed to appear on This Morning, where by chance, she met Nik and Eva, who instantly recognised her trauma and immediately worked with her. As her words convey so well in the film, Laura’s life changed immeasurably after that session, and she is now able to live with her grief but without the trauma.
Brutal Murder
Full Medical Name: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Zara Ashton’s life was shattered in a split second, when she found her sister Linzi’s battered body hidden under a duvet on 29 June 2013.
Linzi, who was 25, suffered 108 injuries, including being strangled with a cable tie at the hands of her evil ex-partner Michael Cope. Speaking for the first time, mum-of-two Zara told how she suffered from such severe post-traumatic stress disorder causing regular panic attacks. The harrowing flashbacks of her sister’s swollen face and panic attacks made Zara a prisoner in her own home with most days not even being unable even to get dressed.