Some Points of Comparison and Contrast Between the Treatment of Functional Disorders by Apache Shamans and Modern Psychiatric Practice

Neuropsychiatric Observations in the Western Region of Nigeria

“…Their psychotherapeutic measures are as effective and as scientifically sound as any I have seen practised in Europe. (See also Opler, 1936.) So far as I can judge, their functions are similar to those of certain lay psychotherapists in England, though the latter are usually trained.…”

“…It has been said that this practice reflects adequately the fundamental inequality between the sexes which seems to be typical of African social systems (Phillips, 1953 Opler, 1936.) So far as I can judge, their functions are similar to those of certain lay psychotherapists in England, though the latter are usually trained.…”

Shamans as Healers, Counselors, and Psychotherapists

“…Human beings could have done the same had their faith been stronger. Opler (1936) studied Apache shamans, delineating the way in which they maximized client expectation. These practitioners selected the cases they wished to treat, rejecting skeptics and those whose condition seemed hopeless.…”

Os primeiros curadores da humanidade: abordagens psicológicas e psiquiátricas sobre os xamãs e o xamanismo

“…They demanded payment in advance, bringing additional pressure on their clients to get well, and they explained to the clients' families how they had achieved shamanic status so as to enroll the family's support for the treatment. They enlisted the aid of the community in the healing ritual, which further motivated the client to recover (Opler, 1936). This appeal to a client's community enlists social support, or resources from the social environment that can be beneficial to the client's psychological and physical health.…”