“During my teenage years, I had an impactful encounter with a motivational speaker. It helped me to believe that I could overcome the challenges I faced. Despite my introverted nature, I felt God calling me to use my voice to inspire others, just as I had been inspired. It became my personal mission to be an encourager and to bring hope to those in despair. This mission guided my decision to pursue studies in the field of Psychology. I thought to myself… “if I want to inspire people, I must first understand people.” Along the way, circumstances in life led me to see the importance of faith. Without my faith in God, it would not be possible for me to promote hope, motivate change and inspire others.”

-Jael Kristen Davis, Founder of Faith Steps

B.Sc.

Psychology

First Class Honors, FSS Valedictorian

UWI St. Augustine

2015

M.Sc.

Clinical Psychology

With Distinction

UWI Mona

2018

Professional Experiences

I have worked with and/or participated in projects under varying organizations including but not limited to:

Douglas and Associates Ltd

Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

United Nations Development Programme

Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago

Lily Luxe Ltd (Mind and Body Clinic)

My Journey

Growing up in the vibrant, multicultural nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I was fascinated by differences in human personality, cultural practices and behavior from an early age. While observing people often captivated me, I was also disheartened when I encountered the “not so good sides” of human interaction – dysfunctional relationships, oppressive systems, and discrimination. I began asking myself:

  • Can individual, community or organizational change really happen?
  • Do people really heal?
  • Is it not better to keep to yourself and avoid trying to help people?

Even while rigorously pursuing academic and professional goals, these questions sometimes made my faith waiver, and the calling I once felt so strongly from God would occasionally feel like a distant memory.

Where has my journey led me?

After obtaining a master’s degree in clinical psychology, I became qualified to practice as an associate and master’s level clinical psychologist in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. In this capacity, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, organizations, and communities. Through this work, I have been vicariously exposed to broken families, domestic violence, toxic workplaces, and the emotional distress experienced by people of all walks of life. This exposure led me to several important conclusions about human behavior, which I now make every effort to raise awareness about:

  • Every human being has fought battles and faced trials in their life.
  • Many people are doing the best they can, based on what they have learned.
  • An individual diagnosed with a depressive disorder can laugh and find joy again.
  • A married couple who has endured the worst of storms can rediscover love.
  • A child’s core need is to be loved and protected.
  • Pride often leads to the downfall of individuals, groups, and societies.
  • No group or organization is perfect, but openness and willingness to grow unlocks great potential.
  • Broken homes are often at the root of many social ills.
  • Effective social policies and programs are crucial for lasting behavioral, social and systemic change.

Restored Faith….

Perhaps the most important conclusion I have drawn is this:

Change, growth and healing require vulnerability and humility – qualities not everyone is ready to embrace. While some may never choose change, faith – believing the desired outcome is already achieved even before seeing it, makes transformation attainable.

Where do I stand now? I believe that:

  • Regardless of their past, people can become better versions of themselves – one step at a time in faith.
  • Being able to reach or help even a few is better than helping none at all.
  • The remedy to a broken family, organization or society is not isolation, but community. Healing requires unity and shared effort.

Today, my faith is restored – not because I rely solely on my qualifications and experiences, but because I can testify that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).

I now envision a society where individuals from all social and cultural backgrounds have access to safe spaces and mental health services that empower healing and growth. With God’s help, and alongside the dynamic, multidisciplinary team at Faith Steps, I continue to join forces with public sector agencies, private companies, non-profits, and churches to make this vision a reality.

Learn how I navigate being both a Believer in Christ and Psychologist.