Lucy is the newest member of the THRIVEGulu counseling team. Her hire was made possible by the generous support from the summer campaign partnership with Johnson & Johnson and CARINGCROWD. During a recent interview, Lucy shared her background and counseling experiences.
I decided to become a counselor because I like the work and I do enjoy doing it. I also realized that my personal qualities such as listening amongst others, as well as my professional training as a teacher and other work experience, enhanced my skills for this work. I diligently build my informal and formal career to enable me fulfill this dream. My study program in psychology class during B.A Education course at Makerere University awakened my dream to be a counselor, the I.P.T.G – therapy interpersonal psychotherapy for group in World Vision helped deepen my desire as I understood more about depression. Working with VIVO enlightened me on trauma effects on the brain and how the 20 or so years of Kony’s war has impacted homes, individual and family so much.
When I worked with CHDC Wayo Nero mental health project Makerere, I noted how wide spread and massive the mental health situation was. I got introduced to not only talk therapy but also medical therapy and the referral process. This motivated me more to realize how daily stresses can be handled before it is too late. I find that mental health can be achieved through therapy. This knowledge adds to my confidence in the need to empower people to come out of their situation.
What I enjoy about counseling is seeing a patient realize that “there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.” The confidence and trust that the counselee places in the counselor is also very empowering. The fact that they are able to open up and share their innermost thoughts, worries and other issues can encourage the counsellor to help and serve them in spite of challenges. And the fact that patients come to realize hope and improved in daily functionality are very rewarding to the therapist. Currently, I’m noticing that the power of groups is great, and it’s amazing how they support and provide therapy for one another in the group therapy as goals are set and realized.
Read the rest of our interview with Lucy on our next blog post!
