Last fall, Brian Riedesel, a U Adjunct Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, learned that the American Psychological Association (APA) offered programs abroad for professionals through its International Learning Partner Exchange. When he noticed an upcoming opportunity in the Philippines, he took the leap and applied.
Having previously lived in the Philippines from 1988 to 1991, Riedesel had long hoped for the occasion to return.
“That period of my life significantly broadened my experience and deepened my work in multicultural issues, crisis and trauma intervention, military psychology, and health psychology,” said Riedesel.
During those years, Riedesel was on an institutional leave of absence from the University of Utah Counseling Center to fulfill military service. He served as a clinical psychologist and captain at the USAF Regional Medical Center at Clark Air Force Base, supporting the Western Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean region. In addition to his military duties, he taught college courses during evenings and weekends for the University of Maryland, Chapman College, and Central Texas College.
Now in a different chapter of his career and eager to return for a new experience, Riedesel applied with APA and was selected as one of just ten delegates for the two-week exchange program. During the trip, he continued teaching his online course at the University of Utah.
The first week of the program was based in Manila, where the delegation visited Filipino social service organizations, mental health agencies, and Red Cross facilities. The week concluded at the historic University of Santo Tomas, where Riedesel and his colleagues delivered presentations and engaged with students and faculty. The delegation was warmly received and invited to pursue future collaborations, including university teaching and student exchange programs.
The second week took place in Cebu, where the group toured additional social service and treatment agencies. They also attended and presented at the Southeast Asia Psychology regional conference, joined by the APA’s president and CEO at the time.
Riedesel’s presentations covered a range of topics, including crisis intervention, career pathways in psychology, and perspectives on well-being across both ancient and modern contexts.
Beyond his professional activities, he also experienced the natural beauty of the region, including a memorable beach day featuring snorkeling and diving alongside whale sharks, sea turtles, and diverse marine life.
The experience had a lasting impact on his teaching at the University of Utah, further strengthening his development as a faculty member in the areas of cultural awareness, international collaboration, and the integration of indigenous and modern approaches to psychology and health. He also formed meaningful personal and professional connections, sharing memorable experiences, meals, and conversations with new colleagues.
At the same time, the visit served as a humbling reminder of the significant poverty and limited resources available for medical and mental health care in the Philippines, despite the country’s mandate to provide care for all citizens.
Of the overall visit, Riedesel reported “We were very warmly received and invited to do related university teaching and student exchanges in the future.” He looks forward to continuing the connection.
Riedesel’s Research that came out of his experience in the Philippines includes:
Misapplications of Crisis Intervention: Goals, Efficacy and Evidence. University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, September 19, 2025.
Experiences in Psychology: A Panel of Career Paths. (Asturias, Gunner, Riedesel & Sidun)
APA ILPP Plenary Talk 2, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, September 19, 2025.
Interventions for Psychology in Health and Wellbeing: From Traditional to Modern. (Riedesel & Brown)
Psychological Association of the Philippines & ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies. 61st PAP Annual Convention and 8th ARUPS Congress, Cebu City, Philippines, September 26, 2025.