The metaphysical views on causation among Batswana: implications for case conceptualization, diagnoses, and treatment in counseling

Abstract

This study focused on how counsellors inBotswana handle belief systems, spiritual, and religious orientations of clients. It explored common beliefs clients up-held about what causes distress. It explored ways in which counsellors addressed clients' indigenous cultural beliefs and perceptions about the origins of illness, misfortune, and other forms of distress. In-depth interviews were the main data collection tool while content analysis was used in data analysis. Thirty counsellors from different parts of Botswana participated in the study. The study revealed that clients uphold metaphysical views on causation namely, transcendental forces, malevolent forces, witchcraft and sorcery, and disconnection from one's social and spiritual environment are causes of their misfortune and distress. It showed that most counsellors had limited knowledge and skills on how to handle indigenous cultural beliefs of clients. It highlighted deficiencies in counsellor training to prepare counsellors on how to respond to culturally-grounded behaviours and manifestations.

Decolonizing Evaluation of Indigenous Guidance and Counseling Approaches: A Review of Selected Evaluated Programs

“…"Indigenous" is employed to denote a placebased ethnic culture that is not a settler or colonial population and has not migrated from its homeland (Stewart, 2018, p. 740). As such, the existence of Indigenous populations has resulted in the development of healing systems that can be contextualized and interpreted using the knowledge of these communities (Bhusumane, 2007(Bhusumane, , 2022. Mkhize (2004, p. 28) suggests that prior to colonization, Indigenous people continued to create knowledge related to psychosocial and other areas as they encountered difficulties, such as illness and death, in their development.…”

“…For instance, Indigenous people may have varying perceptions of death in the family, based on the cause of death and the associated consequences and challenges. While van Dyk and Matoane (2010) assert that illness may be connected to the supernatural anger of ancestors, Bhusumane (2007Bhusumane ( , 2022 examined the ways counselors in Botswana use Indigenous cultural practices and structures and maintained that causes of illnesses and other calamities are often linked to ancestors and powers beyond human imagination.…”

“…The program covers learners' personal, social, educational, and vocational aspects, and its implementation is flexible, providing an opportunity for Indigenous evaluation paradigms to be used. However, Bhusumane (2007Bhusumane ( , 2022 highlights the influence of Western supremacy on counselors in Botswana, even though the counselors themselves acknowledge the effectiveness of Indigenous healers in addressing Indigenous religious and cultural beliefs. The Guidance and Counselling Junior Secondary School Curriculum Guideline of 1998 states that the program is "a continuation of the traditional processes by which the young learn from the wisdom and experience of elders" (p. 5).…”

“…This understanding can assist evaluators of Indigenous therapeutic practices in comprehending the need for Indigenously influenced evaluation processes. Evaluation processes that are predisposed to Indigenization must consider a holistic view of psychological healing, including the wisdom of the elderly, interconnectedness, and relational characteristics, as perceived by Indigenous people (Ansloos, et al, 2022;Bhusumane, 2022;Gerlach, 2018;Mkhize, 2004).…”

“…Failure to incorporate Indigenization could lead to opprsessive Eurocentric philosophies and actions, which ultimately diminish the value of the results obtained from evaluations (De La Torre, 2017). Literature also emphasizes the need for interventions and assessments that align with the cultural conditions of Indigenous people to promote well-being (Atilola & Ola, 2016;Bhusumane, 2022;Craig, 1979). For instance, a client in Botswana may attribute their well-being to both the physical and the metaphysical worlds, highlighting the importance of considering cultural beliefs and practices in evaluations (Bhusumane, 2022).…”