Post-traumatic stress support

New Edmonton clinic provides specialized services for military and RCMP

Chad Checknita never imagined finding a career as a counsellor when he left the military after 17 years. But looking back on it, he realizes it was always natural fit for him.

“In the military, I always tried to lead by example,” says the former sergeant. “I really cared about my troops. To have the opportunity to mentor and support other soldiers is really rewarding.”

Today, Checknita, 35, is a peer support co-ordinator at Edmonton’s new Operational Stress Injury Clinic. The clinic treats and supports veterans, Canadian Forces and RCMP servicemen and women, and their families, who are living with operational stress injuries. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders and depression or addiction.

Serving five tours of duty overseas gave Checknita first-hand knowledge of the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. He brings his own experiences to counselling others.

“I can show them that what they are going through is normal; that it’s normal to have nightmares or flashbacks,” Checknita says. “I work to empower them to solve these problems in a non-aggressive, non-threatening way.”

The clinic, funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and managed by Alberta Health Services,
offers diagnosis, standardized assessment, treatment, prevention and support services, educational programs, and counselling for individuals, groups and families.

“It’s important to understand the context of the kinds of trauma our clients face,” says clinic manager Jeff Sych. “In the past there has been a lack of understanding of their experiences and their psychological and physical conditions as a result.”

To provide the best and most appropriate care, clinic staff received extensive training from the National Centre for Operational Stress Injuries in Ottawa and experts from across Canada.

“Post-traumatic stress is treatable,” says Sych. “Through this clinic, we can reduce the barriers to these services and help these clients return to (being) fully functioning individuals.”

For Checknita, the services offered at the Edmonton Operational Stress Injury Clinic are invaluable for the people who need them, just as he once did.

“This is fantastic,” he says. “By coming here, they are going to get the time and attention they need. They are so much better off getting help sooner and getting on the road to recovery.”