WEREKO DACOSTA
Takoradi
Summary
Dedicated Licensed Clinical Psychologist with three years of experience in assessing and treating clients experiencing various emotional, mental and behavioral disorders. Successful at planning individualized treatments and maintaining professional relationships with clients.
Adept at consultations for new patients and maintaining professional relationships with existing ones.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Psychologist
Ghana Armed Forces
Myohaung Barrack, Takoradi
11.2023 - Current
- Enhance patient outcomes by employing evidence-based therapeutic approaches in individual and group therapy sessions.
- Develops comprehensive treatment plans for clients, leading to improved mental health and wellbeing.
- Collaborates with other health professionals to provide holistic care for clients, resulting in better overall health outcomes.
- Organizes mental health presentations for both civilian employees and soldiers
- Conducts thorough psychological assessments to accurately diagnose disorders and inform appropriate interventions.
- Provides crisis intervention services during critical situations, ensuring client safety and stabilization.
- Assists clients in developing coping strategies for managing stressors associated with daily living or specific mental health concerns.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, adhering to strict confidentiality policies while ensuring continuity of care across providers.
Tutor
University of Ghana Distance Education
Takoradi Centre
06.2023 - Current
- Teaches Organizational psychology, Psychology and National Development, Cognitive Psychology, and Environment psychology.
- Enhance student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Utilizes various assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal results.
Clinical Psychologist
Private Practice
01.2022 - 11.2023
- Enhanced client satisfaction with therapy sessions by building strong rapport and maintaining open communication channels.
- Conducted thorough psychological assessments to accurately diagnose disorders and inform appropriate interventions.
- Led group therapy sessions for diverse populations, fostering a supportive environment for growth and healing.
Clinical Psychologist (Intern)
Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital
Sekondi
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting thorough psychological assessments and formulating evidence-based treatment plans.
- Contributed to a supportive environment for patients by maintaining confidentiality, respecting boundaries, and fostering trust in therapeutic relationships.
- Supported clients'' personal growth by helping them identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for patients with co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions.
- Conducted group therapy sessions focused on specific topics such as stress management, interpersonal effectiveness, or emotional regulation skills building.
- Participated in regular supervision meetings to discuss challenging cases, receive feedback from experienced psychologists, and enhance professional growth opportunities.
National Students Representative
Ghana Psychological Association
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Represented the students’ section during the Board Meetings
- Developed plans for engaging student members of the Association
- Presented reports on students’ section activities to the National Executive Committee
- Carried out any function delegated by the Board, the Executive Committee or its members with approval of the Executive Committee.
Student Psychologist (Practicum)
Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital
Sekondi
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Assessed clients’ behaviour and needs via observation, interviews and psychometric tests
- Developed, administered and monitored appropriate treatment therapies and strategies
- Helped clients to make positive changes to their lives
- Meeting, advising and liaising with other health professionals
- Documented diagnoses, interventions implemented and outcomes across outpatient clinics.
- Led psychoeducational classes, workshops and seminars.
- Enhanced patient well-being through the integration of mindfulness-based interventions and relaxation techniques into therapeutic sessions.
Teacher
Archbishop Porter A1 Basic School
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
Education
Clinical Psychology
University of Ghana, Legon
Accra11.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With Political Science
University of Ghana, Legon
Accra, Ghana07.2014
Diploma - Basic Education
Accra College of Education
Accra07.2009
Senior Secondary School Certificate -
Takoradi Senior High School
01.2005
Basic Education Certificate -
Dwendwenase L/A Junior High School
01.2000
Skills
- Professionalism
- Psychological Assessment
- Active Listening
- Patient Screening
- Case Management
- Behavior Analysis
- Research
- Psychological Testing
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Effective Communication
Personal Values
- Humility
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Respect (HEIR)
Competence Responsibility
- Leadership & Innovation, National Students Representative, Ghana Psychological Association’s National Executive Committee
- Leadership & Innovation, Secretary, Christ Ambassadors S.D.A Church, Takoradi (2010-2018)
- Leadership & Innovation, Founder, Reality Innovation, Takoradi (2015)
- Leadership & Innovation, Secretary, Ghana National Association of Adventist Students, A.C.E (2007-2008)
- Leadership & Innovation, Organizer, National Commission for Civic Education Club, (2007-2008)
- Leadership & Innovation, Curriculum Leader, Archbishop Porter Basic School, Takoradi (2011-2015)
- Leadership & Innovation, Western Regional Coordinator, Springboard Roadshow Foundation, Accra
- Organizational & Planning Skills, Have exhibited good planning & organizational skills in various positions held
- Good written & Verbal Communication Skills, I am a regular panelist on Life & Living It programme on Y97.9FM, Takoradi, and have been discussing mental health and social issues with other panelists. As a Clinician, a researcher, a secretary, coordinator, Teacher and Curriculum Leader, I have been leading presentations, discussions, making announcements and writing minutes and reports.
- Computer Literacy, I am proficient in online research and in the use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
References
- Prof. Joseph Osafo-Adu, Head of Psychology Department, University of Ghana, Jsaforo@gmail.com
- Vida Badu Oppong, Clinical Psychologist, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, vidabaduoppong@yahoo.com
Certification
- Certified Clinical Psychologist, Ghana Psychology Council (GPC)
Timeline
Clinical Psychologist
Ghana Armed Forces
11.2023 - Current
Tutor
University of Ghana Distance Education
06.2023 - Current
Clinical Psychologist
Private Practice
01.2022 - 11.2023
Clinical Psychologist (Intern)
Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2022
National Students Representative
Ghana Psychological Association
01.2019 - 01.2021
Student Psychologist (Practicum)
Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2020
Teacher
Archbishop Porter A1 Basic School
01.2009 - 01.2018
Clinical Psychology
University of Ghana, Legon
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With Political Science
University of Ghana, Legon
Diploma - Basic Education
Accra College of Education
Senior Secondary School Certificate -
Takoradi Senior High School
Basic Education Certificate -
Dwendwenase L/A Junior High School