Integral approach to South African psychology with special reference to indigenous knowledge

Abstract

In order to redress imbalances in South African psychological service provision, honor indigenous, transpersonal, community based perspectives, and introduce fresh insights and direction, this article presents an integral approach to psychology in South Africa. Areas highlighted for future research and praxis include integral and transpersonal psychology; spirituality; consciousness; especially moral consciousness, ancestral consciousness and reverence; indigenous knowledge systems, particularly indigenous healing; harmonisation of old and new, African, Eastern and Western forms of psychology; well-being and community development through health promotion practices and multicultural counselling.

Keywords:

• Integral psychology
• consciousness
• community psychology
• indigenous knowledge systems
• indigenous healing
• multicultural counselling

Acknowledgements

This work is reverently dedicated to the memory of Prof. Siphiwe Ngcobo, at whose request it was written. Gratitude is expressed to all colleagues who read and commented on earlier versions of this paper. It is also based on research supported by the University of Zululand and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). Any opinion, finding and conclusion or recommendation expressed in this material is that of the author(s) and the NRF does not accept any liability in regard thereto.