HEALING THE WOUNDS OF WAR: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON COUNSELING INTERVENTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CONFLICT IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.

*Pitshou Moleka, PhD

ABSTRACT

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured decades of protracted armed conflict, leaving countless civilians physically and psychologically scarred. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of mental health professionals providing counseling support to war victims in the DRC. The research question guiding this study is: What are the key challenges, cultural considerations, and effective strategies employed by counselors working with victims of war trauma in the DRC? In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 local and international psychologists, social workers, and community-based counselors practicing in conflict-affected regions of the DRC. Thematic analysis revealed major themes related to the complex trauma profiles of clients, the importance of culturally-sensitive approaches, community-based healing modalities, the impact of ongoing insecurity, and the need for sustained mental health capacity building. The findings offer critical insights to inform contextually-appropriate psychosocial support programs and policies for war-affected populations in the DRC and similar fragile settings.

Keywords:

Democratic Republic of Congo, war trauma, counseling, psychosocial support, qualitative research, mental health, capacity building, conflict, victims, traditional healing, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress.

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