Immigrants and refugees have often experienced significant trauma, the effects of which remain with them when they move to the US.  In addition, many come from cultures with little awareness or knowledge of mental health disorders.  Often times, understanding the basics about trauma and how it affects our mind and bodies can provide relief and open the door for longer-term healing.

General Mental Health Training

Dr. Vredeveld hosts focus groups with leaders in local immigrant and refugee communities to understand the stressors they face and what mental health training would be most relevant in their community.  She then trains these leaders in basic listening skills and stress management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to serve as mental health liaisons in their communities.

She is currently working with Bhutanese refugees in Cincinnati on stress management and domestic violence awareness training.  This program is part of Project HOPE and is funded by the Asian Community Alliance of Cincinnati.

 

Bhutanese Community Liaisons, Asian Community Alliance[team id=”877″]

Interested in bringing mental health training to your community? Please contact Dr. Vredeveld to discuss.

 

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Sexual Assault Awareness

Recent estimates indicate that one in five college students experience sexual assault and one in four Asian-American and Asian-International students experience sexual assault. The incidence of these assaults can be reduced by having more open conversation about sexual assault, breaking the silence and stigma around these topics.

Through Asian Community Alliance in Cincinnati, Dr. Vredeveld works with Asian-American students at local universities to open up dialogue about sexual assault and empower survivors to become supports for one another and advocates in the larger community.  She recently helped a group of Asian-American students from the University of Cincinnati form a student-led sexual assault awareness group.