A FORMER community group chairman is using his skills to help people in a different way by providing free counselling sessions remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jack Byrnes, who has lived near the river bank in O’Briensbridge for the past 37 years, is qualified in three different theraputic systems – counselling and psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).
The former O’Briensbridge Community Group chairman worked as a therapist from his home for 12 years for what he described as a small fee.
However, after getting prostate cancer in 2014, he decided he no longer wanted to operate this as an official business as he didn’t want to deal with issues such as tax and insurance and opted to continue it on a smaller scale on a voluntary basis.
The 66 year-old pensioner is now using his skills to help people who are suffering from emotional distress as a result of the economic and social implications of Covid-19.
For anyone who is computer literate, Jack provides EFT, which he says is fully accredited in the United States of America, through video link.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a revolutionary treatment method that offers healing from physical and emotional pain and disease.
Without the use of needles, this form of acupuncture uses the fingertips to stimulate energy points on the body
It works by tapping on acupressure meridians to release blockages. When these blockages are released, the problem feeling can be released and move through the body.
In an interview with The Clare Champion, Mr Byrnes believes the impact of Covid-19 is akin to post traumatic stress disorder for some people as it hit people suddenly and it has had a huge financial and emotional impact on them.
He said the people who are benefiting from his counselling sessions range from 53 to 82 years of age.
“This technique (EFT) is very effective and easy to teach. It is tailor made for to cope with fear, anxiety and many more emotional issues.
“I am receiving a lot of calls for help and advice. I can teach it through video link and mobile phone and I am working with mostly elderly at present.
“I am getting great feedback from people and the results are very encouraging. I do this free of charge and it is my contribution to the disaster which has exploded on us. I would like to help even more people during this pandemic.
“For elderly people who don’t know how to use a video link, I send them two leaflets, which explain the therapy in a simple way and them I phone them and take them through the three stages.
“This week I am doing follow up phone calls with people to see how they are doing after receiving the therapy,” he said.
He explained some people who are religious like to use the therapy when they are praying and it makes them calmer and releases anxiety symptoms such ads tightness in their stomach.
Currently on an invalidity pension, Mr Byrnes said he is not physically able to work in his previous job as a fitter but is able to help people through his therapy skills.
Having volunteered for a three-year period for the Samaritans from 2012 to 2015, he recalled that the experience he gained from helping people who were suffering from emotional distress has also proven to be very beneficial during his therapy work.
About a month ago, he said he provided therapy for a man living on his own in West Clare whose family are all gone and his only company is his dog.
According to Mr Byrnes, this man got great solace after completing the therapy.
As the financial impact of Covid-19 continues to unfold, he warned that people who can’t cope with losing their job or the loss of their financial independence may experience suicidal thoughts unless they get the proper supports.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.