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Unveiling Invisible Wounds of Trauma in the Kenyan Population: Centering Ubuntu and Harambee in The Healing of Trauma Through Dance and Movement Group Therapy
Dissertation

Unveiling Invisible Wounds of Trauma in the Kenyan Population: Centering Ubuntu and Harambee in The Healing of Trauma Through Dance and Movement Group Therapy

Alice Auma Tindi
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD), University of St. Thomas
06/26/2024

Abstract

healing movement group therapy Dance Kenya Trauma
Wars and other forms of violence against humanity have threatened the spirit of Ubuntu, and Harambee, the African way of being in relationship to others. Kenya and the continent of Africa continue to experience traumatic life events of violence during election, and post-election times such as, indiscriminate killings of citizens by government officials, tribal wars, poverty, and other social ills. These traumatic events occur within a larger historical, political, and socio-cultural context of colonization, and systemic dismantling of Kenyans cultural heritage. Kenyans in the United States (US) experience additional trauma of discrimination, oppression, and adjusting to life in a new culture. Restoration as part of healing from these traumatic events calls for psychological services provided within the foundation of Ubuntu and Harambee spirit (Kithiia, 2013). This project takes a close look at the history of Kenya, philosophies of healing, and the post-election violence, migration, acculturative stress, and access to mental health services in the United States. The psychological foundation that is utilized to provide a collective trauma healing approach (CTHA) to Kenyan communities delivered through a process emulating Therapy management group (TMG) described by Janzen (1978). This project encourages mental health professionals working with Kenyans resettled in the US to center their treatment approach in the philosophy of Ubuntu and Harambee, by highlighting their value systems, beliefs, and traditions (Mnyaka & Motlhabi, 2005).
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Dissertation1.08 MB
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