Relationships

Relationship Series: Are your relationships surviving the COVID-19 pandemic?

For the next few weeks, I’ll be writing a series on reducing relationship tension during this period of COVID-19. It’s been over two months since the Coronavirus has forced us to limit social and physical contact. While some people living alone may be experiencing increased isolation, those living together may be ‘driving each other crazy.’ There are higher rates of domestic violence, and increased tension within…

0 Comments

May 23, 2020

Handling difficult relationships during the holidays

Before you read this post, I would recommend reading the first one on how to handle difficult conversations.Broken relationships can be a real challenge and sometimes for good reason. Working with clients in psychotherapy, some people have presented some truly difficult circumstances. For example, I’ve spoken to different young women from collectivistic cultures who have experienced sexual abuse from a relative who has shown no remorse…

1 Comment

December 7, 2019

How to handle difficult conversations with your African families during the holidays

While the holidays can be a time of rest and relaxation for many Africans, it can also be stressful (read what I wrote for stress management tips). One of the reasons why some people might dread family gatherings during the holidays is because of the difficult or anxiety-provoking conversations with family or friends. For some, the holidays can be a reminder of broken relationships causing them…

2 Comments

November 29, 2019

Anxiety / Coping strategies / Depression / Holidays / Relationships / Trauma

Stress management tips in your African homes during the holidays

The holidays are fast approaching. When I was a child in Cameroon, I looked forward to December. It was one of my favorite periods because people came together to celebrate. There was always a lot of food and merriment. As an adult, although I enjoy spending the holidays with my family, I realize that there is more to this one-sided story of cheerful holidays. This season…

3 Comments

November 23, 2019

African-related / Relationships

Cultural clashes between African parents and their American kids

Yesterday, a client told me that she attempted committing suicide when she was 16 years old. One of the reasons why was because of the cultural clashes between herself and her immigrant parents. She felt a lot of pressure from them and didn’t feel understood by them. Today, another client cried as she told me that she just wished her parents would also care about aspects…

2 Comments

October 19, 2019