Witchcraft and Psychotherapy

Abstract

Belief in witchcraft, which serves a variety of social functions and personal defences, is bound to emerge in psychotherapy with individuals from a culture that holds such beliefs; endeavouring to understand it can open up new therapeutic possibilities. The nature of witchcraft, the profiles with which it intrudes into therapy, and the socio-psychological functions it fulfills are considered. Referring such patients to witchdoctors is morally unjustifiable, but the witch-doctor's folk-image provides a floating transference, around which the therapeutic relationship can be built. In dealing with witchcraft-ideation, understanding is based as much on cultural as on personal empathy, and to enhance its relevance, therapy may appropriate some of the functional dynamics of the witchcraft system into its own therapeutic manoeuvres.

Do cultures influence placebo response?

“…In clinical practice a few decades ago, Neki et al. (, ) observed that African patients had varying expectations from psychiatrists in comparison with shamans who offered traditional healing practices. In African cultures, there was a clearly observed discrepancy between the African illness and expectations from European clinicians.…”

Schizophrenia:

“…It became apparent that being mad or having a mad person in the family was a practical problem that required decisions about how to view the problem and where to turn for help. Edgcrton (1966) and Neki et al (1986) expressed similar ideas saying that the clinician or researcher must ask both "How did the illness come about?" While those interviews were being conducted on a daily basis, I sought other avenues for learning about the Zanzibari view of madness, the spirit world, the curative use of the Koran and other forms of traditional treatment.…”

Psychotherapy in India

“…Neki (1973) suggested that the suitable paradigm for indian patient is 'Guru-Chela relationship'. In his later article on witchcraft and psychiatry (Neki et al, 1986), he recommended strategic treatment. In a nutshell what we call as commonsense psychotherapy.…”