In 1969, former president of the American Psychological Association (APA), George A. Miller, envisioned making psychology accessible to the general public, urging his peers to ‘give away Psychology.’ During an era dominated by Freudian psychoanalysis, Piaget’s cognitive theory, and Watson’s behavioural theories, psychology gained traction in the Western world following the aftermath of World War...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Fluctuation in emotions between highs, lows, neutrality, and unpredictability are normal responses to life’s daily encounters. Emotions are influenced by daily stressors, mood states, financial obligations, relationships, and external circumstances. While some individuals naturally express emotions openly, others may suppress or struggle to articulate them due to various experiences...
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable increase in mental health awareness, accompanied by a surge in prevention and education programs across urban and rural areas in Kenya. This surge likely fueled a demand for accessible, high-quality, and cost-effective competency-based interventions. Traditionally, psychotherapy leaned heavily on psychoanalysis pioneered by Sigmund Freud,...
The formative years of a child’s life are invaluable, shaping their growth and development. During this period of rapid growth, children face countless questions, take risks, experience injuries, receive affection, love, and warmth, all of which significantly influence their attachment patterns. Attachment to the child may result to both negative and positive outcomes. From the...
Modern epidemic; the depths of sleep deprivation – By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist The issue of sleep deprivation remains widespread, often normalized despite its profound impact on our well-being. Throughout history, the importance of sleep has been evident, with figures like Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison, and Abraham Lincoln sharing their struggles and innovative coping...
Self-Compassion: Treating Yourself with Kindness – CBT Kenya What is Self-Compassion? At its core, self-compassion is about treating oneself with the same level of kindness and understanding that we would offer to a good friend. It’s recognizing that perfection is unattainable and that making mistakes is part of being human. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading...
Embracing January as Mental Wellness Month – CBT Kenya As we usher in the new year, January takes on a special significance beyond resolutions and fresh starts—it marks Mental Wellness Month. In a world that constantly demands our attention and resilience, prioritizing mental well-being is crucial. This month serves as a poignant reminder to reflect...
Mindful eating during festivities – CBT Kenya As the holiday season approaches, our senses are tantalized by the promise of festive feasts and treasured treats. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and, often, an abundance of food that can sometimes lead to overindulgence. But what if we could savor the richness of these culinary delights...
Art therapy: What role does it play? – CBT Kenya Understanding Art Therapy Definition and Origins: Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the creative process of making art to improve and enhance mental health and well-being. It is a dynamic discipline that finds its roots in the early 20th century, gaining momentum...
Addressing mental health concerns in men Mental health has long been a subject that’s been stigmatized and misunderstood. Unfortunately, societal expectations and traditional gender roles have contributed to a culture where men, in particular, feel pressured to remain stoic, strong, and silent when it comes to their emotional well-being. However, it’s crucial that we challenge...