It has been said that poor mental health is like a cinder block tied to one’s ankle, dragging victims into the earth’s deepest oceans of oblivion.
Worldwide, universities are trying to find a cure for the raging epidemic that seems most prevalent within individuals in their teens to late twenties.
Results indicate that campus health services are far more in demand than the provided resources.
However, individuals such as Mayte Redcay, a previous Elizabethtown College staff counselor, are the light at the end of the tunnel to those in need.
Redcay left her counseling job at the College with a heavy heart, expressing that she loved all of her students equally and valued the relationship they shared.
She also added that she missed her fellow colleagues as well, not only for the friendship they had shared but also for their insight on different mental health scenarios.
Currently, she is an instructor at her alma mater, Rutgers University.
However, her genuine care for her patients and her ambition to fight the mental health epidemic are undeniable. Redcay possesses numerous certificates and degrees, including a Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW), Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCDAC), a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in education.
“Many individuals would prefer a therapist who avoids trying to ‘fix’ them or tell them what to do,” she explained. “I incorporate ideas from natural healing, tapping into your inner strength.”
Even though Redcay is from Guatemala, she obtained most of her degrees and certifications in English, not Spanish. Redcay moved to New York City shortly prior to 2000.
Her counseling style is unique and designed to build a relationship with her patients while understanding what they have been through. She strives to improve her healing methods after every patient.
Redcay is a passion-driven individual, constantly searching for the answers to help those who are struggling. By assisting individuals to embrace their inner strength, Redcay does not use the same treatment method for all who seek her services.
“When working amongst different backgrounds and upbringings, nothing compares to those within the college setting,” Redcay said. “Campus life is like moving to a new country and learning a new culture.”
Redcay stated numerous times to not assume what someone is going through, explaining that every person that had come to her office for help had a special place in her heart and made a significant memory.
She recommended that students interested in the field of counseling speak to clients in person because of the lack of body language when communicating on the phone and online.
Redcay provided services free of judgement of any religion, sexual orientation or past struggles, regardless if someone asked for her help as a mentor or through counseling services.
Currently, as an instructor, Redcay expresses the importance of this relationship with her students, as well.
“Educate, teach and don’t pass judgement,” she stated. “Use your knowledge to benefit all those around you, regardless to if you think they’re struggling or not.”
Nov. 2018 will embark Redcay’s next mission as she travels to Italy as a domestic violence advocate.
Redcay advises future social justice and mental health advocates to “fight the lion. When you succeed, help the next.”
Although Redcay’s departure from Etown brings feelings of sadness to many, she carries the Blue Jay motto, “Educate for Service” to everyone she encounters.
