The Role of African American Folk Beliefs in the Modern Therapeutic Process

Authors

Fayth M. Parks, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-11-2006

Publication Title

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

DOI

10.1093/clipsy.bpg046

ISSN

1468-2850

Abstract

In response to a need for more cultural competency in indigenous practices, this article examines folk beliefs and healing practices in African American culture from theoretical, clinical, and practical perspectives. Four empirically derived culture‐specific factors—spirituality, ritual, power of words, and dreams—are presented as themes often embedded in African American clients’ narratives. A clinical case example illustrates the use of narrative therapy as an approach in therapy with a depressed client who subscribes to a folk belief system. Finally, interview questions and suggestions are given concerning how to better incorporate African American folk beliefs and healing practices in counseling and psychotherapy.

Comments

Copyright and Open Access:https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/6842

Recommended Citation

Parks, Fayth M.. 2006. "The Role of African American Folk Beliefs in the Modern Therapeutic Process." Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10 (4): 456-467: Wiley. doi: 10.1093/clipsy.bpg046 source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1093/clipsy.bpg046
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/leadership-facpubs/125

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