Betty

As an integral part of RefugePoint’s program in Nairobi, the counseling team helps to stabilize and empower refugee clients to achieve self-reliance by enhancing their support systems and by strengthening their social networks through individual and group therapy sessions. Group therapy sessions allow members to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment with the aim of enhancing the clients’ coping mechanisms and offering a space in which to re-structure collapsed social networks.

Betty* is a client who has benefited tremendously from the counseling services at RefugePoint. When war broke out in 2008 in Betty’s home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo, she managed to escape to Kenya with her two children. Once in Nairobi, she befriended a Kenyan woman who hosted the family until 2012. After this, she faced many burdens alone. She became pregnant and developed ulcers. When she visited a government health facility for medical attention, she was diagnosed with a serious illness, and cut off all communication from the world after her diagnosis. She didn’t know how she was going to cope.

A few months later, RefugePoint visited Betty to find out how she was doing and in 2014, Betty enrolled into group counseling sessions where she participated actively in identifying ways in which she could manage her emotions and behaviors. She spoke candidly about feelings of shame and about her self-perception. Betty identified coping strategies that would work for her, including positive self-talk, building social networks with Kenyan friends, acceptance of her past life, prayer, keeping busy with her small business of selling shoes, and having loving moments with her three children. In January 2016, Betty graduated from the counseling sessions and her case was forwarded to Australia for resettlement consideration.

Through counseling, I was assured that life must go on. That there is more to me…and I started to believe that.” RefugePoint’s doors will continue to remain open to her when she needs someone to talk to.

*Name changed for anonymity