Therapy in Africa - E-book - ePub

This story is an African perspective of therapy, specifically through the story of Aliya, a young woman who is institutionalized after her family discovers she is a lesbian. Aliya's ordeal, involving forceful admission to a mental asylum where doctors attempt to cure her sexual orientation, reflects broader themes of trauma and mistreatment in mental health systems. The narrator, who refers to themselves as JB, shares their personal experience within the same psychiatric facility, Chiromo, and their interactions with other patients.
JB, after spending three years in the asylum, describes psychiatric practices as cruel and exploitative, emphasizing a system driven more by profit than genuine care. Their story also details a personal vendetta against both family members and doctors who were involved in their admission, recounting moments of rebellion, revenge, and deep resentment for the way they were treated. The narrative touches on themes of anger, mistrust, and manipulation within the mental health system, highlighting the physical and emotional abuse experienced by patients.
JB uses their story as a form of retaliation, aiming to expose the shortcomings of the Chiromo facility, particularly its use of forceful methods like the rope capture system and the isolation room. JB introduces various characters who add depth to the theme of psychological suffering and institutional mistreatment. The story intertwines personal reflections on therapy, mental health, and family dynamics with a critique of the psychiatric system, ultimately concluding that therapy is not a true solution to deeper issues.
Instead, JB hints at a grim outlook, expressing a belief that many people are dead inside and therapy only serves to mask their inner turmoil. In essence, this tale is a dark, critical exploration of mental health treatment in Kenya, particularly in the Chiromo psychiatric facility, and presents an emotionally charged, raw account of the injustices faced by patients.