“A Lot of Ghanaians Really Don’t Understand the Work We Do” – Cultural Adaptations and Barriers in Ghanaian Psychotherapy Practice

Dzokoto, Vivian; Anum, Adote; Affram, Adjeiwa Akosua; Agbavitoh, Joseph K. M.; Dadzie, Henrietta Ama Nyameke; Mintah, Rebecca Korantemah; Norman, Queen Angela; Tawam, Louis N.; Turkson, Sarah M.; Osei‐Tutu, Annabella

doi:10.1027/2157-3891/a000015

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 76 publications

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“…This can be explained by the limited focus on art therapy in their training as reported by the participants. As reported by Dzokoto and colleagues, psychotherapy is among the dominant treatment models in Ghana [ 32 ]. Yet, psychological treatment methods in mental health is extremely limited in most parts of the country [ 33 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and use of art therapy for mental health treatment among clinical psychologists

Doku Asare,

Kushitor,

Sutherland

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Background Art therapy allows people to express feelings about any subject through creative work. It is beneficial for people who feel out of touch with their emotions. In Ghana, little is known about art therapy as a therapeutic tool. Herbal treatment, biomedical and faith healing practices are the most common treatment options for mental health. This research aimed to provide new insights into clinical psychologists on their knowledge and use of art therapy in treating clients and identified the enablers and barriers in this therapeutic intervention. Method Twenty-one clinical psychologists were sampled using the snowball sampling method. They were interviewed over the phone using a semi-structured interview guide which was developed based on the predefined study objectives. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data resulting in three central thematic areas. Results Twelve of the clinical psychologists were females and eight were male, with an age range between twenty-five to fifty years. The major themes identified were knowledge of art therapy, the use of art therapy and enablers and barriers in using art therapy. The study revealed that clinical psychologists had limited knowledge of art therapy mainly due to lack of training. With the use of art therapy, the participants revealed that they had used some form of art therapy before and they perceived art therapy to be effective on their clients however, they demonstrated low confidence in using it. Practitioner training and the availability of art therapy-related resources were identified as both facilitators and hindrances to the use of art therapy. Conclusion Clinical Psychologists are cognizant of art therapy albeit they have limited knowledge. Therefore, training in how to use art therapy and the availability of resources to facilitate art therapy can be provided for Clinical Psychologists by the Ghana Mental Health Authority.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and use of art therapy for mental health treatment among clinical psychologists

Doku Asare,

Kushitor,

Sutherland

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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“…The findings from the present study shed light on the utilisation of counselling services in some Ghanaian SHSs. The fact that students are self-referring to these services is a positive sign given the stigma around seeking professional help (Dzokoto et al, 2022). Self-referrals might be an indication of acceptance of counselling by a section of the students.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Practices and challenges of counselling in selected senior high schools in Accra, Ghana

Panford-Quainoo,

Oppong Asante,

Osei-Tutu

2024

Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools

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Schools have been identified as important settings for promoting adolescent mental health and well-being. Little is known about counselling practices in Ghanaian senior high schools (SHSs). This study explored counselling practices in 11 SHSs in Ghana’s capital, Accra. We used convenience sampling methods to select 15 school counsellors and interviewed them about access to and utilisation of counselling in SHSs. We also explored common presenting concerns and service challenges. Data were analysed thematically and showed that most of the counsellors had a master’s or doctoral degree in guidance and counselling. According to our participants, students access counselling to address school (academic and career), home (e.g. parents’ problems and livelihood issues) and peer relations concerns. Other students access counselling for emotional (including suicidal ideations and self-harm), drug use and conduct issues. Counsellors provide academic advice, career guidance, financial and emotional support. Findings revealed that counsellors are facing several challenges including role conflict, work overload, deficient resources, as well as negative perceptions of counselling. Findings have implications for the government, policy makers, SHS administrators, school psychologists and counsellors and students.

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Psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in Accra, Ghana

2023

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“A Lot of Ghanaians Really Don’t Understand the Work We Do” – Cultural Adaptations and Barriers in Ghanaian Psychotherapy Practice

Cited by 5 publications

References 76 publications

Knowledge and use of art therapy for mental health treatment among clinical psychologists

Knowledge and use of art therapy for mental health treatment among clinical psychologists

Practices and challenges of counselling in selected senior high schools in Accra, Ghana

Psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in Accra, Ghana

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