Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.

In this conversation, Kevin introduces us to Dr Paul Gallagher, a lecturer in trauma studies at Cork University who started his formal education at age 40, after a significant "gap" in his life. Born in Belfast in 1972 at the height of "The Troubles," Paul recounts growing up in a war zone, where at 21, his home was invaded and his family held hostage. During this attack, he was shot and paralysed, and while physical and medical care were provided, psychological support was not.

Paul highlights: - The crucial roles of community-led initiatives that provide vital support, education, and a path to hope for survivors. - The inseparable connection between the academic understanding of trauma and practical, compassionate healing approaches such as those offered by the Wave Trauma Center.

The conversation concludes with Paul sharing his vision of a trauma-informed society in his deeply traumatized homeland.

About Dr. Paul Gallagher

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Paul grew up in an area heavily impacted by the political violence euphemistically known as 'The Troubles.' He was relatively untouched until 1994, when his home was taken over by terrorists who held Paul and his family hostage while they waited for their intended target. When their plan failed to snare that individual, they shot Paul, which left him with life changing injuries

After a protracted recovery, Paul reclaimed his life. His engagement with a local NGO, WAVE Trauma Centre sparked a lifelong journey into psychological trauma understanding and healing. Paul graduated from Queen's University in 2016 with a BSc in Psychological Trauma Studies. He achieved his MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice in 2017. This was followed up in 2022 when Paul was awarded his Doctorate in Sociology, focusing on the Campaign for Recognition by the WAVE Injured Group, which lobbied successfully for a special pension for those injured during the conflict.

A Trauma Education Officer for WAVE Trauma Centre, Paul blends his personal experience of trauma with his knowledge of the traumatology field. He teaches a range of courses, including the BSc at Queen's University and an MA in Trauma Studies at UCC (University College Cork). His main interests are nurturing post-traumatic growth, both in himself and sowing seeds for growth around him. He continues to advocate for those affected by the Troubles and for others around the globe through his work with WAVE Trauma.

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Resources:

Websites:

Paul's Personal Blog

Professional Website

Paul's PhD Thesis

Post Traumatic Growth Module (UCC)

Articles:

Queen's University, Belfast

Belfast Telegraph

Video:

What Does it Mean to be a Frontline Worker?

Book: My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies

Social Media: X: @cutdabegs Bluesky: @cutdabegs.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaveTraumaCentre/