Shalom Counselling & Wellness Consultancy

10/03/2026

"5 Mental Wellness Tips for New Expats in Kenya: Navigating Your Transition to Nairobi"

"Relocating for a new career opportunity is exciting, but it can induce a lot of fear and anxiety. To maintain the excitement, prioritizing mental health and wellness is essential for a successful transition. For many expats in Kenya, the first few months in Nairobi can be a whirlwind of navigating new cultures and office dynamics. To help you settle in effectively, I’ve compiled five simple and actionable strategies to maintain your well-being while embracing life in the 'Green City in the Sun.'"

1. Build Your Support System Early
Isolation is the biggest hurdle for new arrivals. Don't wait for people to find you. Join local interest groups like the Kenya Museum Society, hobbyist clubs, or expat networking circles (InterNations Nairobi, UNKLESA (United Nations Kenya Local Expatriate Spouse Association), and Meetup Groups. Additionally, Check Instagram and Facebook for Expatriates groups. Some common ones include: UN Expats in Kenya, Americans living in Kenya, Kenya Expats Community (Original), Expats in Nairobi, Kenya and Kenya Expat Friends and Roommates. Finding a "tribe" that understands the specific challenges of relocating to East Africa provides an essential emotional safety net.

2. Embrace Patience
The pace of life and bureaucracy in Kenya may be different than what you’re used to. At times, getting necessary paperwork my lag. Don’t be frustrated. Be patient as you adopt to the pole pole philosophy. It’s vital in managing expectations. Practicing patience with yourself and your environment reduces the stress that comes from slowness.

3. Establish a familiar Routine amidst the Novelty
Ambiguity easily breads uncertainty and restlessness. When everything around you is new, internal consistency is grounding. Whether it’s a morning walk/jog around the neighborhood or in green spaces like Karura Forest/Arboretum, frequenting the nearby wellness center for exercise, grabbing a coffee at your local café are among anchor points that cab ground you and establish a sense safety to your brain and help regulate your nervous system during the transition.

4. Connect with Nature Regularly
Kenya is beautiful and offers a wide variety of world-class green spaces which can invigorate your mental health. Karura Forest/Arboretum are ideals for nature walks, Nairobi National Park is ideal for watching wild animals, Ngong Hills is ideal for hiking, and many other outdoor activities. Physical activity combined with fresh air is a powerful antidote to the "relocation fog" and helps clear mental clutter.

5. Seek Culturally-Aware Support for Expatriates
If the transition feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Nairobi has a robust network of therapists and counselors who specialize in expatriate transitions. Shalom Counseling and Wellness Consultancy is a leading of psychological and emotional support for expatriates. Seeking support from someone who understands the nuances of cross-cultural adjustment can prevent infuse you with the need grit and mental fortitude to settle down.
Karibu Kenya—remember that settling in is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time.

• "Which of these tips resonated most with your own relocation experience? Drop a 'YES' in the comments if you’ve practiced the pole pole philosophy this week!"
• "I've also put together a list of Nairobi's top 5 hidden green spaces for a mental reset. Comment 'GREEN' below and I'll send it directly to your inbox!"
• "If you know someone who just landed at JKIA or is planning their move to Kenya? Tag them below to help them start their journey on the right foot.
If the transition feels overwhelming, you don't have to navigate it alone. At Shalom Counseling and Wellness Consultancy, we understand that the first few months are the most critical. We specialize in helping expatriates find balance and emotional resilience.To support your transition, we are offering a 20% discount on your initial consultation for all first-time expat clients this month.
Let us help you turn "relocation stress" into "local success."

🗓️ Book your discounted session today:
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254722457898
📍 Professional support for your international lifestyle.

06/03/2026

5 tips of maintaining a positive mindset after a job loss

While losing a job can be devastating, it shouldn’t rob you of all enthusiasm towards life. The unexpected eventuality shouldn’t dictate your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual state. Similarly, loss shouldn’t always trigger and sustain chronic grief or misery. While grief and misery are normal responses to loss, remaining in that cycle perpetually does more harm than good in the long run. In this article, we explore whether it’s possible to experience loss and still maintain a positive outlook of life. I argue that maintaining positivity is possible in the midst of loss if we embrace a positive mindset. I know you are wondering how that is even possible, but wonder no more. Here are 5 strategies to help you accomplish the seemingly lofty feat.

a. Reevaluate the beliefs you hold about job loss
A prevalent societal belief regarding job loss is that it ushers a major misfortune or setback of some sort that one seldom recovers from easily. For others, job loss implies a loss of identity, purpose, and sense of meaning. Still, there are those whose self-worth and confidence deeps subsequently. Some may attach a spiritual connotation to it and blame the witches tucked deep in their village for the misfortune. While all these explanations are an attempt at creating meaning after a major disruptive event, they only compound our fear and worry. In many instances, they infuse one with a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Rarely will such beliefs empower you to take positive action. Rather, they propel you into victimhood and leave you reminiscing about the unfairness of life. Instead of blindly resorting to these disempowering beliefs as you seek meaning, resolve to interrogate each of them to establish how true they are.

b. Create a positive narrative about the loss
After reevaluating the default beliefs you’ve held onto for a long time, resolve to create a positive narrative around the perceived loss. An enduring truth we always overlook is that most events in life are neither good nor bad. In the same vein, loss is not always negative as we assume. The negativity stems from a deliberate value judgment we make. Notably, in any given event or situation, we have the power of the power of crafting and attaching meaning to them. Once we have attached meaning to the event, our brains use that script to generate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors which may either be empowering or defeatist. If our interpretation of events is positive, the resultant thoughts, emotions, behaviors and outcomes are mostly positive. The converse is also true. For instance, we can choose to conceive a loss as the end of an era and an opportunity to start a new lease of life or to reinvent ourselves. Such a mindset triggers our brain to generate creative ideas compatible with the new version or era one desires to herald. That simple shift in meaning can get us psyched up about the new phases we are entering.

c. Have faith that things will work out eventually
While at it, never forget that optimism or cynicism during any season in life is a choice we make. Undeniably, fear and its counterpart anxiety can be overpowering if you allow them to take root. This is largely because we live in a society that unknowingly glorifies fear and pessimism in the name of reality. That notwithstanding, refuse to be roped into this negative and mindless conditioning. As people lament about how bad things are and how worse they are bound to get, choose to focus on the positive side. Interestingly, if you objectively appraise your past, you’ll notice that things always worked out for the better. And even if they didn’t, you somehow survived and here you are. None of that magic has changed. The situation that seems impossible today can easily change tomorrow heralding good tidings that exceed your wildest imagination. Life is full of surprises. Keep the faith and hung in there.

d. Be grateful for that which you still have
Moreover, it’s easy to lose sight of the numerous blessings we still have in the wake of loss. While our jobs are important because they afford us the lifestyle we currently have, there’s still more to be grateful for. You still have your family, friends, good health, and a sane mind. Undeniably, loss of income can threaten our access to basic needs, relationships and other financial obligations. However, you can choose a different trajectory. Accepting the situation early on and readjusting can help you remain afloat longer as you reinvent yourself. Be grateful for the small blessings and wins even as you eye the bigger ones.

e. Cultivate Mindfulness
Lastly, did you know that a bulk of your stressors have little to do with your present situation? You heard me right. Our fear, anxiety, and attendant worries are mostly anchored in our constant rumination about the future or the past. Humans are wired to pursue certainty and anything that disrupts that structure somehow triggers stress and fear. This is because unpredictability is often perceived as risky. But that shouldn’t be the case. In a phase were planning for the future is not possible, focusing on the here and now can be the much needed antidote that brings a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Not every season is for winning. Some seasons require you to just stay afloat, rest and take good care of your mind and body. While at it, remember to prioritize your sleep, diet, hydration, and exercise. A well-rested and energized body easily translates to a healthy mind which brings forth a positive and energizing aura.

In conclusion, when navigating loss, your mindset is the single most important resource you have that stands between reinvention and loosing oneself. Cultivate it by consuming content that is empowering. Read books, watch sermons, podcasts, or music that is energizing. Equally, remember that the people you confide in during this season can make all the difference. Therefore, surround yourself with people who speak hope with unwavering faith.

05/03/2026

Therapy for Expatriates in Nairobi

"Living in Nairobi as an expat can be amazing, but also challenging. Get support from a professional therapist who understands your unique needs.
Book a session today!
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +254722457898
"

05/03/2026

5 tips of surviving job loss

In Buddhist teachings, there’s a famous teaching which goes, "pain is inevitable, and suffering is optional". The quote came to mind recently while reflecting on the adverse impact of the recent massive job losses in the humanitarian sector. Thousands upon thousands of UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs, and IGOs’ staff among other stakeholders lost their jobs due restructuring attributed to funding constraints. The aftermath has been devastating even as the affected personnel try to churn a path forward that will keep them afloat. During this period, if the stress is not managed well, one may easily sink into the abyss of mental illness which will only exacerbate the situation. Here are five tips to keep in mind even as you grapple with the new reality.

a. Invest in your comfort at home.
During tough times, your home is your fortress. If you had savings stashed aside for a rainy day, use part of the money to make your home cozy. Invest in a good desk and chair where you will do your job applications, interviews, reading books, or projects that may come up. Get nice curtains for your room, rugs, beddings, lighting, and all those small niceties that can make your space feel warm and comfortable. If you love music, get a quality stereo system. To keep costs at bay, be creative and explore thrifting as a viable option of purchasing quality items affordably. Get an outdoor chair and coffee table which you can use while busking, getting fresh air or reading. If you have spare space outside your house, plant a small garden that you can easily and frequently tend to. It’s an effective coping mechanism especially when anxious thoughts start doing marathons in your mind.

b. Try and enjoy the inexpensive hobbies.
It’s easy to get anxious or depressed when you lie in bed or on the couch all day ruminating about the loss and its aftermath. Interestingly, anxious thoughts and a depressive mood tend to subside when one is on the move. As the anecdote goes, depression hates a moving target and so does anxiety. Take walks, read, cook your favorite dish, garden, play with your kids, go for a swim, go for a drive, visit a friend, paint, go to the zoo/forest, listen to music, and sing among many other recreational activities. Loss of a job or income does not equal loss of life. Be grateful for the many other blessings you still have and enjoy them. Purge the twisted belief that life is only fun and worthwhile when you have loads of money. There are many ways of enjoying life with the limited resources you may have. Get creative and get moving.

c. Surround yourself with positive people and energy
Safeguard your inner world from all forms of cynicism, negativity, hopelessness, and helplessness. Seldom can you maintain a positive outlook of things if the people around you are full of negative energy. Surround yourself with friends who ooze positivity and are upbeat about the future. Refuse to participate in conversations that are not empowering you. Shun all negative or catastrophic beliefs, ideas, thoughts, notions, or attitudes about yourself or the future. While abrupt job loss is often accompanied with uncertainty and fear of the future/the unknown, keep the faith and remain optimistic that all will be well. Maintain an attitude of patience that things will fall into place at the right time.

d. Cultivate mindfulness and avoid unnecessary stress.
The biggest stressor for most human beings is worrying about how the future will unfold. Inevitably, the stress and worry heightens when our source of livelihood is threatened or crumbles. While trying to unravel the maze that is the future seems helpful, in reality, it only burdens you with more stress and fear. Rather than trying to solve imaginary problems, how about you focus on today. Take life a day at a time. Enjoy what is in the here and now. Choose to remain optimistic that things will gradually fall into place. If you have cleared the rent and other utilities for this month, enjoy the house, the water, the balcony, and the internet. Stop worrying about when the next payment will fall due. Even if the next payment falls due and the money is missing, you’ll somehow figure it out. We humans always do. That’s what our brains are fashioned for. Take care of your physical and mental health. A healthy body and mind can figure out anything.

e. Use your savings wisely
Lastly, accept that loss of income demands certain adjustments especially during the transition period. Avoid expensive hobbies and unnecessary expenses. Don’t try so hard to maintain a given lifestyle if it’s likely to deplete your savings fast. Avoid people who pressure you to maintain optics that are not sustainable. Consider downsizing and keep your recurring expenditure reasonable. Your savings can be a cushion that will inoculate you from unnecessary inconveniences and the humiliation that comes with being broke.

In conclusion, while losing a job can be a painful set-back, never allow it to define you. Keep your head up and remind yourself always that the season shall pass. Avoid the trap of analyzing the past to understand what went wrong or what you could have done differently. Even if you get the answers now, the damage is already done and reversing it may be impossible. Essentially, though the situation is painful, suffering is a choice if you give the loss power to control and define you.

02/03/2026

Therapy for Expatriates in Nairobi

"Living in Nairobi as an expat can be amazing, but also challenging. Get support from a professional therapist who understands your unique needs.
Book a session today! [https://shalomcounseling.co.ke/book/]
Call/Text/WhatsApp on 0722 457898
"

02/02/2026

27/02/2024

(Copied)

50 GOLDEN RULES FOR LIFE.
1. Never shake hands at anyone without standing up.
2. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
3. If they trust you with a secret, keep it.
4. If they lend you a car, return it with a full tank.
5. Do things with passion or don't do it at all.
6. When you shake your hand make it firm and look that person in the eye.
7. Live the experience of traveling alone.
8. Never turn down a peppermint pill, the reasons are obvious.
9. Take advice if you want to grow old.
10. Come eat with the new person at school/office.
11. When you text someone and you're angry: finish, read it, delete it, and rewrite the message.
12. At the table you don't talk about work, politics, or religion.
13. Write your goals, and work on them.
14. Defend your point of view but be tolerant and respectful to others.
15. Call and visit your relatives.
16. Never regret anything, learn from everything
17. Honor and loyalty must be present in your personality.
18. Don't lend money to someone you know won't pay you back.
19. Believe in something.
20. Tend your bed when you wake up in the mornings.
21. Sing in the shower.
22. Care for a plant or a garden.
23. Keep an eye on the sky every chance you get.
24. Discover your skills and exploit them.
25. Love your job or leave it.
26. Ask for help when you need it.
27. Teach someone a value, preferably a small one.
28. Appreciate and thank the one who extends your hand.
29. Be kind to your neighbors.
30. Make someone's day happier, it will make you happier too.
31. Compete with yourself.
32 Treat yourself at least once a year
33. Take care of your health.
34. Always greet with a smile.
35. Think fast but speak slow.
36. Don't talk with a mouth full.
37. Polish your shoes, cut your nails, and always keep a good look.
38. Don't put your opinion on issues you don't know.
39. Never mistreat anyone.
40. Live your life as if it were the last day of it.
41. Never miss a wonderful opportunity to remain quiet.
42. Recognize someone for their effort.
43. Be humble, even though not all the time.
44. Never forget your roots.
45. Travel when you can.
46. Give up the step.
47 Dance in the rain.
48. Seek your success without giving up.
49. Be fair, stand up for those who need you.
50. Learn to enjoy moments of loneliness.

13/01/2024

https://shalomcounseling.co.ke/2024/01/13/the-4-benefits-of-rejection-in-a-relationship/

Many of us are socially miserable because we are terrified of being rejected. However, rejection can have benefits which improve and clarify the relationship.

30/10/2023

Bring back the thrill and happiness to your relationship/marriage by inviting us to provide the needed professional support.