About Us
We are a full-service, Trauma Based, Psychological, Counselling, Mental Health, private practice based in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. We help clients make true, meaningful, and mindful choices about their lives. We believe that therapy can provide a great platform to nurture personal growth and development. In a comfortable atmosphere, our therapists provide a highly person-centred approach designed to your individual needs.
The individuals, families and companies (EAP) we serve have complex needs. The clinical team is well-trained and qualified in various, effective evidence-based techniques to ensure the best is given to all our clients. They are passionate about their profession and always improve their skills. Our clinicians provide high-quality professional and compassionate service.
With three locations in Trinidad (South, East and West) and one in Tobago and now with our full ONLINE PLATFORM, we can provide safe and private therapeutic services to you whether in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean or anywhere in the world. The therapeutic bond is critical to us. If at any time you feel you would like to consult with another therapist within our practice, this can be arranged.
Call us, we are ready to answer all your questions.
Hanif E. A. Benjamin, LMSW, BSC., C.C.T., C.F.T
President & Chief Executive Officer,
The Centre For Human Development Limited
When Do I Know It Is Time to Seek Therapy?
If there are issues that may be causing distress or interferes with daily life, it may be time to seek therapy. This can mean negative thoughts, feelings, behaviours, or even a bodily feeling such as pain or fatigue. Critical, you may not want to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking therapy. If you often feel unhappy or feel overwhelmed and hopeless about your life, you may also want to seek therapy if you are. Therapy can also help if you cannot focus on work or school, experience addiction, or feel like hurting yourself or someone else.
Avoidant is real for some people, and some of the major reasons might be:
- Worry about the stigma that can come with mental health care
- Feelings of shame when speaking about past hurts
- Belief and or acknowledgment that anything is wrong
- Fear of confidential
Long Term Benefits of Therapy:
Over time, a therapist can help you:
-
GET UNSTUCK
Overcome old, unhealthy patterns or the feeling of being stuck. -
BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Create more rewarding relationships. -
GAIN CONFIDENCE
Regain faith in yourself and trust in your abilities. -
FIND PEACE
Confront negative feelings and experience greater happiness.
How Therapy Works
Vision
The Centre for Human Development Limited will become the premier Social Service Agency in Trinidad and Tobago, serving Children, Families, and the Community, determined to develop human capacity through continuous training and development.
Mission
Our mission is to facilitate continuity of care by strengthening families, building communities, and developing minds in an environment that fosters healing through solution-focused, person-centered practices.
Who We Work With
Our team work with Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families, Groups & Employee Assistance Programme. We help you develop understanding and acquire tools that will enable you to lead more fulfilled, balanced and rewarding lives.
Our Commitment
The Centre for Human Development Limited is committed to delivering social, psychological, and counselling services locally, regionally, and internationally. It is our distinct belief that those we serve are in the greatest position to chart their course and take control of their lives. Our commitment to you is to utilize our most skilled practitioners to deliver services to you utilizing best practices, person-centered, and solution-focused modalities.
Core Values
➢ EVERY PERSON WILL BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT
No person will be made to feel inadequate or “less than”, in any way. Every issue or situation will be treated with the level of dignity and respect it deserved.
➢ CONFIDENTIALLY ABOVE ALL
Every person, every case, and every situation will be treated with the utmost level of confidentiality afforded by law and with the level of ethics that govern our profession.
➢ ADVOCACY
No, is not an option, we will use our influence and knowledge to improve social conditions, expand community outreach, and develop resources for our families and communities.
➢ HIGH STANDARDS SET
We will set, meet, and surpass the highest standards for all of those whom we serve, along with the highest levels of business ethics, morals, and responsibility.
➢ SOLUTION FOCUSED
The Centre is committed to Solution-Focused Services, utilizing proven evidence-based competencies and abilities to move the individual and the family or community forward.
Meet Our Clinical Director
Hanif E. A. Benjamin, LMSW, BSC., C.C.T., C.F.T
The Centre for Human Development
Strengthening Families, Building Communities, Developing Minds
Testimonials
“As an educator, youth advocate and parent, I have attended sessions with the Centre For Human Development. I must say, it has really helped me in my profession and as a mother. The facilitators are well-learnt, experienced and very passionate with the delivery of their content. I have been in youth development for more than a decade and I am better equipped in identifying emotional disturbances and behavioural patterns that has been culturally seen as "misbehaviour'' when it goes beyond that. Attending any workshop with the Centre For Human Development is an asset and life skill that adds value to life, especially in these times.”
Mrs. Sumer Edwards-Williams
“Mr. Benjamin has provided Clinical Therapy for both my family and my business for the past two years. During those times, I have found Mr. Benjamin to be a very caring person, he has a humbleness and down to earth attitude about him that is none judgmental and is very much appreciated. As a Clinical Therapist it certainly is my honor and pleasure to recommend Mr. Benjamin and The Center for Human Development to any individual, family or organization that is looking for quality service with a difference.” “By his caring attitude and patience, he has impacted my life and my family life for the better”
Lisa Prescott
Mr. Benjamin has assisted me in my all-round development as a person. I was able to find a balance with my education, further ground myself spiritually, increase my physical wellness and most importantly regain my mental peace
Tyriq Jackson
Therapy played an important role in having my family to where we are today. Seeking help shows strength and I urge anyone to find that strength to make that first phone call. The Centre for Human Development has been my family source of strength. We were challenged with constant sibling arguments, battered self esteem and were quickly becoming dysfunctional. I engaged the services of TCHD led by the most compassionate and knowledgeable Dr. Hanif Benjamin. They offered a safe and comfortable place in which to unravel and offload some of the difficult feelings and emotions we were experiencing. The sessions were very intense and thought provoking at times yet full of laughter at some times. As my family continue this journey, these invaluable sessions have allowed us to see things in a different light and also to explore different ways to approach situations. We as a family are much stronger and closer because of our time spent at TCHD and I am eternally grateful to Dr. Benjamin and his team for all the help and support for us to improve the relationship with our loved ones.
Rosanna Sharma
Popular Questions
During the initial session, your therapist would like to know more about what has brought you to therapy. In the case of couple and family sessions, each person will be asked to share their perspectives. The therapist will ask questions about the problem to develop a deeper understanding and may also ask questions about solutions attempted, other issues, and individual histories. Within the first few sessions, your therapist will ask you about your goals for therapy. Subsequent sessions will focus on reaching your goals along with addressing obstacles and conflicts which may arise along the way.
Within our general framework, we usually meet with clients weekly. Weekly sessions allow for addressing important issues and maintain a sense of continuity through the process. However, the frequency of sessions is flexible and is based on your needs.
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled appointment to complete information forms. This will help the therapist know the reason(s) you are seeking services and how s/he can assist you. The therapist will meet with you for approximately 60 minutes. At this first session, you will be asked questions to clarify your current situation and history. The therapist will discuss treatment options with you.
Whatever you say in therapy, stays in therapy. However, there are times when a therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality:
- Harm to self or others. If a therapist believes that you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else, a family member, police, or ambulance will be called to ensure safety.
- A child under the age of 18 or an older adult in care is in danger. In these cases, Family and Children’s Services or the police will be called.
- Your files are subpoenaed by the court
- A client experienced a health emergency during a session. In this case, medical staff would be provided only with the necessary information. No information about why a client is in therapy will be shared.
Some therapists carry confidentiality into the community. We inform clients that if we see them in the community we will not say hello. We don’t want to put anyone in a situation where they have to explain how they know me. We are open to speaking to clients outside of the office, but they get to make the first contact
Since each of these professionals can provide mental health services, it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for you. The best way to explain it is by breaking down the services they provide.
- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has done extra training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can diagnose a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia, and prescribe any necessary medication. Some psychiatrists provide therapy to their patients, but due to the shortage of psychiatrists, in my experience, they usually provide diagnosis and medication management. Psychiatrists may refer their patients to therapists/psychologists for therapy.
- Psychologist: Psychologists hold at least a master’s degree in psychology and also go as far as obtaining a Doctorate. They are qualified to diagnose mental health issues, but not prescribe medication. They provide counseling.
TCHD accepts all insurance forms. Please walk with your form and a referral.