Guidelines for Marriage Counselling with Zulu Couples

Abstract

This article is based on doctoral research examining the need for and the process required for indigenizing marital therapy to be more applicable to Zulu couples, and recommends best practice guidelines for marriage counsellors, particularly those from a different culture, or those who have received training in western Eurocentric theory and practice. Four specific values of Zulu culture were indicated as being important when counselling Zulu people. These included basing the counsellor's epistemology on communality as occurs with Ubuntu (Nyaumwe & Mkabele 2007); needing to practice hlonipha or respect (Rudwick & Shange 2009) and assisting the couple to include hlonipha in their relations with one another; it is also recommended that the counsellor explores spirituality with the couple and examines the practices that enhance feelings of belonging. These four cultural elements can be incorporated into counselling services when working with Zulu people as outlined in this article.

Hearing the voices of Black Africans: Essential components for culturally relevant marriage enrichment programs in South Africa

“…Moreover, perceived conduits for blessings in the union, connecting the couple, their families, and their ancestors, the Bafokeng community views God as the creator of enduring marital covenants (Coertze, 1987). Regular consultation with ancestors during challenging times is a cultural practice offering guidance and seeking blessings for successful families and marriages (Haselau, 2015; Singh & Bhagwan, 2020).…”