Expanding our international reach: Trends in the development of systemic family therapy training and implementation in Africa

Abstract

Family therapy is growing around the world including in many parts of Africa. Although the African continent has many mental and family health needs that family therapists are well‐suited to treat, barriers to the widespread application of family therapy on the African continent remain. In this article, we review the current state of systemic family therapy (SFT) in Africa. Drawing from existing literature, we discuss past, current, and future trends, including challenges related to the training and implementation of SFT in Africa. We devote sections of this article to discussing the historical and cultural context, including the fit for family therapy, along with ongoing initiatives in various African countries, using examples from three African countries. We emphasize and discuss the influence of Western models of family therapy in informing family therapy research, training, and implementation in Africa and discuss implications for the African context.

Perspective Chapter: Theoretical Paradigm for Mental Health and Family Therapy within the South African Context – An Overview

“…It has been argued that the development of psychological services for non-white populations was severely stunted by some real and some imagined obstacles [34]. Like the vast majority of psychotherapeutic modalities, family therapy was developed within the Western World and was subsequently imported to the African context [35]. One of the dangers argued in so doing, is the inappropriate application of this model.…”

“…Considering the mental health and family health needs of the continent, it is believed that family therapy and by extension of this family therapists would be Perspective Chapter: Family Therapy -Recent Advances in Clinical and Crisis Settings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110185 well-suited to intervene, treat and assist [35]. However, as already highlighted there are some real and perceived impediments to the application thereof.…”

“…At present there is no registration category of Family Therapist [35]. For this reason, the vast majority of professional practicing family therapy will be psychologists and social workers, who have all undergone various levels of training on the topic.…”

“…For this reason, the vast majority of professional practicing family therapy will be psychologists and social workers, who have all undergone various levels of training on the topic. It should also be noted that family therapy is a relatively young field, within the context of Africa, with interest only becoming prevalent in the 60s and 70s in South Africa [35]. This challenge is not unique to South Africa and is rather a challenge seen throughout the continent with no registration category for family or couples' therapists being present throughout the continent, the result of this, is a contribution to the lack of cohesion amongst family therapist on the continent [35].…”

“…Family therapy has been noted to have been growing around the world, with Africa being no exception to the global trend [35]. Family therapy places its focus on how to liberate and empower clients [45].…”