Dual healing modality in psychological services: experiences of black healer-therapists in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Dual healing is provided either by two different practitioners in two organisations or by two different practitioners in the same organisation. Psychological services do not typically include healing and healing does not typically include psychological services. One practitioner, a healer-therapist, can provide a dual service. A healer-therapist draws from two different knowledge systems in their work. Healing is a gift which is commonly confirmed through ukuthwasa. A psychologist is formally trained through higher educational studies. Studies have explored the collaboration between the western and African modalities of healing but some studies have acknowledged the existence and experience of healer-therapists in the psychology profession. Five semi-structured interviews with healer-therapists based in Johannesburg were conducted. Using a qualitative approach, audio-recorded interview data were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The results demonstrated that the presence of ancestors and the nature of the case presented determined the level of involvement of the healer during the psychotherapy session. Healer-therapists attempted to separate the two practices, but it was impossible to separate the healer from the psychologist or vice versa. This approach required compromise and negotiation from both the client and the healer-therapist and came with various ethical dilemmas. There are certain similarities between healing and psychology, making it possible for the two approaches to co-exist. Healer-therapists managed to incorporate healing into psychology through their work. Healer-therapy is a necessary service to have especially where cultural variables are considered important. A proper breakdown of the ethics surrounding healer-therapy practice is needed.