Belizean Counselors Receive Training in Trauma-Informed Care

Over thirty counselors and social workers are gathered in Belize City this week for a special training on delivering trauma-informed care. The training is being hosted by the Counseling Services Unit in the Ministry of Human Development and aims to improve the services provided to individuals receiving therapy. Onando St. Bernard, Counseling Coordinator for the Ministry, explained that the participants are being trained to deliver counseling in a way that identifies trauma as the core issue, rather than perceiving something as inherently wrong with the individual. St. Bernard noted that a key element of this approach involves using the right language during counseling sessions.

One of the participants, Naomi Vargas, a counselor who deals with special needs children, said that the workshop is empowering her with resources and strategies to implement. Vargas says that many special needs children experience trauma resulting from not being able to properly articulate their wants and needs.

The three-day workshop is being held at the Caribbean Motors conference room on the Philip Goldson Highway.