Sue Oatley (was Knight)

What if some difficulties after military service reflect not only distress, but adaptations that were once highly functional? An exploration of learning, culture, nervous systems and recalibration.

I was first introduced to the ACT Matrix in 2009 when I began working as a recovery worker, facilitating groups with people who were navigating addiction. At the time, I worked in a day service in Portsmouth, where Mark Webster, the co-creator of the ACT Matrix, was training and running groups. Mark and his co-creator, Dr Kevin Polk, developed the ACT Matrix as a way to support people who were particularly stuck, whether due to addiction, trauma, or other challenges. Mark was delivering this...

What might an ancient Buddhist teaching reveal about military service, nervous system adaptation and the journey home? Reflecting on pain, self-judgement and the possibility of responding with greater compassion.