Transforming Trauma Through Growth and Creativity:
Joining us at the Healing Through Photography conference this April will be Dr. Paul Gallagher and Aidan McNeill from the WAVE Trauma Centre. Together, they will share their experiences on trauma, resilience, and post-traumatic growth, offering valuable insights into how individuals can move beyond their pain to find healing and hope.
WAVE Trauma Centre: Supporting post-conflict Northern Ireland
The WAVE Trauma Centre has long been a pillar of support for those affected by the Troubles/Conflict in Northern Ireland. In addition to assisting survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) since 2020, WAVE launched a new service in 2022 to support survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses (MBMLW). Their holistic approach to healing emphasises not only surviving trauma but also thriving beyond it—a philosophy that resonates deeply with this year’s conference theme.
Dr. Paul Gallagher: From trauma to post-traumatic growth
Dr. Paul Gallagher brings an incredibly inspiring and deeply personal story to his work at WAVE. Having been severely injured during the Troubles, Paul first came to WAVE as a client seeking support for his trauma. Yet, his journey didn’t end there. Driven by a desire to understand his own experiences more fully, Paul began to learn about trauma and the possibility of growth beyond it.
This pursuit led him to achieve both a Master’s and Doctorate in Trauma Studies, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects his belief in being more than his injuries. Today, Paul works within WAVE’s Education Team, where he contributes to WAVE’s degree program and leads client-focused educational initiatives.
At the conference, Paul will share his extraordinary journey from trauma to resilience, illuminating how the right support systems can transform people’s pain into strength, purpose, and renewed identity.
Aidan McNeill: Nurturing healing through community and creativity
Aidan McNeill, a Health and Wellbeing Caseworker at WAVE for over five years, works closely with individuals and families impacted by the Troubles. With postgraduate qualifications in trauma studies, Aidan is committed to helping clients improve their overall health and wellbeing.
A key component of Aidan’s approach involves facilitating supportive group environments, where shared experiences foster healing and community. It was in this context that Aidan first encountered Belfast Exposed’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Photography Programme, an initiative that harnesses the power of creative expression to support emotional recovery.
At the conference, Aidan will discuss his frontline experiences supporting trauma survivors. Using compelling case studies, he will illustrate the long-lasting impact of therapeutic photography on clients’ mental health, demonstrating how creative outlets can empower individuals to process trauma, rebuild self-esteem, and find new meaning.
Join us at the Healing Through Photography conference
This collaborative presentation by Paul and Aidan promises to be a deeply moving and insightful exploration of trauma recovery. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of how education, community support, and creative expression can facilitate not just survival, but genuine post-traumatic growth.
Their combined perspectives—one rooted in personal transformation and academic insight, the other grounded in practical, client-centred care—will offer a holistic view of healing that resonates with anyone navigating the complexities of trauma.
Tickets for the conference are available here.