Barry University is proud to announce the Bahamas Medical Mission 2024, an initiative that
underscores our commitment to fostering mental well-being and resilience within the
community. This year, we are placing a spotlight on mental health with a series of free group
counseling and psychoeducation sessions designed to meet the needs of individuals and
families. Our doors are open wide—no appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are warmly
welcomed.
Our diverse range of sessions includes managing anxiety and depression, effective parenting
techniques, grief and loss coping strategies, addressing substance abuse and violence,
improving family communication, and providing PTSD support in schools. This mission is
supported by the Bahamas Counseling Team, comprising esteemed faculty and clinical
supervisors like Dr. George Vera and Dr. Jane Simmons, as well as a dedicated group of
counselors stationed across various clinics in Nassau.
In concert with our skilled counseling students, who will participate as co-facilitators, we aim to
create a supportive environment where growth and healing can flourish. We invite you to be
part of this transformative experience and encourage you to make use of the abundant
resources available for counseling in Nassau. Join us in this journey toward mental health
empowerment at the Barry University Bahamas Medical Mission 2024.
TOPICS FOR GROUP THERAPY DIALOG
Managing Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults.
The condition causes persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt that lasts longer
than two weeks. These symptoms can make it difficult to meet the responsibilities of work and
school and cause people to withdraw from loved ones and social situations.
Managing Anxiety
Many people feel anxious from time to time. But when feelings of anxiety occur regularly and
begin to interfere with your job, relationships, or other aspects of your daily life, it’s time to
pursue professional anxiety treatment.
Effective Parenting Tips
While it is true that there is no single definition or correct method of good parenting, a few
parenting tips could go a long way in ensuring the happiness of your child.
Grief & Loss Coping Strategies
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or
someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may
experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt,
and profound sadness.
Addressing Substance Abuse & Violence
Substance abuse has been associated with violent behavior for many decades. While the
relationship is the same today as it was in the past, the pervasiveness of the association and the
consequences are more dramatic. Violence can be and is perpetrated under the influence of
substances, and it can be related to substance abuse, which is all too often focused in poor and
underserved communities.
Improving Family Communication
Family communication refers to the way verbal and non-verbal information is exchanged
between family members (Epstein, Bishop, Ryan, Miller & Keitner, 1993). Communication
involves the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feelings.
BAHAMAS COUNSELING TEAM
Faculty/Clinical Supervisors
Dr. George Vera
Dr. Jane Simmons
Flamingo Gardens Clinic - Carmichael Rd
Keilli Brathwaite
Vernay Cambridge Arthur
Chanda Roberts
Elizabeth Estates Clinic - Prince Charles Drive
Keri Walker
D’Angelo Thompson
South Beach Health Centre - South Beach Road
Shendryka Miller
Nerissa Butler
Ashley Mortimer
Group Counseling Students
A group of counseling students will be participating as co-facilitators.