It's a disorder, not a decision

Do you feel grief-stricken, depressed, anxious, guilty and angry after a traumatic experience?

Any of us can have an experience that is overwhelming, frightening, and beyond our control

Stop reliving, start living

1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

Refer to us

Our awareness of working with military veterans in the Garrison town of Colchester has led us to be often sought out by members of this group when they are in need of therapy. If you work for one of the supporting veteran’s agencies or charities and you are looking to place a military veteran into treatment Mark would be happy to discuss this with you and assess their suitability.

Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes

I have worked closely with Mark for several years, supervising him through to and beyond his accreditation as an EMDR Therapist. Mark is a highly committed and skilled therapist with a special interest in the treatment of traumatic stress-related difficulties, especially in the ex-military population.

81st President, British Psychological society (2015-2016)
Founder Director
Veterans and Families Institute
Anglia Ruskin University

Dr Nick Cooper

I have known Mark Wheeler for several years now. I have always been impressed by his enthusiasm, ability and empathy. He is a skilled researcher and a caring, effective counsellor, not to mention a genuine, good person. Mark’s work with Military Veterans with PTSD is innovative and timely, and his results are excellent.

Centre for Brain Science
Department of Psychology
University of Essex

Barry, 64

I am so mentally refreshed I am so deeply overwhelmed by everything.
I cannot stop saying “utterly brilliant”, it was stunning

Former Marine

Sarah

I was referred to Mark after being diagnosed with PTSD. Thinking I was losing my mind and couldn’t see a way out this big black hole I found myself trapped in. Working with Mark was lifesaving for my mental health which also had a positive effect on family life and relationships. Mark taught me I wasn’t crazy and taught me how to deal with stress and deal with the demons plaguing my life. Mark is an amazing bloke massive thank you!

SL, Essex (age 51)

I had EMDR treatment with Mark over a substantial period of time. Throughout my treatment I felt safe, supported and I made significant progress. Mark’s approach was positive, courteous, kind and gentle, and I always felt validated at every stage through the process.

Are you looking for help?

It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help.

PTSD can affect anyone who has had a major traumatic event happen in their life. Often times we hide behind the fear of accepting we have any problem. We begin to push away the people who care and our personality changes from what it was before. Before too long we can become unrecognisable even to ourselves. If any of this sounds familiar then please get in touch to see if we can help. We offer a no obligation assessment which allows us to discuss the challenges you may be facing and we can explore some treatment options. Its up to you how you wish to proceed.

You can also take our free online assessment.

What is PTSD

Research

We are passionate about finding new treatment methods that aid recovery of PTSD. Studies to date have looked at the effects of angling, horse riding, falconry and archery. This research is on-going and further studies are scheduled this year looking in more depth at the effect of angling experiences as well as a study looking at living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel.

Mark Wheeler

Born in London and now residing in Colchester in Essex I am a family man with a vast array of experience in helping others who are experiencing the difficulties of not only Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) but also many other forms of mental distress.

On attaining a first class pass in a BA Hons in counselling studies degree I have continued to train and achieve at academic level. I have now passed an MSc in Psychology at the University of Essex and I am currently working part time on my research PhD, with the focus being PTSD in military veterans and the potential benefit of group outdoor activities.

The rest of the time I work as a High Intensity Psychological Therapist within the local NHS mental health provision. Whilst staying true to my core beliefs of working from a person centred base I have increased my awareness and abilities within other areas of therapeutic interactions.

I am a fully accredited Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Europe practitioner whilst also being an accredited couple therapy for depression IAPT practitioner. I am also currently studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the University of East Anglia.