Teachers
Dr. Susan Gitau and Mirjam Luthe taught Mindful Self-Compassion in Kigali, Rwanda and Kenya
Dr. Susan Gitau is a counseling psychologist, trauma expert, and a trained Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher. She is the founder of the Susan Gitau Counseling Foundation in Kenya and has dedicated her work to spreading trauma-informed mental health practices across Africa.
Mirjam Luthe is an MSC-certified teacher and former Global Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC). She has worked extensively in marginalized communities, supporting self-compassion training in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Community Impacted
Program was offered to 37 participants, including psychologists, mental health professionals, university faculty, secondary school teachers, and community leaders from Rwanda and Kenya. The training was hosted at mHub Rwanda, a mental health and wellness center that collaborates with professionals and community organizations to promote emotional well-being.
Why compassion is relevant
Many participants in this training work with vulnerable populations, including survivors of trauma, individuals facing mental health challenges, and communities affected by historical and systemic violence. The MSC training was particularly relevant as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka). This period is dedicated to national mourning and healing, making self-compassion an essential practice for both individuals and communities processing deep emotional pain.
Motivation to serve this community
The goal of this training was to build a strong MSC community in Africa by equipping local professionals with practical skills they can apply in their work. mHub Rwanda Foundation and the Susan Gitau Counseling Foundation are committed to addressing the mental health gaps in Rwanda and Kenya, particularly among those working with survivors of trauma. The training was designed to provide tools that would help participants integrate self-compassion into both their personal and professional lives.
How were they impacted
The participants reported that the skills learned in this training were highly applicable to their work and personal lives, providing them with new strategies to cope with stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance their ability to support others.
- Emotional resilience – The ability to process difficult emotions with mindfulness and self-compassion provided participants with a stronger foundation for navigating personal and professional challenges.
- Application of self-compassion in trauma care – Many professionals in the training work with survivors of violence and systemic oppression. They found that integrating MSC into their counseling, education, and advocacy work made them more effective in helping others heal.
Testimonials
- “Before this course, I believed that taking care of myself was selfish. Now I see that self-care is necessary to help others effectively. I feel less drained and more capable of being there for my students.”
- “With MSC, I feel more prepared to support my community, especially during this time of national mourning in Rwanda. Learning to process pain with self-compassion instead of suppression is life-changing.”
- “This was the most powerful training I have ever attended. It gave me practical tools that I can use immediately. The guided exercises helped me connect with my emotions in a way that I had never experienced before.”