This piece highlights the impactful journey of Carlota Azpiazu Osorio, a Spanish psychologist specializing in couples therapy, as she participated in the first Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) externship in East Africa, particularly in Uganda and Kenya. The initiative, led by Conexa, aimed to enhance access to mental health care by recognizing the local cultural contexts and needs.
Azpiazu’s experience underscored the importance of understanding the cultural backgrounds and relational dynamics of individuals rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach. She discovered that effective therapy is not merely about applying known techniques but also about listening to and learning from the unique experiences and struggles of clients within their cultural framework.
The externship facilitated vital discussions about relationships, power dynamics, and societal expectations, illustrating that context matters in expressing emotions and needs. This approach not only validated local professionals’ insights but also emphasized the need for therapy models to adapt to diverse realities.
The narration highlights the significance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to integrate local perspectives into therapeutic practices, ultimately aiming to foster healthier relationships in varied socio-economic contexts. The overarching message stresses that bringing mental health support to different communities requires active listening and a willingness to rethink and reshape established therapeutic norms.
