ST. THOMAS — Serenity Wellness and Counseling, a newly opened mental health practice, is now providing much-needed support to the St. Thomas community. Founded by Nour Suid, a licensed professional counselor and St. Thomas native, Serenity Wellness aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking to improve their mental health.
Nour Suid, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from California Southern University and a master’s in counseling and special education from the University of the Virgin Islands, has long been passionate about helping others. Her interest in psychology began in high school, where career assessments and encouragement from friends led her to pursue a career in counseling.
Reflecting on her journey, Suid said, “In high school, I used to always give advice to my friends, and they used to say, ‘Oh, you’d be a great therapist,’ or ‘You are a great listener.’” This encouragement set her on the path to opening her own practice, where she could make a positive impact on her community.
Serenity Wellness offers a wide range of services, including individual counseling, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Suid’s specialties include treating mood disorders, managing stress and anger, and addressing childhood disorders. Each client at Serenity Wellness receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, whether they attend sessions weekly or monthly.
In addition to traditional therapy, Suid plans to offer various therapy groups, including a cancer patient support group, a mindfulness group, a children’s social group, and a women’s support group. These groups are designed to foster connection and mutual support among participants, particularly for women facing common stressors and challenges.
“A lot of the women that I see in therapy tend to experience similar stressors or difficulties, and they don’t know it,” Suid explained. “Being able to connect with other women who want to work on body image and nutrition, or relationships, allows them to empower and support each other.”
Education is another key component of Suid’s practice. She is committed to raising awareness about mental health issues and equipping the community with the tools to recognize and address these challenges. “Some people will experience depression or anxiety or PTSD and not know that’s what they are experiencing,” Suid said. “They think it’s normal, it’s fine, and they don’t have the coping tools for it.”
Suid also plans to offer educational presentations to help parents, teachers, and other community members identify signs of mental health issues in children and others who may need support. She believes that increasing accessibility to mental health services is crucial, especially in a community like St. Thomas, where natural disasters and economic challenges can exacerbate mental health issues.
“Accessibility not only reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health care by normalizing these services within the community, but also enhances overall community well-being and resilience,” Suid explained.
Suid encourages anyone who may have given up on therapy to reconsider, noting that different therapists have different approaches, and finding the right fit can make all the difference. She also offers a free 15-minute consultation for those interested in exploring the potential benefits of therapy.
As a member of the Association of Virgin Islands Psychologists, Suid is committed to collaboration and knowledge sharing among mental health professionals. She invites other professionals and students in the field to join the association and work together to enhance the impact of mental health services in the community.
“It’s OK to not be OK,” Suid emphasized, encouraging those who are struggling to seek the support they need. With the opening of Serenity Wellness, residents of St. Thomas now have greater access to compassionate and professional mental health care.
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