Clients who attend Spirasi’s services often suffer from the effects of interpersonal trauma. Spirasi’s specialised therapy programme follows a phase-model approach to treatment where the focus is always on safety, empowerment and choice.
Medical, therapeutic and ongoing psychosocial supports are provided. Therapies may be on an individual, family or group basis. Medico-Legal Reports, by specialist physicians, document evidence of torture for use in the international protection process in Ireland. A befriending service offers the one-to-one companionship of trained volunteer befrienders to reduce isolation and loneliness and to provide support with integration in Irish society.
For victims and their families, English language classes at four levels are offered in the Lantern Centre, Dublin 8. In a testimonial, one service-user said that “Through the classes, I am able to do voluntary work, build relationships and integrate into the Irish society. The classes also taught me life skills. Spirasi is like a second home for me.”