Jake and Linda,
I was just browsing through the web site and saw your information regarding "Support Bonaire". I am currently involved in an attempt to offer professionals, on Bonaire, training in EMDR. Yet we need funding in order to make it happen! Your foundation would be a perfect place for donations from the public
I hope you don't mind if I digress here and provide you with a little history about what I am working on? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice in Colorado. Over the last year and a half I have been developing relationships with folks in the the mental health system on Bonaire and have offered trainings to the staff on various topics.
If you read either NOBO, Antilliaans Dagblad, or EXTRA, there was an article with photos in all 3 papers about the talk on "motivating people to begin the change process". I gave the talk last week. I come to Bonaire twice a year and will continue to offer training to the staff as long as I can offer them something useful. My husband and I are hoping to spend extended periods of time in Bonaire in the future and this is a way I can give to and become more involved in the community.
The following organizations had staff in attendance DGH,SEK,GVI i RK Schoolbestuur i trahado soshalnan.
In collaboration with various agencies who provide mental health services on Bonaire, we are hoping to bring in trainers in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)to train psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychologists, and counseling education specialist in this highly effective technique.
EMDR has been empirically validated, through extensive outcome studies conducted around the world, for the treatment of trauma (physical, emotional, sexual, and panic and anxiety disorders. It is also being found effective in helping athletes enhance their performance after a troubling athletic event/performance). I am trained in the technique, and have used it in my clinical practice for many years, however, do not hold the credentials necessary to offer a training.
I am a member of an international organization called EMDRIA. Under the umbrella of EMDRIA there is a sub group of professionals called HAP(Humanitarian Assistance Program), which offer training for clinicians in under served areas around the world. In my research of the area, I have been unable to find any one in Bonaire or Curacao who could offer training.
In order to bring trainers to Bonaire, their expenses for flight and ground time need to be covered. There is a possibility, that the government might cover the cost of their lodging and food, as we have an alliance with Deputy Governor Croom, but we must find a way to cover the cost of airfare. The trainers in turn would not charge for their services.
Any way, I apologize for the length of this, but if this sounds like a venture for some collaboration, please send me back an e-mail! I am back in Colorado again so communication is best done via e-mail. Thanks, Michaela Cooney-Polstra
"It has been said that we are all just visitors on this earth and when we depart, the mark we leave will be represented by "The Dash" between the dates on our gravestone. The worth of our lives will not be measured by what we have accumulated, but more by what we have given back. The power to make a difference in someone else's life exists in all of us." Thomas,R. RN, Ph.D.(2004) Make the Dash Count. EMDRIA Newsletter,9(2). June 2004 |
By michaela cooney-polastra (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 5:51 pm: 
