67. Dr. Ronald Asiimwe | Emotionally Focused Healing in a Cross-Cultural Context

My guest today is Dr. Ronald Asiimwe. Dr. Ron is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota in the College of Education and Human Development. He has research and clinical experience in both the U.S. and in his home country of Uganda. His research integrates multicultural perspectives to understand and explore the mental and relational health needs of African families and communities. Driven by his passion for cross-cultural exchange knowledge of evidence-based interventions, Dr. Ron pioneered trainings in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) in Uganda and Kenya. He is currently conducting research to explore the cultural acceptability and applicability of the EFT model in these African settings. 

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

- The way witnessing violence during childhood in Uganda shaped Dr. Ron’s future
- What it’s like going back to Uganda to train professionals
- What Dr. Ron finds most valuable about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Unique perspectives on community and connection living in Uganda and the US
- Ethical dynamics of cross cultural work
- And the traumatic impact of colonialism in Africa