Starting over again

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Psychologist EMILY KARIUKI, 28 went to college to study business and later biology but today she owns her own counselling practice. She spoke to Wambui Thimba

Tell us a little about your occupation?

I am a counselling psychologist and I run my own psychological practice known as Emiwell Counselling Services situated in Kilimani, Nairobi.

Why did you go into self-employment?

First, I have a one-year-old daughter and I wanted to have a job that gives me the flexibility to work my own hours so that I can ensure that I spend quality time with her.

Second, I wanted to challenge the view that there is no market for people who have done psychology in this country. There is a great need for psychological services proven by the rising number of divorces, cases of depression, suicide attempts, paedophilia, rape, addiction, conflicts within families, murder and even road rage, which is an anger management issue. The list is endless.

What were you doing prior to starting your company?

I was working at a drug rehabilitation centre in Karen as part of my Master’s in Counselling Psychology course requirement. I completed 500 supervised hours of counselling work, which included individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy and teaching of life skills.

Have you always wanted to be a psychologist?

Initially, I was studying business in an Australian University, which was my parents’ choice, then I later changed to human biology. I discovered my love for psychology when I undertook two psychology courses as part of my human biology degree. I would spend most of my time reading psychology books instead of biology books, which I only read during exam time.


EMILY KARIUKI
After my father passed away in 2004, I decided to relocate to Kenya because I wanted to be close to my mother and siblings. It was then that I decided to try to transfer my course credits to a public university in Nairobi so as to continue my human biology studies but the process was going to take close to a year. I talked to my mother about pursuing psychology and she was very supportive. I applied for psychology at USIU and begun my studies.

How was studying in Australia different from Kenya?

I had freedom to do whatever I wanted, which was not what I was used to at home. Therefore, I had to learn some self-discipline, as it was very easy to get carried away in the fast life.

During the first year there I spent most of the time trying to fit in with the crowd there but I soon realised that I would end up losing direction completely. I was lucky that I was there with my elder sister so I did have a support system but we both still missed being home.

What were the challenges of coming back home and starting from scratch?

My main challenge was matching up to my peers as I felt they were all working yet here I was starting my first year of university all over again. This experience taught me that I should always hold myself up to my own standards and not focus on what others are doing. This attitude helped me focus on my own goals and consequently led me to excel in my studies and profession.

What services do you offer?

Pre-marital therapy is my main focus now due to the rising numbers of divorce in this country. If people engage in professional pre-marital counselling, it reduces their chances of getting divorced as they have explored the main issues likely to bring about differences in their union.

Other services include family therapy, self-improvement, addiction, after care, stress management, and couples therapy. I also want to venture into career counselling services.

What are the challenges of starting your own business?

The main challenge was raising capital to start the business and to find an affordable office, but I thank God that I have a great support system that helped me raise capital and helped me find a suitable location.

Reaching out to the clients can also be difficult at times. I do get numerous people calling to enquire about the services but not all of them manage to gather the courage to taking that first step. Most eventually call again and make an appointment.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My greatest achievement so far would definitely be motherhood. My daughter Amilia has changed my whole being. She is my motivation to be at my best. I am also proud of receiving the highest female graduate GPA (grade point average) award last year at USIU. The highlight of my career would be starting a successful psychological practice.

Long-term goals

I plan to grow my client base in order to offer employment to other psychologists of different specialisations.