Why Counseling
Handspun Hope cares for the whole person.
Every woman in our employ suffers from some level of trauma and loss. Many are survivors from the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. Others are living with HIV/AIDS. All have struggled to provide for multiple children under their care and have endured varying degrees of hunger, homelessness, and other stresses of poverty. These realities can impact a woman’s ability to work and, ultimately, realize holistic transformation in her life.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
To cultivate the holistic healing of our community, we developed a multidisciplinary counseling and social care program.
Since 2012, we have offered group and individual trauma counseling to the women of Handspun Hope, among other social care programs. In 2014, Olive Muhawenimana joined our staff as the Lead Psychologist of our counseling program. Olive earned her Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Rwanda and oversees the counseling staff as they offer diverse and comprehensive care to our employees.
In 2021, we completed construction on The Will Barnhill Center of Hope, our new permanent counseling facility for housing our social program offerings.
Impact
97%
of women claim their self-perception and belief in themselves has improved after counseling.
97%
of women state their ability to enjoy daily activities has improved as a result of psychoeducation and counseling.
94%
of women who have attended counseling have noticed a reduction in the severity or frequency of emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, fear.
COUNSELING + SOCIAL CARE
Programs + Services
Our counseling staff invests in the women of Handspun Hope with a holistic approach that both emphasizes and goes beyond mental health counseling. Our multidisciplinary counseling and social work programs are designed to support women by fostering healing, unity, and restoration in not only the workplace, but all facets of life.
Counseling + Mental Health
Group Counseling
Once per week, women gather in counseling support groups with others living a shared experience, including Widows, Single Mothers, and those living with HIV. Under the guidance of our staff, this offers a supportive and collaborative environment where participants can share their experiences, learn from others, and gain perspective on their own struggles.
Addiction Counseling
A strong link exists between trauma and addiction or substance abuse. Our lead psychologist completed a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling to more effectively address these needs within our Handspun Hope family, and now offers addication-focused counseling to employees and members of our broader community.
Individual CounsELING
Individual counseling offers a confidential space where individuals can explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a one-on-one setting with our counselors. This therapeutic process is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each woman, providing personalized attention and guidance.
Psychoeducation
Our staff reinforcing professional counseling techniques by equipping women with information and education about mental health issues, coping strategies, and skills for managing specific challenges. In these weekly training sessions, our counselors address topics such as mental health disorders, symptoms, treatment options, and strategies for self-care and wellness.
Social Care
Conflict Resolution
A large focus of our counseling staff is leading efforts towards workplace unity and peace by proactively teaching and promoting healthy conflict resolution strategies.
Advocacy + System Support
The women we serve have diverse medical and legal needs. Our staff enhances their well-being and dignity by compassionately supporting them in navigating the complexities of these systems. This includes equipping them with resources and guidance, attending appointments, and when needed, advocating for rights.
Counseling Training
We extend our impact and care for our community at large by offering free or low-cost counseling trainings, continuing education, and mentorship to other leaders and organizations.
Welfare Visits + Support
Our psychologists and social worker conduct home and school visits and counseling as-needed to ensure the well-being of employees and their children.
MERCY MINISTRY
Our staff manages and sees to any unique financial needs that arise in our community, which may require additional support including education support, transport, or medical support.
LAY COUNSELOR TRAINING
The Ibyiringrio Institute
Each year, our counseling team extends it’s impact by offering a 10-week trauma counseling certification course to community leaders hoping to offer trauma counseling resources to their own spheres of influence.
Graduates from this program include pastors, teachers, government officials, and leaders from other local organizations like the Red Cross and Kate Spade and Co.
To date, we have graduated more than 250 lay counselors and more than 3,000 Rwandans have been impacted by our counseling training program.
Counseling Staff
Olive Muhaweimana (RIGHT)
Lead Psychologist
Mariette Umubyeyi (CENTER)
Psychologist
Marie Claire Umurerwa (LEFT)
Social Worker
