Defence Personnel

Service life is a commitment to something bigger. It offers a sense of camaraderie, pride and purpose and takes a great deal of moral character, but it also involves moments of high pressure and unwelcome change. Whether you’re managing operational tempo, juggling family responsibilities or preparing for or returning from deployment, the emotional toll can be overwhelming.

Trauma, anxiety and adjustment issues are common during and after service. At NextGen Psychology, David Merrick draws on his own experience as both a uniformed and contracted clinician to offer support that’s practical and respectful. He understands the values, demands and complexities of service, and offers a space to work through what’s next with clarity and empathy.

Military training builds control, focus and discipline, but the structure and expectations of defence life can affect relationships. We offer support for clients facing challenges with communication, trust, unmet emotional needs, boundary issues and avoidance. Whether it’s with a partner, family member or colleague, relationship tension often reflects the pressure people are under, both from the demands of service and the emotional weight carried at home.

Long-term stress and trauma frequently leads to irritability, emotional shutdown and reactivity. It is not unusual to suppress emotions during service, but this can create distance at home. Partners and families carry their own burdens too, and resentment or misunderstanding happens. With the right support, openness can return, as can a greater sense of connection and ease.