Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and with humanity. As a person first. Not as a disorder
My therapeutic methods are scientifically grounded (that is, based on evidence-based approaches) and person-centered. Each individual should be viewed as uniquely human, and operating within broader environments (like families, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and so on). I offer a range of services including: psychological therapies, behavioural sleep services, workshops and research consultancy.
It is my fundamental belief that people who seek mental health services are neither 'crazy' nor 'mad'. These terms are discriminatory and unhelpful, yet still they are perpetuated in our society; indeed in all societies. Each of us will at some point in time be in need of help, this is not weakness but rather a very normal part of human existence that has transcended over generations, and despite differences in culture or geography.
People who seek mental health services are actually the ones who will push mental health care to be perceived as routine, normal and necessary for good overall health. If we continue to treat mental health as a second to physical health (or in some cases mental health is treated with disdain or even ignored completely), then we miss the opportunities to enhance our own well-beings and those we care about, we fail to optimise our family units, our workplaces, our reationships and our potential for happiness and personal fulfilment. As individuals we must rise to the occasion, we all have a part to play in elevating good mental health as a basic human right for us all.
Having clinical, research and broader systems degrees related to individual mental health, sleep and the societies in which we function serves to go beyond viewing mental distress as simply an individual pathology.
Mental distress is always more complex than just the individual - we know we do not live in a vacuum, we are not islands - we are all part of bigger systems with which we interact with every day - families, schools, workplaces, places of sport, or worship and so on. An integrated and individualized approach to care is the most realistic, sustainable and science-based pathway to good mental health care.
Formal qualifications of Dr. Priya E. Maharaj PhD, CPsychol, CSci, FBPsS
Doctoral Level
PhD in Psychology (Developmental Specialization, 2010); The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
Master's Level
MSc in Sleep Medicine with Distinction (2018); University of Oxford
MSc in Clinical Psychology with Distinction (2013); The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad.
MSc Sustainable Development (Specialization in Development Management, with Merit, 2008); University of London
MSc in Sociology (2006); The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
BSc Psychology and Economics (Double Major, 2004); The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
Professional memberships
Chartered psychologist (CPsychol). This is a designation from the British Psychological Society and represents the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.
Chartered scientist (CSci). This is a designation from the British Psychological Society on behalf of the UK Science Council that represents a single chartered mark for all scientists, recognising the highest levels of professionalism and competence in science (in this case, psychological science).
Fellow of the British Psychological Society (FBPsS). The FBPsS designation is the highest member title of the BPS. This designation represents an outstanding contribution to psychology held in esteem, beyond one’s local environment, department or service – as evidenced by influence on science or practice.
Full Member of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists
Member of the American Psychological Association