ST. LUCIAN born licensed psychotherapist and Assistant Professor, Dr. Wendy Greenidge, visited the island this month with a group of 18 Masterās Level counselling students and three professors from Lamar University in Texas, USA.
During their one-week stay, students completed the curriculum for their Academic Residency Course and were immersed in the St. Lucian culture. They also toured the National Wellness Centre and learned about mental health programmes in St. Lucia. The students improved their multicultural counselling skills and completed advocacy projects which detailed various ways in which they can assist with further development of mental health counselling programmes in St. Lucia.
Dr.Greenidge and Lamar University partnered with the Department of Health Sciences at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) to host two mental health workshops at the National Wellness Centre. The first workshop which trained participants in Mental Health Facilitation, was designed by the National Board for Certified Counselors- International to educate and train individuals with diverse backgrounds.
The goal of the programme is not to create a new mental health profession but rather to equip participants with the skills and tools needed to identify mental health needs, support those in need and make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals when necessary. The goal is to provide participants with basic helping and referral skills to increase service capacity for meeting mental health needs.
At the second workshop on suicide prevention participants identified warning signs, contributing and protective factors and learned techniques aimed at reducing suicidal behaviours. Participants were trained in innovative, practical and proven strategies to help save lives and make a positive impact in the lives of those around them.
Dr.Greenidge will be facilitating additional mental health workshops on the island for the next few weeks.