Melissa Comeau discusses her journey into Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) after discovering Dr. Paul Guillory’s,EFT work which focuses on black and brown people and people of color. She highlights the importance of his resources, including his book, which is a case study collection on African American couples.

Melissa emphasizes the significance of Caribbean EFT, which culturally tailors EFT processes for black and Caribbean clients, and recounts her valuable experiences in their four-day training program. She appreciates the sense of community and culturally specific training provided by Caribbean EFT, and how it has influenced her practice as a solo practitioner in Florida.

She plans to integrate more culturally focused questions in her assessments and expresses strong support for Caribbean EFT, urging other therapists interested in culturally informed EFT to engage with the organization.

Dear Editor: Public figures must stop reckless habit of filming while driving

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Michael Phillips shares his life journey, highlighting his multifaceted talents and achievements. As a national cyclist, artist, and musician, Phillips discusses his upbringing in a family passionate about cycling, his mother’s influence on his artistic side, and how art helped fund his cycling endeavors. Unexpectedly, music became a significant part of his life during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading him to compose and perform songs.

Despite his diverse interests, Phillips grapples with procrastination and constantly strives to push his limits. He reflects on Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, noting a lack of support for sports and the arts, which is influenced by societal tendencies towards alcohol consumption.

Phillips emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and pursuing one’s passions, regardless of external validation.

He concludes by encouraging others to learn new skills and embrace activities that challenge them.

Amanda Thomas shares her experience attending an EFT externship program, highlighting how the program exceeded her expectations by focusing on culture and race in relationships.

She appreciates the global applicability of the EFT model and its specific relevance to the Caribbean context, particularly in fostering nonjudgmental listening and understanding between partners. Amanda notes the importance of cultural influences in couple dynamics, underscoring the need for therapists to consider these factors during counseling. As a counseling psychologist, she finds joy in helping couples achieve deeper connections through understanding and sharing their emotions.

Amanda recommends the EFT externship for therapists seeking to improve their skills and encourages both therapists and couples to persevere in their efforts, emphasizing that the work is worth it if done with love.

In this video, Dr. Jo-Anne Tull — educator and cultural industries consultant—explores the many roles she balances and her impactful work in arts administration and entrepreneurial development. She sheds light on the opportunities and obstacles Caribbean artists face, particularly the policy gaps that limit standardized earnings and access to financial systems.

Drawing on models from countries like Canada and Ireland, Tull illustrates how sound policy can empower the arts. She advocates for greater financial literacy and structural support for emerging creatives, emphasizing the Caribbean’s vast and untapped cultural wealth. Despite the pressure to pursue conventional careers, she notes a growing enthusiasm for arts education among young people.

Tull also highlights the importance of dreaming and strategic thinking for creative success, closing with an encouraging message: pursue your passion, trust your talent, and never stop imagining what’s possible.