By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya Summary: The article discusses the cultural rift impacting communication between different generations in Kenya, focusing on the contrasting mindsets of older and younger generations. It suggests that embracing growth, humility, and a willingness to learn can help mitigate tensions and foster better generational relationships. Society today is multicultural,...
By Lambert Oigara, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Kenya Summary: This article discusses the mental health crisis among professionals in Kenya, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by mental health practitioners due to a shortage of resources, inadequate research, and the overwhelming demand for mental health services. The story highlights the rising demand for mental health care...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Overview: This article discusses the impact of colonial legacies on mental health practices in Africa, particularly in Kenya. It outlines how colonialism marginalized traditional African healing practices and promoted Western mental health methods, often to the detriment of culturally relevant approaches. Additionally, it highlights modern challenges in mental health...
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist “I don’t see the difference between breaking your leg and having a mental health breakdown. It’s health, there is no distinction.” These sentiments by US President Joe Biden highlight the undeniable link between mental and physical health. However, many around the world do not receive adequate mental health care....
By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most misconstrued mental health conditions. Misconceptions and myths continue to mislead people’s views about the condition, which, if managed effectively, can avert confusion in many people’s lives. If not well managed, women living with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed ADHD lead a...
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...
