In today’s world, our families are faced with many stressors; including financial stress, marital stress, sexual stress, behavioural stress, etc. Family therapy or family counselling is designed to address specific issues that affect the psychological health of the family. It may be used as the primary mode of treatment or as…
We are a full-service, psychological, counselling, mental health, private practice based in Trinidad and Tobago and the Region. 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-centered approach designed to your individual needs.
Call us, we are ready to answer all your questions.
Strengthening families, building communities, developing minds
Your Choice
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.
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.
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
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 Mr. 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
Mr Benjamin along with The Centre for Human Development provided for me a confidential and safe space to explore and attempt to understand myself. This judgment-free zone lends an expanse of knowledge in simple terms which further cements the integrity upheld. I was quite content with the services provided and highly recommended to anyone.
Emma Rahman
Hanif is a grounded, serious & insightful traumatologist professional, who delves deeply into the issues as presented and tells you what he sees, exactly as he sees it. He takes a pragmatic and evidence-based approach that, when combined with his dry humour, can elicit a smile in the midst of your own perceived quagmire. Much to cogitate upon and much homework to do. 🙂 I am grateful.
Anonymous
I loved my experience thus far with TCHD and the use of technology to remind me about meetings. He is very calming and easy to speak to and seems to love what he does.
Anonymous
A truly excellent service delivered with kindness, diplomacy, and honesty. Hanif is exceptional at what he does and I could not more highly recommend TCHD.
Client from England
I felt comfortable and was satisfied with my first visit and looking forward to working with TCHD.
Anonymous
I am usually a private person and it's difficult for me to open up and express myself to anyone even therapists in the past but I found myself speaking freely, openly and comfortably with Mr Benjamin. It was like speaking to a very close trusted friend but also a professional. I must say that now I am in a much better place mentally, emotionally and also spiritually after my sessions at TCHD. Thank you and God bless.
Anonymous
“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
Very professional, welcome and relaxing service. Thank you for helping me cope with my traumatic experience 😊
Anonymous
Professional and experts in their field The session was on spot, it focus on the topic, was very interactive and very much needed at this time. It touched on root causes and provided remedies that can be implemented right away.
Anonymous
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
Very professional, confidential services provided. Totally comfortable and at ease during sessions. Feels like family...
Anonymous
I am amazed at how much relief I experienced after my first session. Family and friends noticed and commented. I look forward to working with my counsellor
Anonymous
Mr Benjamin's experience and knowledge in the area of trauma provide a very comfortable and safe space for me to be able to share my experiences. I don't feel like he is overlooking or telling me to 'get over it quickly' but rather he allows me to know that it's a process and I actually left feeling like I am doing better than I give myself credit for given everything I have been through
Anonymous
I am not a person who usually goes to therapy. However, having experienced this and the service that was offered at TCHD, I would recommend this to anyone. I was handled and spoken to with care and respect, and I was made to feel comfortable, welcomed and heard. The advice given was spot on, as well as tools I can use to further improve my mental well-being as a person will go a long way on my journey of self-improvement, self-care, and self-love. As a result of this, I see hope for my future with regard to my work, personal and social lives.
Anonymous
I will continue to recommend TCHD to all and sundry. Good mental health is also a component of our wealth. Thank you, TCHD! Keep up the great work, Hanif E.A. Benjamin!!
Anonymous
Hanif is amazing; he has helped me so much in such a short space of time. I am very pleased with my therapist, already I am seeing things in a different way, and I am eager to have future sessions that would further aid me in improving on my current struggles. Great opportunity for openness and honesty, and great feedback.
Anonymous
Absolutely prompt. Facilitates postponing appointments. Follow-up appointment sent quickly.
Anonymous
The sessions were made to be very comfortable, informative, and helpful. A lot was learnt.
Anonymous
The experience was comfortable. I liked the virtual option should the need arise which it did for one of the sessions. I appreciate the thorough approach to understanding and guiding, covering the bases.
Anonymous
As a person having this type of interaction for the first time, I was made to feel very relaxed and comfortable throughout the exercise. The conduct of the sessions was very thorough and professional in my opinion where knowledge and experience were never in question. Excellent The space was very welcoming. Mr Benjamin was very patient and was able to help me identify where my areas of challenge existed. Would definitely recommend it.
Anonymous
Popular Questions
Therapy can be helpful when you want to make changes in your life. When you feel stuck in old patterns, a therapist can help you to explore different perspectives and discover new solutions. Many people feel like they should be able to tackle problems on their own. Deciding to consult a therapist is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, a commitment to making positive changes in your life is a sign of strength. Therapy isn’t easy. But individuals willing to work in close partnership with their Therapist or psychologist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Going to therapy is an investment in yourself.
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.
