What 600 clients brought to therapy in Rwanda

Reading these figures

In its third year, Humura has supported more than 600 clients since opening in 2022. This article starts with what Rwandan clients bring to therapy and also reflects on the international community the practice serves.

These are observations from one practice, not a population survey, a research study or a measure of treatment success. Many people bring more than one concern, so the percentages do not add up to 100.

Anxiety, low mood and trauma

The most widespread concern is anxiety, reported for nearly 70% of clients. The article describes worry, sleeplessness, restlessness and physical symptoms. Depression is reported at 30%.

Genocide-related trauma is reported at about 30%; trauma from life events such as miscarriage, accidents, theft or abuse at 25%. These figures describe concerns brought to this practice, not the prevalence of trauma in Rwanda.

The practice also sees suicidal thoughts at 10%, suicidal planning at 1%, OCD at around 10% and autism spectrum concerns at 1%. These are the practice’s own estimates, not formal diagnoses.

Relationships, youth and family

The article reports marriage, pre-marriage and relationship concerns at roughly 25%, and communication breakdown between partners at another 25%. These categories can overlap, so together they do not necessarily represent half of the practice’s work.

Study and career decisions are reported at 10%, child and youth therapy at 10%, and ADHD/ADD assessments at 10%. The article connects these concerns with educational, developmental and family circumstances.

Grief after the loss of a loved one is reported at 40%, and burnout at 25%. The pressures behind it include work, financial stress and the demands of everyday life.

Generations, coping and physical symptoms

Generational conflict is reported by 50% of clients. The article describes tensions between younger people’s experiences and family expectations, and the need for dialogue rather than blame.

Alcohol, cannabis and other addiction concerns are reported at about 20%. Psychosomatic concerns are also reported at 20%, with examples including headaches, stomach pain and chest tightness.

Physical symptoms should not be assumed to be psychological. This account cannot establish their cause; new or concerning symptoms need appropriate medical assessment.

Approaches described in the article

The approaches used include systemic therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, family constellation, craniosacral work, hypnosis within NLP, self-hypnosis, CBT and child and youth interventions.

These methods do not all have the same evidence base. Craniosacral work is offered as relaxation support. It is not a substitute for medical or established psychological care.

The account reports that about 95% of Humura clients were treated without medication and describes collaboration with psychiatrists in some circumstances. This describes the practice’s experience. It is not an outcome measure or advice against medication. Medication decisions belong with an appropriate prescriber.

A person behind each figure

“Mental health is not a luxury—it is the foundation of personal fulfillment, strong families, and thriving communities.”

The article closes by inviting individuals, families, schools and organisations to seek support.

The value of this account is the range of concerns people brought, not a claim about what therapy achieved. Current service scope, qualifications and availability need to be confirmed directly.

If support is urgent

In immediate danger in Rwanda, call 112 or attend the nearest emergency department. Elsewhere use your local emergency service. This article and online enquiries are not emergency monitoring.