The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's inaugural Global Systemic Therapy Summit took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 9 to 11, 2025. Systemic therapists, researchers, and students came together to attend breakout sessions and engage in research discussions. In addition to sharing and expanding knowledge on current mental health topics, participants networked with fellow mental health advocates.
The conference was hosted by United States International University (USIU) of Africa's Marital and Family Therapy program under the leadership of Dr. Michelle Karume, alumna of the Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health (SBH) in the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences. Several SBH faculty members and doctoral students attended the conference as part of the course Multiculturalism and Global Mental Health, which aims to explore the application, advocacy, and expansion of mental health services globally. One focus of the course is engaging with community leaders to better understand the mental health needs of different communities.
The combination of networking and hearing narratives from community leaders was significant for my personal and professional growth as a Marriage and Family Therapist and student. It was a blessing to connect with other mental health professionals to discuss research and clinical efforts. During our time in Kenya, we were hosted by the Adventist University of Africa and surrounded by several members of our dedicated and amazing SBH family. This experience was life-changing, increased my cultural humility, and motivated me to participate in future global mental health initiatives.
Written by Geraldine A. Pirdy, Systems, Families, and Couples PhD student
