Counselling psychologist Jacquline Njeri reflects on her academic journey and the importance of mental health support.
Counselling psychologist Jacquline Njeri reflects on her shift from tourism studies to psychology and urges greater openness about mental health.
Jacquline Njeri began her university education studying tourism, but later returned to pursue psychology, building a career centred on helping people understand themselves and navigate difficult experiences.
The counselling psychologist describes her campus years as enjoyable but quiet. Today, her work with children, adolescents and adults has shaped her belief that support does not always mean trying to change someone. It can mean giving them room to speak, reflect and regain confidence in themselves.
From tourism studies to psychology
Njeri initially pursued a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Africa International University before going back to study psychology to advanced levels.
Communication and Public Relations was her favourite unit. Philosophy, by contrast, was the subject she struggled to enjoy, although she developed an appreciation for it after leaving school.
She remembers remaining a laid-back student throughout campus, with few adventures to recount. Rest was important to her then and remains part of her downtime: she says she still spends much of her free time sleeping.
Beyond her academic and professional journey, Njeri sees identity as something broader than qualifications, achievements or the roles a person holds. In her reflection, both experiences and the choices people make in response to them help shape who they become.
Making room for people’s stories
For Njeri, counselling offers an opportunity to understand experiences that may not be visible in everyday interactions. She describes her role as providing a supportive environment where people can discuss their fears, hopes and difficulties without being judged.
Her experience across different age groups has reinforced the importance of self-awareness and compassion. Rather than assuming every person needs to be fixed, she believes some need the time and support to understand their feelings, express themselves and reconnect with their sense of identity.
She also places value on recognising personal growth without treating oneself as incomplete. Her reflections acknowledge changing beliefs, difficult lessons and the gradual process of accepting parts of oneself.
Challenging stigma and rebuilding connection
Njeri identifies stigma as a barrier that makes some Kenyans reluctant to seek psychological support. She argues that discussing mental health as routinely as physical health can help reduce the embarrassment associated with admitting distress.
Greater openness, she believes, can make it easier for people to acknowledge that they are struggling and ask for assistance.
Among the concerns she highlights are loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety. She also raises concern about suicide, while emphasising the importance of human connection for people experiencing emotional difficulties.
In her view, changing circumstances and daily pressures have contributed to people becoming more distant. She encourages simple efforts to maintain relationships, including calling, texting and checking on one another.
For parents, teachers and employers, Njeri points to sustained changes in everyday behaviour as possible signs that someone needs support. These may include shifts in sleeping or eating habits, reduced attention to hygiene, changes in demeanour and loss of interest in previously valued activities.
Coping with pressure and seeking support
Njeri acknowledges that unemployment, financial strain and the rising cost of living can make emotional well-being harder to maintain. She emphasises developing healthy ways to cope with adversity, recognising that uncertainty cannot always be avoided.
Her practical suggestions include seeking professional help, writing down feelings, practising grounding exercises and taking regular breaks during the day. She also recommends staying hydrated and eating well.
She encourages people to prepare a personal self-care kit with items they can turn to when they need to unwind. Alongside these individual habits, her message stresses the value of supportive relationships and access to qualified help when challenges become difficult to manage.
