Dr. Shannon Hodges Volunteers Counseling Expertise In South Africa
Dr. Shannon Hodges, professor and coordinator of Niagara University’s clinical mental health counseling program, spent four weeks performing volunteer work in South Africa during May and June. He volunteered his counseling, training and consultation services in six different orphanages, making 18 presentations (ranging from 1-5 hours apiece) and assisting in group and individual counseling. He also served as consultant on treatment issues with children ranging from 6 months to 18 years of age.
“Many of the children are HIV orphans, though others have been removed from their families due to neglect of various types of abuse and neglect,” Dr. Hodges noted. “Thus, most of my work was focused on understanding the role trauma plays in the lives of the children and how the staff can promote resilience.”