Clinical Staff
Our clinicians are trained, compassionate professionals who walk alongside you with empathy and expertise. With diverse backgrounds and deep commitment, they offer safe, confidential spaces for healing, reflection, and growth. They are not just therapists—they are partners in your journey to mental wellness.
Brigitte Mukeshimana
Chantal Umurungi
Charles Mudenge
Damien Niyonsaba
Edmond Dufatanye
Emmanuel Karamira
Isa Ssenkabala
Jean Pierre Ndagijimana
Jemma Hogwood
Josée Nyamutamba Nyetera
Justine Mukamwezi
Linda Ingabire
Marie Fidèle Umuhire
Marie Nadine Ugirinema
Pacifique Igiraneza
Pierre Dongier
Ronald William Alosa
Ruth Uwamurera
Souvenir Alphonsine
Wenda Franjoux
Wilhelmine Mushambokazi
Conditions we deal with
At Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, we support individuals navigating a wide range of mental health and emotional challenges. The conditions outlined below reflect some of the most common concerns we address through confidential, compassionate, and evidence-based care. This list is not exhaustive.
Each client’s journey begins with a personalized assessment, enabling our licensed therapists to understand your unique needs and recommend the most appropriate support. When necessary, our therapists work in close collaboration with our psychiatrists to manage more complex conditions that may require medical intervention. Whether you are facing a short-term challenge or a long-standing concern, our team is here to walk alongside you on your path to healing and well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided below is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. At Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, we are here and ready to support you.
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AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) support – use of tools and strategies (like picture boards or speech-generating devices) to support individuals with limited or no speech.
How do you cope with communication challenges requiring AAC?
Work closely with a speech-language therapist to select the right AAC tools, such as picture boards or speech-generating devices. Practice using them daily to build comfort and confidence.
How can you recognize someone who might benefit from AAC?
Signs include limited or no speech, difficulty forming words, or challenges in expressing needs and feelings through speech.
How can you help someone who uses AAC?
Be patient, allow extra time for responses, and learn how their device or method works so you can communicate effectively.
Is there a cure for communication challenges requiring AAC?
Some causes can improve with therapy, but AAC is often a long-term support tool. With consistent use, many people significantly enhance their communication skills.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms may include difficulty focusing, restlessness, forgetfulness, and acting without thinking.
How do you cope with ADHD?
Use structured routines, break tasks into smaller steps, and incorporate regular physical activity. Professional treatment may include therapy, coaching, and sometimes medication.
How can you recognize ADHD?
Signs include trouble staying focused, frequent fidgeting, impulsive decisions, and difficulty completing tasks.
How can you help someone with ADHD?
Offer patience, help them stay organized, and support them in following their treatment plan.
Is there a cure for ADHD?
There’s no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with strategies, therapy, and, for some, medication.
Alcohol Use Disorder – A client suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder can ask for help or family members or employers can support the person by motivating her or him to ask for help. The work to be done consists of exploring traumatic events that the person might have experienced that are at the root causes of alcohol use. In our society, alcohol or substance use is mostly considered as a behavioral issue undermining the traumatic underlying causes which can be a retraumatizing experience to someone struggling with alcohol or substance use. Alcohol use disorder can be into two categories; one with binge drinking which is defined as excessive alcohol drinking in a short period of time that might lead to intoxication or addiction with regular alcohol use with long-term negative effects (personal, physical, psychological, financial, social, and legal issues) and inabilities to cut down the alcohol use.
How do you cope with alcohol use disorder?
Seek professional treatment, which may include therapy, support groups, and medical care. Identify triggers, build a healthy daily routine, and avoid environments that encourage drinking.
How can you recognize someone with alcohol use disorder?
Warning signs include frequent intoxication, inability to limit drinking, neglecting responsibilities, and continued use despite negative consequences.
How can you help someone with alcohol use disorder?
Encourage them to seek treatment, avoid judgment, and offer practical support like finding a rehabilitation program.
Is there a cure for alcohol use disorder?
There’s no quick cure, but it is treatable. Many people recover with therapy, medication, and long-term support.
Anger and guilt – anger is often a protective response to perceived injustice or betrayal; guilt arises from violating personal or social standards.
How do you cope with anger and guilt?
Identify triggers, practice relaxation techniques, and use healthy outlets like journaling or physical activity. Therapy can help address underlying causes.
How can you recognize someone struggling with anger or guilt?
Signs include frequent irritability, withdrawal, excessive self-blame, and difficulty forgiving themselves or others.
How can you help someone dealing with anger or guilt?
Listen without criticism, encourage positive coping strategies, and suggest professional counseling if needed.
Is there a cure for anger and guilt?
They’re emotions, not illnesses, but their impact can be reduced through self-awareness, therapy, and positive habits.
Anxiety – anxiety involves persistent worry, fear, or tension that interferes with functioning. It may be generalized or situation-specific in the near or far future.
How do you cope with anxiety?
Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, and regular exercise. Professional therapy and, in some cases, medication can also help.
How can you recognize someone with anxiety?
Look for restlessness, constant worry, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating.
How can you help someone with anxiety?
Offer reassurance, listen without judgment, and encourage professional help. Avoid dismissing their fears.
Is there a cure for anxiety?
Anxiety is treatable and often manageable with therapy, coping skills, and sometimes medication.
Anxiety Disorders – People with anxiety disorders feel excessive fear or worry that’s hard to control and interferes with daily life. This includes panic attacks, phobias, and constant worry (like in generalized anxiety disorder).
How do you cope with anxiety disorders?
Work with a therapist to learn coping techniques, use stress-reduction activities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How can you recognize anxiety disorders?
They involve excessive fear or worry, panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, or intense phobias.
How can you help someone with anxiety disorders?
Encourage gradual exposure to fears, offer emotional support, and help them stick to treatment plans.
Is there a cure for anxiety disorders?
They are highly treatable, and many people experience significant relief with professional care.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior. It varies widely in presentation and may include challenges with social cues, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
How do you cope with autism?
Access early intervention, individualized therapies, and supportive routines. Build on strengths and use tools that match the person’s needs.
How can you recognize autism?
Signs may include limited eye contact, delayed speech, difficulty understanding social rules, and repetitive behaviors.
How can you help someone with autism?
Be patient, use clear and consistent communication, and respect sensory needs. Encourage inclusion and celebrate progress.
Is there a cure for autism?
There’s no cure, but with the right support, individuals with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Autism-related communication difficulties – such disorders involve social and language challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as limited eye contact, difficulty with conversation, or delayed speech.
How do you cope with autism-related communication difficulties?
Engage in speech therapy, use visual aids, and practice structured social interactions.
How can you recognize autism-related communication challenges?
Signs include limited eye contact, difficulty starting conversations, or unusual speech patterns.
How can you help someone with these challenges?
Be patient, use clear language, and support them in using communication tools.
Is there a cure for autism-related communication difficulties?
There’s no cure for autism, but communication can greatly improve with early and consistent support.
Bipolar Disorder – Involves extreme mood changes — from very high energy (mania) to very low mood (depression). These shifts can affect judgment, sleep, behavior, and ability to function.
How do you cope with bipolar disorder?
Follow a treatment plan, maintain a consistent routine, and monitor mood changes.
How can you recognize bipolar disorder?
It involves episodes of high energy and euphoria (mania) alternating with periods of depression.
How can you help someone with bipolar disorder?
Encourage treatment adherence, offer stability, and watch for signs of mood shifts.
Is there a cure for bipolar disorder?
There’s no cure, but it’s manageable with medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Cleft lip and palate – speech and feeding difficulties resulting from an opening in the lip and/or roof of the mouth, which may affect sound production and resonance.
How do you cope with cleft lip and palate?
Work with a medical and speech therapy team for treatment and ongoing support.
How can you recognize cleft lip and palate?
Visible opening in the lip and/or roof of the mouth, speech difficulties, and feeding issues.
How can you help someone with this condition?
Encourage treatment, provide emotional support, and help with communication needs.
Is there a cure for cleft lip and palate?
Surgical repair and therapy can address most challenges successfully.
Depression – a common condition where people feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time. It can affect energy, sleep, appetite, and daily life. It’s more than just feeling “down” — it’s a medical illness that can be treated.
How do you cope with depression?
Coping starts with seeking professional help. Therapy, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and connecting with supportive people can improve mood. Establishing a daily routine and practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques also help.
How can you recognize someone with depression?
Signs include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness.
How can you help someone with depression?
Listen without judgment, encourage professional support, and offer practical help like running errands or accompanying them to appointments. Remain patient and avoid minimizing their feelings.
Is there a cure for depression?
Depression is treatable. Many people recover fully with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Some may experience recurrent episodes, but ongoing support can help prevent relapse.
Developmental syndromes – we deal with communication challenges associated with genetic or developmental conditions such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
How do you cope with developmental syndromes?
Seek multidisciplinary care, including medical, speech, and occupational therapy.
How can you recognize developmental syndromes?
Signs vary but may include delayed milestones, learning difficulties, and physical differences.
How can you help someone with developmental syndromes?
Provide consistent support, advocate for inclusive opportunities, and respect their abilities.
Is there a cure for developmental syndromes?
Most are lifelong, but supportive therapies improve quality of life.
Disappointments – are the emotional responses to unmet expectations or failures. This often impacts self-esteem/confidence or hope.
How do you cope with disappointments?
Reframe the situation, set realistic goals, and focus on what you can control.
How can you recognize someone struggling with disappointment?
They may show withdrawal, loss of motivation, or self-doubt.
How can you help someone manage disappointment?
Offer encouragement, listen empathetically, and remind them of their strengths.
Is there a cure for disappointment?
It’s a normal emotion; resilience can be built through perspective and coping skills.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties – problems with sucking, chewing, or swallowing food safely, often seen in children or individuals with neurological or developmental conditions.
How do you cope with feeding/swallowing difficulties?
Work with a speech or occupational therapist, follow safe eating guidelines.
How can you recognize feeding/swallowing difficulties?
Signs include coughing during meals, prolonged eating times, or refusal to eat certain textures.
How can you help someone with this issue?
Ensure safe food textures, supervise meals, and encourage therapy.
Is there a cure for feeding/swallowing difficulties?
Many cases improve with therapy, though some may need ongoing management.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – refers to harm directed at individuals based on their gender, age, beliefs, regional, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. Interventions focus on restoring autonomy and empowerment, ensuring safety, and processing the trauma within a human rights framework.
How do you cope with GBV trauma?
Seek professional counseling, connect with support networks, and prioritize safety and self-care.
How can you recognize someone affected by GBV?
Signs may include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fearfulness, and changes in behavior or mood.
How can you help someone experiencing GBV?
Listen without judgment, help them find safe resources, and respect their choices.
Is there a cure for GBV trauma?
There’s no “cure,” but recovery and healing are possible with therapy, safety, and support.
Grief – is the natural response to bereavement, often involving sadness, denial, anger, regret, or numbness. Our intervention supports the individual in processing loss, honoring the bond, and finding adaptive ways to positively cope over time.
How do you cope with grief?
Allow yourself to feel emotions, maintain routines, and seek counseling if needed.
How can you recognize grief?
Common signs are sadness, withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, and emotional numbness.
How can you help someone grieving?
Be present, listen, and offer practical help without rushing their healing.
Is there a cure for grief?
Grief changes over time; while it never fully disappears, it becomes more manageable.
Hearing loss-related communication challenges – difficulties in speech and language development due to reduced access to sound, which can affect clarity, comprehension, or vocabulary.
How do you cope with hearing loss-related communication challenges?
Use hearing aids or assistive devices, learn lip reading or sign language, and seek speech therapy.
How can you recognize these challenges?
Signs include difficulty following conversations, asking for repetition, or unclear speech.
How can you help someone with these challenges?
Face them when speaking, speak clearly, and minimize background noise.
Is there a cure for hearing loss-related communication challenges?
Some causes can be treated; others require long-term communication strategies.
Language delays/disorders – these are challenges in understanding or using spoken language, including limited vocabulary, grammar issues, or difficulty following directions.
How do you cope with language delays/disorders?
Work with a speech therapist and practice language skills daily in natural settings.
How can you recognize language delays/disorders?
Signs include limited vocabulary, trouble forming sentences, or difficulty following instructions.
How can you help someone with language delays/disorders?
Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and encourage communication without pressure.
Is there a cure for language delays/disorders?
Many improve with early and consistent therapy; some require ongoing support.
Loss-Related Issues – refers to emotional and psychological reactions following significant losses in life including loss of a job, relationship, health (critical illness), or a sense of identity. The support focuses on adjustment to the reality of the present, acceptance without judgement, emotional expression, and rebuilding the meaning of life.
How do you cope with loss-related issues?
Acknowledge your feelings, talk to supportive people, and consider grief counseling.
How can you recognize loss-related issues?
Withdrawal, mood changes, or difficulty adjusting to life changes are common signs.
How can you help someone facing loss-related issues?
Offer consistent support, encourage them to share memories, and validate their emotions.
Is there a cure for loss-related issues?
Healing is possible, though adaptation is often gradual.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders – These begin early in life and include autism and ADHD. They affect how people learn, communicate, and interact with others.
How do you cope with neurodevelopmental disorders?
Access specialized therapies, educational support, and structured routines.
How can you recognize neurodevelopmental disorders?
Early signs may include delayed milestones, communication difficulties, or social challenges.
How can you help someone with neurodevelopmental disorders?
Provide patience, celebrate progress, and advocate for inclusive opportunities.
Is there a cure for neurodevelopmental disorders?
They are lifelong conditions, but supportive interventions can greatly enhance abilities and independence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – People with OCD have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel driven to do certain actions (compulsions), like checking or cleaning repeatedly, to ease their anxiety.
How do you cope with OCD?
Use therapy (especially CBT), practice gradual exposure to fears, and consider medication if prescribed.
How can you recognize OCD?
Look for repetitive behaviors (checking, cleaning) and distressing intrusive thoughts.
How can you help someone with OCD?
Be supportive, avoid enabling compulsions, and encourage professional treatment.
Is there a cure for OCD?
OCD can be managed effectively, though some symptoms may persist without treatment.
Personality Disorders – involve long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are very different from cultural expectations, and can cause problems in relationships or work. This pattern affects how a person thinks, feels, relates to others, and controls their impulses. Marital conflict and relationship instability are common features of personality disorders because these disorders often involve long-standing patterns of emotional dysregulation, distorted thinking, and maladaptive interpersonal behaviours that significantly affect intimate relationships.
How do you cope with a personality disorder?
Engage in long-term therapy, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthy relationships.
How can you recognize a personality disorder?
Signs include rigid thinking patterns, relationship difficulties, and intense emotional responses.
How can you help someone with a personality disorder?
Encourage therapy, set healthy boundaries, and remain patient.
Is there a cure for personality disorders?
They can improve with consistent treatment, though they are typically long-term patterns.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing something very traumatic. People may have flashbacks, nightmares, and strong emotional reactions, often long after the event.
How do you cope with PTSD?
Seek trauma-focused therapy, practice grounding techniques, and build a strong support network.
How can you recognize PTSD?
Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, and hypervigilance are common signs.
How can you help someone with PTSD?
Provide a safe environment, listen without judgment, and avoid forcing them to discuss the trauma.
Is there a cure for PTSD?
It can be treated effectively; many people recover or experience significant relief.
Pre-Marital and Couple Counseling – this consists of supporting individuals and couples in exploring relationship expectations, communication patterns, roles and responsibilities, as well as future planning. For couples, therapy may address conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, and shared values alignment.
How do you cope with relationship challenges before or during marriage?
Seek counseling to improve communication, conflict resolution, and shared goal-setting.
How can you recognize a couple needing support?
Frequent arguments, poor communication, and unresolved disagreements.
How can you help a couple in need?
Encourage open dialogue, suggest counseling, and avoid taking sides.
Is there a cure for relationship issues?
While relationships aren’t illnesses, counseling can strengthen and restore them.
Rape and Sexual Abuse – severe violations involving non-consensual sexual acts, with lasting psychological impact. Survivors often experience shame, guilt, PTSD, dissociation, and relational trauma.
How do you cope with rape or sexual abuse trauma?
Seek professional counseling, ensure personal safety, and connect with survivor support groups.
How can you recognize someone affected?
Signs may include withdrawal, fear, anxiety, depression, or physical injuries.
How can you help someone who has experienced sexual abuse?
Believe them, avoid blame, and connect them with trauma-focused resources.
Is there a cure for the trauma of rape or sexual abuse?
Healing is possible through therapy and supportive networks, though recovery is deeply personal.
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders – These disorders involve losing touch with reality, such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), or holding strong false beliefs (delusions). Treatment helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How do you cope with schizophrenia or psychotic disorders?
Follow treatment plans, maintain routines, and avoid stress triggers.
How can you recognize these disorders?
Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and withdrawal.
How can you help someone with these disorders?
Encourage treatment, be patient, and avoid arguing about delusions.
Is there a cure for schizophrenia or psychotic disorders?
They can be managed effectively, but usually require lifelong treatment.
Self discovery – when individuals seek to understand themselves better and learn how they can take care of themselves for a good wellbeing, often prompted by awareness sessions or personal reflection.
How do you cope with the process of self-discovery?
Engage in reflection, journaling, therapy, and exploring new experiences that align with your values.
How can you recognize someone on a self-discovery journey?
They may ask deep questions about their life, seek new experiences, or make changes in relationships and goals.
How can you help someone exploring self-discovery?
Support their exploration without judgment, encourage healthy choices, and respect their personal process.
Is there a cure for lack of self-awareness?
It’s not an illness, but self-awareness can be developed with time, openness, and guidance.
Social communication disorders – difficulty using verbal and non-verbal communication in social situations, including understanding conversational rules or interpreting body language.
How do you cope with social communication disorders?
Work with a speech therapist, practice social skills in safe settings, and use visual cues or scripts.
How can you recognize social communication disorders?
Difficulty understanding conversational rules, reading body language, or maintaining eye contact.
How can you help someone with these challenges?
Be patient, use clear language, and model appropriate social behaviors.
Is there a cure for social communication disorders?
There’s no cure, but therapy and consistent practice can lead to significant improvement.
Speech sound disorders – this involves difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly, which can affect clarity of speech.
How do you cope with speech sound disorders?
Seek speech therapy, practice pronunciation daily, and use games or activities to make practice fun.
How can you recognize speech sound disorders?
Unclear speech, mispronounced words, or difficulty being understood.
How can you help someone with speech sound disorders?
Listen patiently, model correct pronunciation, and encourage therapy participation.
Is there a cure for speech sound disorders?
Many improve significantly with early and consistent speech therapy.
Stress Management – Chronic stress can lead to emotional, cognitive, and physical strain. Intervention helps clients identify stressors, build coping strategies and develop resilience skills.
How do you cope with stress?
Use relaxation techniques, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and healthy boundaries.
How can you recognize stress in someone?
Signs include irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical tension.
How can you help someone manage stress?
Offer support, encourage self-care activities, and help them prioritize tasks.
Is there a cure for stress?
Stress is part of life, but it can be managed effectively with healthy coping strategies.
Substance Use Disorders – This means a person can’t control their use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, even when it causes problems. Addiction is a health condition, not a moral failure.
How do you cope with substance use disorders?
Seek professional help, avoid triggers, and build a strong support network.
How can you recognize substance use disorders?
Frequent intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, secrecy, and neglect of responsibilities.
How can you help someone with a substance use disorder?
Encourage treatment, avoid enabling behaviors, and offer ongoing support.
Is there a cure for substance use disorders?
They are treatable, but long-term management and relapse prevention are essential.
Traumatic exposures – refers to experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, etc.
How do you cope with traumatic exposures?
Seek trauma-focused therapy, use grounding techniques, and build resilience through support networks.
How can you recognize trauma in someone?
Signs include avoidance of reminders, mood swings, and heightened startle responses.
How can you help someone after trauma?
Offer a safe space, avoid pushing them to talk, and connect them with professional help.
Is there a cure for trauma?
People can recover with the right treatment, though some may have lasting sensitivities.
Voice disorders – issues with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that can make speaking difficult or uncomfortable.
How do you cope with voice disorders?
Follow medical and speech therapy advice, avoid vocal strain, and stay hydrated.
How can you recognize voice disorders?
Persistent hoarseness, changes in pitch or volume, or discomfort when speaking.
How can you help someone with a voice disorder?
Encourage them to rest their voice, avoid shouting, and seek specialist care.
Is there a cure for voice disorders?
Many resolve with treatment and care, though some may require ongoing management.