Music has a unique ability to touch hearts and souls in ways we often cannot articulate. It soothes, uplifts our spirits, makes us laugh, and serves as a force that connects us. A catalyst for recalling past and present joyful and somber moments. Throughout history, music has mirrored culture, values, and beliefs. Our ancestors used...
Communication is essential in everyday life and is at the heart of our relationships. Psychologists identify four main communication styles; passive, assertive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive. Each style uniquely shapes our interactions and determines the quality of our relationships. Consider two examples. First, imagine a childhood friend whose communication style has always been passive. After reading a self-help...
In the Bible, Jesus profoundly addresses forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. When Peter asks how many times one should forgive, Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” This symbolic expression of 490 isn’t a literal tally but a call for boundless forgiveness, a mindset that encourages us to go far beyond keeping score and...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Mental Health and well-being programs are scarce and inaccessible to many, especially in rural areas. Despite the continued efforts by the community to promote and practice physical health and well-being, the country’s mental wellness is greatly impacted by the government’s negligible budgetary allocation. Over the past decade, drastic changes...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist The unintended consequence of deinstitutionalizing mental health facilities, commonly known as asylums, was a rise in homelessness. The misconception that chronic mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia were curable led to a complex interplay between individuals with mental illness who self-medicated with alcohol and drugs, perpetuating a cycle...
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...
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...
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...
The Profound Connection Between Mental Health and Nutrition – CBT Kenya In the fast-paced world we live in, the importance of mental health is receiving more attention than ever before. From stress and anxiety to depression and bipolar disorder, the spectrum of mental health conditions is wide and varied. What might come as a surprise...
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month – CBT Kenya July marks the observance of National Minority Mental Health Month, a nationwide initiative established by Mental Health America. This important awareness campaign aims to shed light on the diverse range of mental health experiences within Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The month also...