Former teacher on a mission to become Guyana’s first child psychologist

Mental health problems affect about 1 in every 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.

Denicia Monabassi Andrea Williams

Alarmingly, however, 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

However, there aren’t any child psychologists in Guyana, and as such, children with mental illness would have to seek intervention when they turn an adult. However, there is hope. 

One young psychologist who is hoping to be the change is Denicia Monabassi – (African) Andrea Williams. She is on a mission to become Guyana’s first child psychologist.

Her name was uniquely given by her parents, whom she said are firm believers that giving your children good names creates a path that leads to a good reputation. Interestingly Denicia means “Daughter of Light,” a name she strives daily to live up to. 

On June 12, 1994, one hot Sunday, a beautiful, healthy, chubby baby girl was born to Donna Williams (deceased) and Andre Williams in Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), uniquely enough at home.

Now, once you tell people you are a Buxtonian, they already have their predisposed ideas about you. But Denicia is one to watch. 

Well, who says good things can’t come out of Buxton? I am a living example.  I am a Seventh-Day Adventist, and my father, Ps Andre Williams, serves in that capacity. So yes, I am a Preacher’s Kid. During my early years.

Denicia, the only girl and the eldest among two brothers, grew up in Buxton, ECD. Growing up for Denicia was different from the average child. She attended the Winfer Gardens Nursery and Primary schools, subsequently St. Gabriel’s Primary School. Her high school years were spent at North West Secondary School. 

According to the Buxtonian, she had limited or not much socialisation due to several circumstances. One such was the 2002 jailbreak that ravaged the community. 

I was exposed to a battlefield by day and a warzone by night. Where I lived was in the heart, all that took place. I recall having to hide under my bed many nights for the fear of bullets that would pass through our home. We were forced to move because we started to receive death threats. Outdoor time was restricted not by choice, rather as a safety measure. I was 10 years old when I experienced my first traumatic incident.

Due to the many relocating instances, Denicia said that it soon reflected on her performance at school. 

Mentally, I was frustrated, and little did I know it was affecting me holistically. Over time, my dad decided to become a minister of Religion, adding to my already overwhelming life. It was through all these major life experiences, fueled my passion and commitment to the profession I am in today.

After writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, Denicia had her heart set on becoming a Doctor, but little did she know that life had bigger plans in store for her. 

For a while, I was stuck unsure of what route to take. As I sat reflecting one day about how difficult my life was and how impossible it is for me to overcome these emotional scars, I followed in the path of restoration with a scholarship provided by the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist. I pursued a Bachelor of Science In Psychology at the University of the Southern Caribbean.

During her studies, she realised her love for proper care, understanding, and nurturing children through all the correct stages of development. Reflecting on her childhood, the 26-year-old woman noted that she was robbed of the opportunity to be a child. As such, she aims to be an advocate for the voices that cannot be heard. 

“Being a psychologist is a uniquely rewarding gift, and the power it gives creates an atmosphere of healing, hope, and peace. Each day as I interact with varied persons from all walks of life, I aspire to leave with them hope. It takes courage, extra effort to decide firstly to walk into a place that is seen as a taboo to many Guyanese and to say I need help in coping with life’s challenges and situations.” 

She added, “This warrants enough for me to be a listening ear and supportive of the process of self-empowerment.  Saying I want to take care of myself mentally and during that period hoping you are stigmatized and victimized shows the bravery and strength of the individual. As such, in each interaction, I strive to promote hope despite the odds.” 

This young psychologist said that the most satisfying aspect of her job is seeing growth and development a person would receive overtime due to their commitment to becoming a new person. Thriving as a Psychologist in Guyana is a task and is slowly becoming a part of our societal diaspora. One thing to note is the stigma attached to Mental Health. It is easy for the common person to associate this area with “mad persons.” 

While Psychotic and manic disorders are aspects of mental health, it also covers areas of interest like depression, anxiety, and other illnesses. In my effort to make people aware of what mental health is, I would create a sensitization platform that features the likes of letting all know what mental health is about and what you can do as an individual to help persons struggling. The more we know, the better equipped we are to help people access the services provided for their betterment.

This former teacher/assistant teacher at the Georgetown International Academy credited her success to her mom – the late Donna Williams, whom she said played an instrumental role in her life. 

“My mom was my anchor, rock, support, and best friend. Losing her taught me so much. I must admit, like any other human, I battled with depression after her passing.  I am thankful to God for sending persons within my life to help me get back on my feet, such as my Fiance, my dad, brothers, close friends, and family, who encouraged me up to this very moment. Please note that I will forever be eternally grateful for all that was done.” 

Denicia added, “If it’s one thing I live by is a prayerful life and one that involves God always. I will encourage all to place your life and all that you desire to accomplish in his hand and watch him do wonders. I am a living witness, and I know he is not done with me yet. Do not allow anything or anyone to deter you from being successful. You have it within you. Believe it, claim it, dream it, achieve it with his help. Lastly, whatever you do, ensure there is a love for it; if not, it would become meaningless and defeat the true intentions.”

Apart from being a Psychologist at the Ministry of Health under the Mental Health Unit, Denicia is an avid writer who plans to publish her first of many books soon. The upcoming author said that she had written five pieces for a Women’s devotional for the Women’s Ministries Department of the  Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist.

Outside of being a therapist, Denicia has her eyes set on becoming a professional singer/songwriter. 

Denicia would be reading for her Master of Science in Psychology (MS) with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology at the Southern New Hampshire University soon. She also plans to complete her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Child Psychology. 

She aspires to become the first child psychologist in Guyana and set up a private practice that aids in helping, healing, and creating a well-rounded generation. Her ultimate priority is to create awareness and offer ways to change our approaches in dealing with children and adolescents for a productive society.